In early 1998 the Rapid City Common Council ended years of discussion aimed at building the controversial Road Over the Hill in the Skyline Drive area. Such a road would have connected the east and west sides of town and alleviated traffic congestion in the adjacent area known as the Gap. Efforts shifted to an alternate connector more to the southwest, which opened in 1999. The Rapid City economy depends heavily on Ellsworth Air Force Base to the northeast of the city. Custer Custer is home to fewer than 2,000 people despite the extraordinary landmarks that lie right outside its borders.
Social life revolves largely around school and youth activities, banquets, and church events.
Both are major employers, as are the school district, Colonial Manor nursing facility, Custer Community Hospital, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the park. When desirable attributes were being handed out, Hot Springs must have been near the front of the line. For starters, our southernmost town brags that it has the best climate in the Hills, and we wouldn't argue to the contrary. Pick a day, any day, and it's likely to be warmer and drier here than anywhere else nearby. Other marvels of this city include the thermal waters that made it a health resort for buttoned-up Victorians with or without physical complaints.