Outdoor Campus West - Rapid City

The Outdoor Campus-West will be built on a 33-acre site along Sturgis Road on the northwest side of Rapid City. The existing habitat features on the site are incredibly diverse. Hardwood and coniferous trees, spring-fed ponds, mixed-grass meadows, a wet meadow and a small cattail slough are all present on the site. The site also adjoins Rapid City's 32-acre Wilderness Park. These diverse habitats will lend themselves very well to a wide array of outdoor education programs. View the site plan...

The program elements of The Outdoor Campus-West will be very similar to those of the facility in Sioux Falls. While the course topics and details will likely vary, a balance between the four core program areas of fishing, hunting, outdoor skills and outdoor education will be maintained. Courses such as fly fishing, kayaking, archery, elk biology and others will likely be offered. More information on programming possibilities...

Department officials have been meeting with local community leaders and stakeholder groups to gain input and ideas for the facility and will be working to finalize the development plans for the building, trails and adjacent spaces. [Read what they have to say.] The Department has set an ambitious schedule for the construction of the complex. Ground was broken in February 2010 with an opening scheduled for spring, 2011. View the building plan...

The Outdoor Campus West will certainly serve as an important hub for the Wildlife Division's work in the western region and as an effective tool for conservation education. The classes offered there will provide gateway learning experiences into the wider world of outdoor recreation and understanding.

Department staff are also busy promoting the project and informing people in the Black Hills area about the project. Staff are visiting with local community groups, school staff and others to build a solid foundation of support for the effort. If your community group, school or business would like for one of the Department's staff members to make a presentation at one of your meetings, please let us know.

A campaign to raise $1,000,000 from West River businesses and individuals began in late 2009 and has reached 85% of goal. A list of sponsorship and contribution options is provided on this site. The money raised will make up the difference between what GFP can invest and the total cost of the education facility and grounds. Any additional funds will be used to improve the quality of the educational experience at the Campus. More information on ways you can contribute...

To obtain more information, contact us or contribute online .