Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park

Since 2004, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, nicknamed Han-Lar or HLMP by locals, has offered Rapid City visitors more than 20 miles of recreational trails for hiking, running, and cycling across 300 acres of Black Hills terrain. Locals also call it M Hill, after the giant letter M on the hillside representing the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, a landmark since 1912. Trails range from gently graded, wide singletrack for beginners and families to technical, rock-strewn terrain for more challenging adventures. With over 50 named trails in the system, options include the popular Far East, Lower Rim, and Wild Turkey Loop and the Sunrise and Sunset trails. Timed right, they deliver unforgettable views of the city below. From the summit, visitors can see Mount Rushmore, Harney Peak, the Badlands, and Bear Butte on clear days. The park has earned national attention in Men's Journal, South Dakota Magazine, and Mountain Bike Magazine.