See Rapid City in a fun and comprehensive way with the City View Trolley Tour.
Started in 2007, the 90-minute ride takes visitors on a narrated history tour through sites like downtown Rapid City, the West Boulevard Historic District, and past city landmarks like Dinosaur Park.
This is the second season where the “jolly trolley” tour has been run by Visit Rapid City.
“The City View Trolley tour is the best way to experience Rapid City history and highlights,” said Visit Rapid City director of operations Ally Formanek. “Riders can learn about the founding of Rapid City—originally Hay Camp— the connection to the Black Hills Gold Rush, and more.”
Polly and Ollie (whose names are proudly displayed on their caboose) are the narrators of the trolley rides, but they’re not exactly human.
“The narration leverages AI text-to-voice technology,” explained Formanek.
During the tour, GPS-triggered audio ensures the voice comes to life in relation to the point of interest. Audio Trails, a product of AT Creative, makes this timing possible. Rapid City is the first location in North America to leverage the UK-based company’s technology.
“Even though it’s AI, you might be surprised at how human-like the voices sound, seamlessly pronouncing local lingo like ‘Oyate’ and Russian architectural styles like ‘Russo Byzantine,’” described Formanek.
Trolley rides are available May 24 through September 28 and run at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily.
“DURING THE FIRST SEASON OF THE CITY VIEW TROLLEY TOUR, VISIT RAPID CITY EXCESSIVELY CELEBRATED THE 1,000TH RIDER WITH A SURPRISE VISIT FROM STAFF AND A FRAMED VINTAGE TROLLEY POSTER.”
– Ally Formanek
605’s John Snyder and I boarded Polly the trolley with our son, Owen, in tow. Rides depart and arrive from The Journey Museum parking lot.
“The route was chosen based on must–see attractions and historical landmarks within the city—which are mainly in the downtown core and the western
side of Rapid City,” said Formanek. “While Rapid has grown over the years since its founding in 1876, the historical foundation of the town has remained, which makes this tour exceptional.”
Riders can enjoy tales from the years past, including ghost stories from historic homes of West Boulevard.
“In one of the homes, the owners of 1000 W. Boulevard keep a pair of local legend Joseph L. Robbins’s false teeth in the house for good luck,” described Formanek.
VIP EXPERIENCE
Polly and Ollie are also available to rent as charters for larger groups.
Polly’s narration also touched on the 1972 Black Hills Flood during the drive through west Rapid City, where Formanek says one of the nation’s deadliest floods was the most devastating.
While Polly was our narrator, we also had the pleasure of having our friendly driver, John.
“Riders have commented on his upbeat personality and great sense of humor,” said Formanek. “John also ensures riders get a good look at each highlight on the route, pausing or stopping during certain points in the tour for guests to fully appreciate the site and narration.”
One stop on the trolley includes 100-mile views to the east and west of Rapid City on Skyline Drive, where riders hear about the Gold Rush and also get to see Dinosaur Park. The classic attraction opened May 1 after months of construction with updates, including making it more accessible for visitors.
GET YOUR TICKETS
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE RAPID CITY VISITOR CENTER OR CITYVIEWTROLLEY.COM.
ADULT: $25
CHILD (AGES 3-12): $10
INFANTS (AGES 0-2): FREE ON LAP
Halfway through the tour, the trolley takes visitors to a 30 minute stop at Chapel in the Hills for a break to stretch and explore the unassuming location.
“You’d never guess that a neighborhood full of strangely angled roads would lead visitors to a complete replica of the Borgund Stavvkirk in Norway,” said Formanek. “The grounds are beautiful to explore, featuring a ‘Stabbur,’ which is an authentic grass-roofed storehouse, and a Meditation Walk path. If riders are hungry for more history, the Chapel offers a narration of its own inside its wood walls.”
“DURING THE FIRST SEASON OF THE CITY VIEW TROLLEY TOUR, VISIT RAPID CITY EXCESSIVELY CELEBRATED THE 1,000TH RIDER WITH A SURPRISE VISIT FROM STAFF AND A FRAMED VINTAGE TROLLEY POSTER.”
– Ally Formanek
John and I went for a walk around the breathtaking chapel, while Owen was raiding the quaint gift shop and chatting up the staff.
Speaking of gifts, trolley riders don’t leave the tour empty handed. Each receives a take-home map of the tour, and trolley postcards and stickers are available for purchase at the Rapid City Visitor Center.
Even though I grew up visiting family in Rapid City, this was an extensive look at the city I had never experienced before.
“You’ll likely learn more about the story behind each trolley site than you would by merely visiting it on your own,” said Formanek.
Their tagline held true: “Life is jolly when you ride the trolley.”
