City: Rapid City, SD

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (605) 341-4149, (605) 343-7888

Address: 512 6th St.

Description: If you missed that blockbuster the first time it came to town, you’re likely to get a second chance at the Elks. You might wait a few weeks, but think of the savings: Seats are just $4. When you consider that this historic theater boasts the biggest screen in South Dakota—a whopping 48 feet wide by 22 feet tall—it’s even more of a bargain. And an eight-channel digital sound system means you won’t miss any all-important movie dialogue no matter which of the 605 comfortable seats you choose, even if it’s in the balcony.The more intimate Screening Room features a 10-by-20-foot screen and seating for 100. The Screening Room is on the third floor, above the balcony, in what was once the Elks Club’s elegant ballroom.The theater building dates back to the early 1900s, when the Elks hosted live vaudeville shows and, later, motion pictures. In fact, this is one of the oldest movie theaters in the nation. So think of it as carrying on tradition when you catch any of the daily or nightly shows. You’ll find some services here that are reminiscent of the days when businesses catered to the public as a matter of course. Thursday is BYOB night—bring your own bag and get three free scoops of popcorn. And you can request reserved seating for any show by calling up to a week in advance.The Elks also shows classic movies and local independent films from time to time; there’s even an after-school movie program for kids. Call for more information.