Stratobowl, Natural depression launch site in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota.
The Stratobowl forms a deep natural basin with 400-foot limestone walls rising on three sides, creating an enclosed valley southeast of Rapid City.
In 1935, Captains Stevens and Anderson launched Explorer II from this location, reaching 72,395 feet and capturing the first photograph of Earth's curvature.
The September Historic Hot Air Balloon event brings together experienced pilots who launch their balloons at sunrise to commemorate the 1935 Explorer mission.
Visitors can access the public viewing area at Stratobowl Rim Trailhead, while the valley floor remains private property available for vacation home rentals.
The roads at the bottom of the depression form a peace sign pattern, visible from the rim trail that circles this former scientific research location.
Location: South Dakota
GPS coordinates: 43.97670,-103.34500
Latest update: March 3, 2025 10:13
Mount Rushmore
14.2 km
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
14.1 km
Dinosaur Park
13.7 km
Hotel Alex Johnson
14.9 km
Rapid City High School
14.5 km
Sheridan Lake
8.5 km
Keystone Wye
9.7 km
Rushmore Cave
11.4 km
The Journey Museum and Gardens
15.9 km
Sitting Bull Crystal Cavern Dance Pavilion
2.6 km
Rapid City Public Library
14.6 km
Lincoln Borglum Museum
14.2 km
Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
13.2 km
O'Harra Stadium
15.6 km
Church of the Immaculate Conception
14.6 km
Big Thunder Gold Mine
10.8 km
Pennington County Courthouse
15 km
Carnegie Public Library Building
14.8 km
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
14.5 km
Pap Madison Cabin
14.7 km
The National Presidential Wax Museum
11.8 km
Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries
15 km
Keystone School
10.9 km
Milwaukee Road Freight House
15.1 km
First Congregational Church
14.7 km
Gambrill Storage Building
14.8 km
Rapid City Masonic Temple
14.7 km
Elks Theatre
14.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes