Rimrock Area, South Dakota facts for kids
The Rimrock Area is a cool place near Rapid City, South Dakota. It's like a mix of countryside and neighborhoods, nestled in the eastern Black Hills. You can find it along South Dakota Highway 44 and next to Rapid Creek.
This area is made up of different kinds of places. There are quiet country homes, new housing developments, and even some old towns. These towns include:
- Dark Canyon, South Dakota
- Big Bend, South Dakota
- Hisega, South Dakota (sometimes split into Upper and Lower Hisega)
- Johnson Siding, South Dakota
- Placerville, South Dakota
A Bit of History
The Rimrock Area started growing as a suburb of Rapid City a long time ago. This happened after the Black Hills and Western Railroad was built in the late 1800s. This railroad followed Rapid Creek and connected Rapid City to Mystic, South Dakota. It helped people travel and move goods, making the area more connected to the city.
Today, about 15,000 people live here all year. Most of them work in Rapid City, making the Rimrock Area a busy community.
Fun Things to See and Do
The Rimrock Area has some neat spots that visitors enjoy. You can explore Black Hills Caverns, which used to be called Wildcat Cave. There was also Crystal Cave (once known as Nameless Cave), but it's not open anymore.
Another cool natural spot is Thunderhead Falls. And, of course, there's Rapid Creek itself! This creek has very cold water and is home to a fish hatchery where they raise trout.
Placerville, one of the old towns, is now used as a camp by a church. You can also find other places to stay, like small resorts, tourist camps, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts scattered around the area.
Community Life and Changes
The Rimrock Area has seen many changes over the years. In 1972, a big flood, known as the 1972 Black Hills Flood, caused a lot of damage. Many homes in Dark Canyon were destroyed, and lives were lost. Even today, you can still see old bridge parts and other signs of the flood in many places.
In recent times, more businesses have started to open in the Rimrock Area. Johnson Siding, South Dakota is becoming a central spot, often called the "downtown" of the community. Here, you can find a general store, a gas station, a motel, and other businesses.
The Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department helps keep everyone safe. They even built a new, bigger fire station not too long ago. The Rimrock Evangelical Free Church is also a big part of the community, standing out in the narrow valley of Rapid Creek.
