Flying Physicians Association 71st Annual Meeting (06/05/2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION & HOTEL RESERVATIONS ARE OPEN

THERE IS A SEPARATE OPTIONAL ACTIVITY REGISTRATION FORM.

HOTELS - RESERVE YOUR ROOM BY MAY 15
We have two room blocks to choose from. The hotels are 2-min walking distance apart. The Scientific/Aviation sessions will be at the Hyatt Place and the Welcome Reception and Spouse Hospitality Suite will be at the Hotel Alex Johnson.

HYATT PLACE RAPID CITY / DOWNTOWN
525 St. Joseph St.
Rapid City, SD 57701
BOOK ONLINE by May 15, 2026
Room Rate: $199/nt + tax

HOTEL ALEX JOHNSON RAPID CITY
523 Sixth Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
BOOK ONLINE or call 605-342-1210 by May 15, 2026
Room Rate: $237/nt + tax

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Friday, June 5, 2026 - Arrivals & Welcome Reception
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Morning CME / Afternoon Activities
Sunday, June 7, 2026 - Morning CME / Afternoon Activities
Monday, June 8, 2026 - Morning CME / Afternoon Activities / Final Dinner
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Departures or optional post-conference activties

AIRPORT
Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP)
Private aircraft will be directed to WestJet Air Center
Commercial arrivals will use the main terminal

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Make the most of your Black Hills experience with curated excursions featuring iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unique local experiences.

Saturday, June 6
Visit to Crazy Horse Memorial with time to explore and group photo
Evening at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Dinner on your own at Carvers’ Café prior to the Lighting Ceremony

Sunday, June 7
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour through Custer State Park
Chuckwagon Cookout and live entertainment

Monday, June 8
Afternoon excursion to historic Deadwood with free time to explore

Tuesday, June 9 (TBD)
Optional visit to the South Dakota Air & Space Museum and/or Ellsworth Air Force Base Tour

RIGHT FRONT SEATER EXPERIENCES
Enhance your visit with these smaller group, hands-on local experiences taking place each morning.

Saturday, June 6
City Trolley Tour - guided overview of Rapid City's history & landmarks

Sunday, June 7
Candle Making Class at Urban Glow Candle Co. - create your own custom scented candle

Monday, June 8
City of Presidents Scavenger Hunt

FPA 71st Annual Meeting - Optional Activities (06/05/2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY REGISTRATION
If YOU NEED TO REGISTER FOR THE MEETING, VISIT THE ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION PAGE. THIS PAGE IS TO SIGN-UP FOR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES & RIGHT FRONT SEATER ACTIVITIES.

Make the most of your Black Hills experience with curated excursions featuring iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unique local experiences.

AFTERNOON / EVENING OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Choose our most popular Option & Save!
Black Hills Experience Package – $300/each
Experience both Mount Rushmore at night and the Buffalo Safari & Chuckwagon—our two signature excursions—for one bundled price. Select both options when you register and enter discount code BlackHills to save.

Saturday, June 6, 2026
Crazy Horse & Mount Rushmore Evening Experience
Depart: 3:30pm
Return: Approximately 10:45pm
Max Capacity: 65
Price: $85/each

Experience two of the Black Hills’ most iconic landmarks in one unforgettable evening.

Begin with a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, where we will start with a group photo and then you’ll have time to explore the visitor center, learn about the ongoing mountain carving, and take in the scale of this incredible project.

Next, we’ll travel to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for an evening visit. Enjoy time to explore the memorial and grab dinner on your own from Custer's Cafe before the highlight of the night—the Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.

Witness the memorial light up the night bringing these four granite faces to life. This event, however, encompasses far more than this spectacular scene. During the Evening Lighting Ceremony, you'll learn the story of this monument beginning with a 10-minute Ranger Talk, told differently by each Ranger, followed by a 20-minute film exploring the memorial's legacy. Pride swells throughout the amphitheater as Veterans, active duty, and those who have lost a loved one in military conflict are brought to the stage. This act of recognition and the ceremonial takedown of the flag paint an emotional and humbling scene that can only be truly appreciated in person.

Details:

Roundtrip transportation from Rapid City
Admission to Crazy Horse Memorial included
Mount Rushmore parking/admission included
Dinner on your own in Custer's Cafe

Sunday, June 7, 2026
Custer State Park Buffalo Jeep Safari Tour & Chuckwagon Cookout
Depart: 2:45pm
Return: Approximately 10:00pm
Max Capacity: 48
Price: $249/each

Our buffalo safari tour will take you where only we can go: off-road. Trek through the park in an open-air jeep in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo. Along the way, our guides will share historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife—and help you spot the critters.

But it doesn't stop there. This tour then meets up with the Chuckwagon Cookout in a beautiful mountain canyon for a steak dinner feast and live entertainment with some Western flair. You’ll also get your own souvenir cowboy hat and bandanna to play the part.

Named Top 10 Safaris in the US!

Details:

Roundtrip transportation from Rapid City
Guided Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour in Custer State Park
Chuckwagon dinner and live entertainment included
Open-air vehicles—dress for changing weather conditions

Please note:

Travel occurs over uneven terrain and may be bumpy
Guests should be comfortable stepping into elevated vehicles and walking short distances
Wildlife sightings are highly likely but not guaranteed
Casual, outdoor setting

Monday, June 8, 2026
Option 1: Deadwood Afternoon Excursion
Depart: 1:00pm
Return: 5:45pm
Max Capacity: 32
Price: $65/each

Wrap up your Black Hills experience with a relaxed visit to the historic town of Deadwood, known for its Wild West history, lively atmosphere, and unique charm.

Enjoy a few hours of free time to explore at your own pace—try your luck in a historic casino, stroll the main street lined with shops and saloons, or visit local landmarks like the Adams Museum or Mount Moriah Cemetery.

This casual outing is perfect for those looking for a fun, social afternoon without a set schedule.

Details:

Roundtrip transportation from Rapid City
Free time in Deadwood to explore independently
Curated list of recommended stops, dining, and activities provided

Please note:

No structured tours are included
Walking is required
Guests are responsible for any food, drinks, or admissions

Option 2: Poker Run
Time: TBD - Afternoon
Fly-out from Rapid City KRAP to Spearfish KSPF to Custer KCUT to Rapid City KRAP. Pickup a card at Spearfish & Custer airports. Flop 3 cards back in Rapid City. Best poker hand wins.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (Post-Meeting Activity)
Ellsworth Air Force Base Tour
Depart: 8:30am
Return: TBD
Max Capacity: 25
Price: TBD
We are working out the details with the Ellsworth Air Force Base. Pricing is TBD. If you are interested, please select the option the registration form and we will let you know what the cost will be once we have all of the details.

RIGHT FRONT SEATER ACTIVITITES
Saturday, June 6, 2026
City View Trolley Tour
Time: 10:00am – noon
Max Capacity: 20 people
Price: $28/person

Experience the best of Rapid City, South Dakota on the City View Trolley Tour! Listen to the history as you tour through Downtown Rapid City, West Boulevard Historic District, and past city landmarks like the quirky green dinosaurs of Dinosaur Park while riding the City View Trolley. The tour also includes a 30-minute stop to explore the beauty of Chapel in the Hills. The City View Trolley is perfect for visitors who want to explore Rapid's top sites in a fun and convenient way.

Trolley departs at 10:00am from the Rushmore Hotel (short walk from the FPA hotels)

Sunday, June 7, 2026
Candle-Making at Urban Glow Candle Co
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Max Capacity: 20
Price: $30-70 depending on candle selection
$20 deposit / remaining balance paid in-person

Design a candle that reflects your style. Choose your vessel, pick your fragrance, and pour your candle in a relaxed, self-guided experience — then scan a QR code to design your custom label right from your phone or choose from a selection of pre-printed designs in the studio. Staff is always nearby to offer support, suggest fragrance pairings, and answer any questions along the way.

Meet at the Urban Glow Candle Co. at 10:00am. Walking distance from either hotel.

Monday, June 7, 2026
City of Presidents Scavenger Hunt
10:00am – noon
Price: Free

In the heart of where legends tread and tales take shape, Rapid City earns its stripes as the City of Presidents. Wander downtown, and you'll find yourself amidst a gathering of greats, cast in bronze and frozen in time. Each life-sized statue stands as a tribute to the leaders whose footsteps echo in history's halls. It's our way of honoring the past, with a wink and a nod to the future, making history not just something you read about, but something you can reach out and touch. Spot the hidden details on each statue to complete the scavenger hunt & receive a prize from the visitor’s center.

Meet in the lobby of Hotel Alex Johnson at 10:00am.

Flying Physicians Association upcoming events

Flying Physicians Association 71st Annual Meeting (06/05/2026)

FPA 71st Annual Meeting - Optional Activities (06/05/2026)