Rapid City in Pennington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Rune Stones

Photographed by Thomas Smith, May 18, 2026

1. Rune Stones Marker

Inscription. The rune stones of the viking period were erected to commemorate the dead - mostly powerful people - and their honorable deeds. They were intended to be prominent and were painted in bright colors. The stones often stood near roads or bridges, making them visible to everyone who passed by. The tradition began in the 4th century and lasted into the 12th century. Rune stones bring us very close to the Vikings. Their inscriptions feature the names of the people who lived and died at that time. They also provide information about the travels, great achievements, and sad fates of these individuals.

These two replica stones, carved by a local craftsman, display two different styles of runic characters and inscriptions. General English translations have been provided.

(sign for stone on left:) This stone is raised to honor (our) forefathers who sailed (the) western sea. They made their homes in a new land.
Carved by Steinulfr

(sign for stone on right:) This stone is raised to honor (our) warriors who fought and died for our homeland. God help their souls.
Carved by Steinulfr

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 400 CE.

Location. 44° 2.9′

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N, 103° 17.933′ W. Marker is in Rapid City, South Dakota, in Pennington County. It can be reached from Chapel Lane, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located on the grounds of the Chapel in the Hills. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3788 Chapel Lane, Rapid City SD 57702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West River

and in the Badlands.

It is also in the American Black Hills,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Edward Nielsen (a few steps from this marker); A Massive Surge (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rapid City Founders Camp Site (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Eagles (approx. 3.8 miles away); Rapid Creek Flood Mark (approx. 3.8 miles away); Welcome to Founders Park Plaza (approx. 3.8 miles away); Rapid City's Founders (approx. 3.8 miles away); Follow the Horseshoes through Founders Park Plaza (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rapid City.

Rune Stones - left stone transcription image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, May 18, 2026

2. Rune Stones - left stone transcription

Rune Stones and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, May 18, 2026

3. Rune Stones and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.