Located in the heart of downtown Rapid City, the 11‑story Hotel Alex Johnson has been a treasured landmark for residents and visitors since 1928. Its historic charm is unmistakable from the moment you walk through its lobby doors. From the glowing red rooftop sign to the stories preserved within its walls, the hotel remains one of the most distinctive and beloved destinations in the Black Hills.
Here are six reasons why Hotel Alex Johnson continues to stand out as one of the most unique hotels in Rapid City, SD.
Alex Carlton Johnson, Vice President of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, fell in love with the Black Hills and the heritage of the Lakota Sioux Tribes. His dream was to build a “Showplace of the West”—a hotel that celebrated the region’s Native American culture and local history.
Construction began on October 3, 1927, just one day before work started on Mount Rushmore. The hotel officially opened less than a year later on July 1, 1928. Its first registered guest, Paddy O’Neill, now lends his name to the Irish pub located just off the lobby, Paddy O’Neill’s Irish Pub. Over the decades, the hotel welcomed a long list of notable visitors, setting the stage for its legendary status.
Few hotels in the Midwest can match the star‑studded guest list of Hotel Alex Johnson. Six U.S. presidents—Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan—have stayed in the famous Presidential Suite. Today, guests can still book the same suite for an unforgettable stay.
Hollywood history also lives within the hotel walls. Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, and Eva Marie Saint lodged at the hotel during the filming of North by Northwest. Hitchcock even referenced the property in the film, weaving its name into multiple scenes—a fitting nod to a hotel known for mystery and intrigue.
Hotel Alex Johnson is widely recognized as one of the most haunted hotels in South Dakota. Over the years, countless guests have shared stories of eerie encounters, unexplained activity, and ghostly figures roaming the halls—especially on the eighth floor.
The most famous tale is that of the Lady in White. In the 1970s, a young bride allegedly fell—or was pushed—from a window in room 821. Her spirit, described as gentle yet searching, is said to roam the floor in her wedding gown. Guests report open windows, moved drawers, and unusual disturbances in nearby rooms.
The hotel has drawn national attention, including a visit from the TAPS crew of SyFy Channel’s Ghost Hunters. For those brave enough, the Ghost Adventure Package offers a stay in one of the paranormal rooms, complete with a ghost detector.
Towering 11 stories high over Rapid City’s downtown streets, Hotel Alex Johnson is certainly not your average, modern looking hotel. The exterior design of the building reflects German Tudor architecture which was chosen to represent the heavy German immigration in the Dakotas. Inside the hotel, you will find the perfect blend of two spirits: the Native American heritage that inspired the hotel as well as a high chimney, an overhanging first floor and massive support consoles influenced by German heritage. The hotel lobby’s floor is made up of the original brick flooring featuring a symbol adopted by Native Americans representing the “four sacred corners of the earth.” Although the symbol looks very similar to a Swastika, it was embraced by the Lakota Sioux Tribe far before it was used as an emblem by the German Nazi Party. The same symbol can be found throughout the hotel including in the molding of the massive chandelier, made up of war spears to reflect a teepee, that hangs from decorative rafters in the center of the hotel lobby.
One of the most distinctive features in Rapid City’s downtown skyline, Hotel Alex Johnson’s iconic rooftop sign can be seen from miles away. Simple yet distinguishing, the hotel’s glowing red name is staple piece for all tourists that pass by. In fact, you may have even seen a few “selfies” up close with the rooftop sign. That’s because the hotel has a rooftop bar and restaurant, Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar!
Perched on the top two floors of the hotel, Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar offers unforgettable views and an elevated dining experience. The restaurant serves refined local cuisine, craft cocktails, fine wines, and indulgent desserts—all set against panoramic views of the Black Hills.
Now fully open to the public, Juniper welcomes guests for happy hour, private events, and memorable dinners. Its sophisticated ambiance adds yet another layer to the hotel’s reputation as one of Rapid City’s most iconic destinations.
Hotel Alex Johnson’s rich history, notable guests, and blend of modern and historic amenities create a lasting legacy of luxury. The property is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a longstanding member of the National Tour Association and the Association of Historic Hotels of the Rockies. Its dedication to service has earned multiple awards, including the Governor’s Great Service Award.
Whether visiting for business, adventure, history, or romance, guests find themselves immersed in the hotel’s mysterious allure, timeless design, and unforgettable character.