From tourism to manufacturing, the second quarter of 2025 proved how the Black Hills region continues to offer an opportunity-rich future for businesses and residents alike.
Join us in celebrating the second-quarter wins that are powering growth across the Rushmore Region.
Box Elder
With a bullet-proof economy largely fueled by Ellsworth Air Force Base, Box Elder continues to expand its offerings for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Sentinel Federal Credit Union recently opened a new branch at Ellsworth Air Force Base’s main gate. Not only does the location provide a convenient banking option for Air Force and civilian personnel, but it also features a beautiful mural that showcases the area’s rich aviation history.
Those needing a coffee fix can now stop at Box Elder’s newly opened Starbucks, located on Liberty Boulevard just north of Interstate 90. With convenient drive-through and outdoor seating options, the location gives customers the freedom to grab-and-go or sit outside and enjoy the fresh Black Hills air while they enjoy their beverage.
Follow the City of Box Elder on Facebook to stay current on the latest news and developments.
Custer
A prime destination for Black Hills adventure, Custer has amplified the visitor experience by recently adding in fresh lodging, a brewery, and another entertainment option so visitors can stay, savor, and explore even more.
Bottoms Up Tap Room opened their doors in May 2025, offering patrons a comfortable atmosphere to unwind after a day of fun. The tap room also provides a unique, interactive experience – guests pour their own beverage from the wall of rotating taps that feature some of the best local beers, ciders, and wine in the region.
Those in Custer looking for arcade fun can stop into Game On! Arcade, which recently celebrated its grand opening. From retro arcade cabinets to VR simulators, there’s a little something for every gamer.
Lodging options in Custer have also expanded with the official opening of the Bearded Buffalo Resort. The property offers cabins and full hook-up RV sites only two miles from the entrance to Custer State Park.
Visit the Custer Chamber of Commerce website for news and information on upcoming events and the latest economic developments.
Hill City
Another Black Hills tourism hotspot, Hill City has also enhanced its economic footprint by blending its small-town charm with fresh visitor-driven developments.
Gather, savor, and celebrate at The Prairie Dog Taproom, featuring self-pour taps and a food menu that includes free-range bison burgers and hot dogs, signature pizzas, and a kid’s menu. The Prairie Dog also hosts live music during the weekends, making it the perfect spot for a night on the town.
Hill City’s Iron Horse Campground has recently become the Hill City/Needles Hwy KOA Holiday, a strategic move that adds the town to the renowned KOA network of over 500 destinations.
With the Wind Vineyard and Winery, a business from northeast South Dakota, recently opened their second location in Hill City, introducing its popular wines made from grapes grown in South Dakota. Tap beer and small plates curated by an in-house chef are also on the menu to satisfy every palate.
Follow the Hill City Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for more information on new developments and upcoming events.
Spearfish
Exciting developments are underway in Spearfish, laying the groundwork for sustainable long-term growth and broadened opportunities for both residents and businesses.
The preliminary plans for East Side Acres Subdivision were approved by the Spearfish City Council in May 2025. The 40-acre, 50-lot property will add a mix of single- and multi-family residences, commercial, and office space to the growing Spearfish community.
Les Schwab Tire Center, the third largest independent tire chain in the country, now has a location in Spearfish, bringing with it much-needed auto services and jobs to meet the demands of a growing population.
Journey Group, a Sioux Falls-based company, sold the Spearfish-based arm of its company, Ainsworth-Benning, to a local buyer. All current Ainsworth-Benning employees will transition with the acquisition and the 65-year-old company will continue operations under its established name.
Follow the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation on Facebook for information on the latest projects and developments in Spearfish.
Sturgis
Sturgis is proving that it has much more to offer than the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, adding in commercial and recreation opportunities that appeal to a wider demographic.
Newly opened in Sturgis, Mindless Kreations offers a creative world of 3D printed helmets, masks, cosplay gear, and collectible figures for cosplayers and collectors across the region. This unique offering ensures that Sturgis remains a destination for fun and entertainment to those with a variety of interests.
Holzer Commercial Doors, LLC, an industry leader in commercial door design, installation, and service, opened its doors in April in the Sturgis Industrial Park. The company is ready to provide an elevated look and reliable solutions to businesses in the Sturgis area.
Follow the Sturgis Economic Development Corp on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest economic developments in Sturgis.
Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche is building on its status as the “Center of the Nation” with forward-thinking economic projects that address the needs of residents and those throughout the region.
Highland Senior Solutions broke ground on its new adult day services facility in April 2025. In addition to adult day services, the facility will offer dementia education and caregiver support along with an onsite primary care clinic, Legacy Medical, that will specialize in dementia and palliative care.
Follow the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for more information on the latest economic developments in Belle Fourche.
Wall
Wall is scaling beyond its iconic roadside stop and accommodating the region’s growth through additional amenities and services that support local entrepreneurship and enhance the quality of life.
Fly Badlands, which offers unforgettable scenic flights over the breathtaking Badlands near Wall, welcomed its new owner, Ana Komar. Komar fell in love with the area during her time working as a park ranger at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and is thrilled to share the magic of the Badlands from the sky with others.
With the Wall airport seeing an uptick in fly-in visitors, the Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is working on providing transportation solutions to make the stay of their fly-in guests more convenient. In addition to local lodging and dining options being posted at the airport, WEDC is also working with local developers and businesses to build hangers and add self-pay fuel stations.
Follow the Wall Economic Development Corporation on Facebook for the latest in Wall’s development and expansions.
Rapid City
As the largest city in western South Dakota, Rapid City is setting the stage for long-term prosperity through strategic projects that will improve life for residents and help the area attract new businesses.
Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown, the first hotel built in downtown Rapid City in more than 35 years, is now open, bringing with it the brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and array of amenities. Located in the heart of Rapid City, Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and attractions, all within walking distance.
Belgium-based company Haemers Technologies, Inc., a technology provider active in thermal soil remediation, selected Rapid City for its recent global expansion to North America. Elevate Rapid City assisted in the company’s decision to locate in Rapid City, with the deciding factors being economic favorability, regional service providers, and a centralized location.
A love of the outdoors, the tax environment, and strong workforce pipelines were the key factors in Sven Osusky relocating his specialty repair shop from Spokane, WA to Rapid City, SD. The recently opened SoDak AutoHaus specializes in European automotive repair along with domestic and Asian vehicles.
Follow Elevate Rapid City on Facebook for the latest news on economic developments in the Rapid City area.
Summerset
A small community of 3,000, Summerset prioritizes projects that better the quality of life for residents and that allows them to take care of personal and business matters within city limits.
Recently, a Farm Bureau Financial Services agency was established in Summerset by Tawny Witty, a local teacher with a commitment to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. The addition brings expanded access to personal and commercial insurance products right in town—something many residents previously had to drive to nearby cities to obtain.
Follow the City of Summerset on Facebook to stay current on their recent economic developments.
Hot Springs
Known for its natural beauty, rejuvenating mineral springs, and attractions such as Mammoth Site and Evans Plunge, Hot Springs has long drawn visitors seeking relaxation and adventure. The town is adding to their offerings to enhance the visitor experience while also improving year-round quality of life for residents.
Hot Springs welcomes summer hours at the Art House Gallery, which is open Thursday through Sunday. The gallery offers wine and other beverages to enjoy while exploring the work of South Dakota artists.
Oliphants, a tea and coffee house, has recently opened in Hot Springs. In addition to an extensive tea and coffee menu, delicious breakfast and lunch options are also available.
The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the new Rockin’ Riverside Summer Concert Series, a free concert series taking place through August at Centennial Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening spent enjoying music from artists located in the Black Hills, Colorado, and Georgia.
Visit the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce website to stay current on their latest economic developments and events.
The Rushmore Region looks forward to seeing the great economic developments that take place in the Black Hills in Q3. Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and developments taking place across the region.