By Louisa Burden
Editor in Chief
Students this time of year are beginning to feel the stress from exams, projects, and papers, and they might be tempted to spend their spring breaks just watching TV and sleeping. Don’t let this happen to you – get out and do something fun and productive! Like many students, traveling to distant destinations may not be an option, so a “staycation” here in Rapid City may be in order.
A staycation is exactly the same thing as a vacation – except you don’t have to travel to faraway places to go on one. This will save you both money and time this spring break – two things that are in short supply for college students. Go out into the community you live in and visit new, fun places, much like a tourist who is new to the area would do. Try these tips to make the most out of your spring break here in Rapid City.
Try something new for a change! The Black Hills offers restaurants with a variety of different cuisines from around the world. Go to Curry Masala and try some Indian curry dishes, or head to one of Rapid City’s many Asian restaurants. If you’re of a daring nature, you can go out for some sushi at either Coco Palace or Ichiban’s Sushi Bar. Some of the smaller towns around the Black Hills offer different types of cuisines as well, so be sure to scope some of the smaller restaurants – you may find that it’s well worth your while.
Spring break is all about fun adventures, and there’s no place better to go on an adventure than in your own back yard. The Black Hills feature many beautiful hiking trails which offer beautiful views and stunning scenery. The trails might still be a bit snowy this year, so break out the snow boots or cross country skis to travel them. There are many awesome spots in Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, or the Badlands, but take a gander at some maps and you’ll be sure to find some lesser known trails that are just as cool.
If you’re more of an indoors sort of person, there are still plenty of opportunities to be had for adventures. Go to an indoors mini-golf course (there are a couple of different options in the area) or ride some go-carts for some racing excitement. If you’re inclined towards more seasonal recreation, go ice skating at the Roosevelt Ice Arena or cheer on the Rush hockey team.
With heavy class loads and tons of homework, it may feel like your brain is going to explode, but there’s always room for a little more information. Go to one of the many museums in the Black Hills and get more acquainted with the area that you live in. The Journey Museum is a great option, as well as the pioneer museums that can be found in nearly any town. If you’re into paleontology, check out the School of Mines’ very own museum, located in the top of the O’Harra building. Another great paleo option is the Mammoth Site down in Hot Springs, where over fifty mammoths have been uncovered.
For people with an interest in creativity and self-expression, there are art galleries all over in the Black Hills– there are several in Rapid City alone, the most well-known of which is the Dahl Arts Center. Check out the Apex Gallery as well – it always has interesting exhibits and is located right here on campus in the Classroom Building.
No matter what you do this spring break, just make sure you stay off the couch and get out into the community and have some fun. Memories don’t just make themselves, you know!
