Roam’n Around has been a part of the Rapid City business community for nearly two decades. In that time, they’ve seen immense change and growth not only for their own business model but in the town around them as well. The Rapid City Post sat down with Bridget Machacek, owner of Roam’n Around, to reminisce and talk about their story.
From South Dakota to California…and Back Again
Bridget Machacek grew up bouncing between South Dakota and California. Born in Platte and eventually going to school in Hill City, she moved to Los Angeles in seventh grade, a transition she described as eye-opening.
“I am originally from South Dakota. I was born in Platte, on the eastern side of the state, and lived back in the hills as I was growing up. My parents made a big decision when I was in seventh grade to move us to Los Angeles.” This was no small change for her. “One of the first days in class, a student asked me if we had cars in South Dakota,” she said with a laugh. “They had the craziest questions for me, like we weren’t even part of the United States.”
Despite the culture shock, Machacek said the move helped shape her adaptability and perspective. Ultimately, though, the Machaceks decided to move back to South Dakota as they sought a positive environment to raise their daughter.
Launching Roam’n Around
While in California, Machacek earned her undergrad and graduate degrees in Geography, which led her to a teaching position at one of the universities. This is in part what she attributes her love of travel education to. “I was kind of a student aide and then went into the teaching field at one of the universities. I would take students down to Central America and help them get outfitters in a travel store.” After her time in California, Machacek returned to Rapid City and opened Roam’n Around as a small travel-focused shop in what is now the Firehouse Wine Cellars building.
“My initial start to Roam’n Around was just a travel store. It didn’t have the outdoor aspect. It really was just travel — both domestic and international,” she said. “We also hosted presentations from people who had traveled. One of my favorites was a guy who had worked in Antarctica.”
Roam’n Around remained as such until four and a half years later, when Roam’n Around moved into the Shops at Main Street Square. This made them one of the first businesses in the newly redeveloped downtown space.
“That opportunity just rolled together,” Machacek said, looking back. “The outdoor store in town had gone out of business, Main Street Square was being remodeled, and everything lined up.”
Growing With Customer Demand
As downtown transformed, so did Roam’n Around. Customer requests prompted the business to expand beyond travel into outdoor gear including backpacks, camping equipment and footwear.
“My heart still stays in the travel world,” Machacek said. “But the outdoor side really grew from customer requests.”
Today, the store spans two levels, with clothing, books and maps upstairs and outdoor “hard goods” such as camping gear and footwear on the lower level.
Roam’n Around has also incorporated an online store since their original opening in 2007, accommodating in person and online customers alike.
Weathering Economic Challenges
Looking back, Machacek looks back at how Roam’n Around survived both the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic and the unique challenges that occurred with both.
Of the store’s success during the recession, Machacek partially attributes how new Roam’n Around was to the business community. “I feel very fortunate. I wasn’t even taking an income for myself at that point,” she said of the recession. “It just felt normal to be squeaking by.”
Meanwhile, COVID-19 brought both uncertainty and a boon to the outdoor gear space.
“I think it was scary for everybody, but it was scary [as a business owner].” For the outdoor space, however, that was not without its silver lining. “When people were driven into their houses, outdoor gear exploded,” Machacek said. “I just got lucky. I was in the right industry at the right time.”
Sustainability Through Consignment and Rentals
About six years ago, Machacek introduced a consignment section to the store that allows customers to sell gently used outdoor and travel gear.
“I wanted to balance loving great gear with not contributing to landfills,” she said. “There’s good in buying new, but there should also be options.”
The consignment program now includes nearly 900 participants, offering more affordable access to quality gear while promoting reuse.
“It’s kind of a win-win,” Machacek said. “People who want to reuse can, and people whose budgets don’t fit brand new still get quality items.”
Roam’n Around also rents equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, bear canisters and child carriers, allowing customers to try gear before purchasing or avoid storing bulky items.
Looking Ahead
Machacek said 2026 will be a steadier year focused on refining systems rather than rapid expansion. She is also considering a return to leading small group travel experiences, particularly for women.
“In a way, it’s going back to my roots,” she said. “That’s where I started.”
As for her favorite items in the store?
“I love perusing consignment because it’s like a treasure hunt,” Machacek said. “You never know what you’re going to find.”
Roam’n Around shares updates and events primarily through their website, Facebook and Instagram.
From South Dakota to California…and Back Again
Bridget Machacek grew up bouncing between South Dakota and California. Born in Platte and eventually going to school in Hill City, she moved to Los Angeles in seventh grade, a transition she described as eye-opening.
“I am originally from South Dakota. I was born in Platte, on the eastern side of the state, and lived back in the hills as I was growing up. My parents made a big decision when I was in seventh grade to move us to Los Angeles.” This was no small change for her. “One of the first days in class, a student asked me if we had cars in South Dakota,” she said with a laugh. “They had the craziest questions for me, like we weren’t even part of the United States.”
Despite the culture shock, Machacek said the move helped shape her adaptability and perspective. Ultimately, though, the Machaceks decided to move back to South Dakota as they sought a positive environment to raise their daughter.
Launching Roam’n Around
While in California, Machacek earned her undergrad and graduate degrees in Geography, which led her to a teaching position at one of the universities. This is in part what she attributes her love of travel education to. “I was kind of a student aide and then went into the teaching field at one of the universities. I would take students down to Central America and help them get outfitters in a travel store.” After her time in California, Machacek returned to Rapid City and opened Roam’n Around as a small travel-focused shop in what is now the Firehouse Wine Cellars building.
“My initial start to Roam’n Around was just a travel store. It didn’t have the outdoor aspect. It really was just travel — both domestic and international,” she said. “We also hosted presentations from people who had traveled. One of my favorites was a guy who had worked in Antarctica.”
Roam’n Around remained as such until four and a half years later, when Roam’n Around moved into the Shops at Main Street Square. This made them one of the first businesses in the newly redeveloped downtown space.
“That opportunity just rolled together,” Machacek said, looking back. “The outdoor store in town had gone out of business, Main Street Square was being remodeled, and everything lined up.”
Growing With Customer Demand
As downtown transformed, so did Roam’n Around. Customer requests prompted the business to expand beyond travel into outdoor gear including backpacks, camping equipment and footwear.
“My heart still stays in the travel world,” Machacek said. “But the outdoor side really grew from customer requests.”
Today, the store spans two levels, with clothing, books and maps upstairs and outdoor “hard goods” such as camping gear and footwear on the lower level.
Roam’n Around has also incorporated an online store since their original opening in 2007, accommodating in person and online customers alike.
Weathering Economic Challenges
Looking back, Machacek looks back at how Roam’n Around survived both the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic and the unique challenges that occurred with both.
Of the store’s success during the recession, Machacek partially attributes how new Roam’n Around was to the business community. “I feel very fortunate. I wasn’t even taking an income for myself at that point,” she said of the recession. “It just felt normal to be squeaking by.”
Meanwhile, COVID-19 brought both uncertainty and a boon to the outdoor gear space.
“I think it was scary for everybody, but it was scary [as a business owner].” For the outdoor space, however, that was not without its silver lining. “When people were driven into their houses, outdoor gear exploded,” Machacek said. “I just got lucky. I was in the right industry at the right time.”
Sustainability Through Consignment and Rentals
About six years ago, Machacek introduced a consignment section to the store that allows customers to sell gently used outdoor and travel gear.
“I wanted to balance loving great gear with not contributing to landfills,” she said. “There’s good in buying new, but there should also be options.”
The consignment program now includes nearly 900 participants, offering more affordable access to quality gear while promoting reuse.
“It’s kind of a win-win,” Machacek said. “People who want to reuse can, and people whose budgets don’t fit brand new still get quality items.”
Roam’n Around also rents equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, bear canisters and child carriers, allowing customers to try gear before purchasing or avoid storing bulky items.
Looking Ahead
Machacek said 2026 will be a steadier year focused on refining systems rather than rapid expansion. She is also considering a return to leading small group travel experiences, particularly for women.
“In a way, it’s going back to my roots,” she said. “That’s where I started.”
As for her favorite items in the store?
“I love perusing consignment because it’s like a treasure hunt,” Machacek said. “You never know what you’re going to find.”
Roam’n Around shares updates and events primarily through their website, Facebook and Instagram.
