Pennington County Courthouse

Pennington County Courthouse is a county courthouse in Beaux-Arts style with limestone walls, terra cotta trim, and four pairs of Ionic columns framing a two-story entrance. The interior and exterior are detailed with decorative medallions and a molded cornice that runs around the entire building.

The courthouse was built in 1922 and reflects the architectural trends of that era. Its inclusion in the National Register in 1976 recognized its value as a historic example of public building design.

The building expresses the architectural tastes of the early 1900s, when classical forms signaled public importance and civic pride. You can see how the decoration and proportions were meant to create confidence in local institutions.

The building is located downtown and easily accessible on foot. As an active courthouse, expect that some areas may not be open to public access.

The large arched windows feature intricate ironwork that serves both decoration and security functions. This combination shows how practical needs were integrated into the artistic design without compromising either purpose.

Location: Rapid City

Inception: 1922

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

GPS coordinates: 44.07897,-103.22279

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42