Rapid City in South Dakota is a hidden gem, nestled among stunning natural landscapes and famous landmarks. Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner, friends, or family, you will find something enjoyable in this friendly and charming city.
Located in the Black Hills, Rapid City is steeped in ancient history, allowing visitors to explore the era of dinosaurs through fossil discoveries.
It is a city that embraces culture and learning, offering the chance to discover the traditions and lifestyles of the Lakota and Sioux Native Americans, who inhabit the breathtaking landscapes of this region.
At the heart of Rapid City lies a bustling downtown area, home to family-friendly museums, art galleries, scenic parks, and an array of delicious local dining options.
14. Dinosaur Park
South Dakota has strong ties to the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. This connection is deeply embedded in the state’s culture and can be experienced in Rapid City. Back in the 1930s, Dinosaur Park was founded and is located on a hill, offering fantastic views of downtown.
Inside the park, you can find seven replicas of different types of dinosaurs, all wonderfully crafted by Emmet Sullivan. This park is a perfect spot to capture memorable photos, especially for younger children who can have their picture taken with popular dinosaurs like T-Rex, triceratops, or apatosaurus.
Each dinosaur is accompanied by an information board that provides details about their weight, diet, and where they were discovered in and around South Dakota.
13. Downtown Rapid City
Downtown Rapid City, located between Omaha and Columbus street, is a bustling and lively area that is perfect for starting your journey here. There are plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. The heart of downtown is Main Street Square, which serves as a popular gathering place for the community.
It features playgrounds and open spaces for kids to enjoy, as well as a stage that hosts summer music concerts. Additionally, you can find various shopping and dining options in this area.One of the most interesting aspects of Downtown Rapid City is its public art display, which showcases 43 life-sized replicas of past presidents.
These magnificent statues are placed across multiple street corners and add to the city’s impressive collection of public art.
12. Museum of Geology
Rapid City is a place with many free attractions, which makes it a great choice for people traveling on a budget or families looking for a fun trip. One of the attractions that stands out is the Museum of Geology.
It is suitable for people of all ages and offers exhibits that focus on minerals and paleontology, providing a chance to learn about the geology of the region. The museum is an important part of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and it allows visitors to discover interesting facts about what lies beneath the surface.
A major highlight of the museum is its impressive collection of reptiles, including both land-dwelling mammals and reptiles from the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, as well as ancient marine life. Guided tours are available to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits, and children can have hands-on fun in the designated Kid’s Zone.
11. Art Alley
When you’re exploring Downtown Rapid City, make sure to include enough time in your schedule to visit Art Alley. This unique exhibition is completely free and features an entire alley covered in beautiful murals and captivating graffiti.
Graffiti alleys have become increasingly popular and they are a wonderful way to bring life to an area and allow local residents to express themselves. The artworks in Art Alley come in all different styles, including mythical creatures, references to popular culture, and messages addressing social issues.
You can find the alley between 6th and 7th street. The beauty of this place is that each creation is temporary, so if you have the opportunity to visit more than once, you’ll have a completely different experience each time.
10. Reptile Gardens
At the Reptile Gardens, you can have a unique opportunity to see and interact with a wide variety of reptiles from different parts of the globe. You’ll be amazed to find all sorts of reptiles such as Komodo dragons, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles. Even if you’re not a huge fan of reptiles, this place is sure to captivate your interest.
The gardens offer exciting shows that showcase many of these incredible reptile species. People flock to witness the thrilling Snake Show and the Gator Show. However, don’t let the name mislead you, as the Reptile Gardens also have much more to offer beyond reptiles.
Visitors have the chance to explore the beautiful floral gardens that display vibrant and rare plants from various parts of the world. One of the highlights of the gardens is the impressive Sky Dome, which houses a tropical rainforest inhabited by fascinating creatures like lizards and frogs.
9. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial gets about two million visitors each year and is very popular in the United States. Luckily for travelers, it is only a 30-minute drive south of Rapid City. The landmark took more than twelve years to carve and showcases the faces of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson.
When it opened in 1941, it quickly became an iconic location, known around the world. It doesn’t cost anything to visit Mount Rushmore and you can enjoy some breathtaking views from the park. If you want more information, you can join a guided tour with a ranger or take a walk along the Presidential Trail. Afterward, make sure to visit the Old West town of Keystone.
8. Badlands National Park
Rapid City is a popular place for people to visit because it is close to Badlands National Park, only one hour away. Badlands National Park is not as well known as other popular parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, but it has amazing scenery with colorful buttes and pinnacles made of sandstone.
In addition to the rock formations, there is also a grassland ecosystem with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, driving off-road, and exploring the wilderness.
7. Chapel in the Hills
One of the most impressive architectural structures in Rapid City is the Chapel in the Hills. It was inspired by the Borgund Stave Church, which was built in Norway during the 1100s and became famous in Nordic culture. Reverend Harry Gregerson, taking inspiration from this and the Norwegian heritage of Rapid City, decided to recreate the chapel.
The construction was finished in 1969 and for six years, it served as a host for a Lutheran radio network. Eventually, the chapel was relocated to its current spot nestled among vibrant green forests, creating the ideal environment for such a enchanting chapel.
Upon arrival, you cannot help but appreciate the exquisite woodwork that features gilded designs, Norse dragonheads, and various symbolic elements. If you want to discover more about this chapel and its original counterpart, pay a visit to the museum and visitor center situated on-site.
6. Journey Museum
The Journey Museum celebrates the Black Hills and helps to preserve their rich history. The Black Hills are not just mountains, but a place with a deep heritage of Native American and pioneer culture. The exhibits at the museum are arranged in a chronological order, starting with the formation of the mountain range.
The Black Hills got their name from the Lakota people, who referred to them as Paha Sapa, meaning “hills that are black”. Visitors to the museum can also learn about the area’s prehistoric past, including fossils. The museum also provides information about Native American history, specifically that of the Lakota and Sioux Native Americans. Additionally, there is an opportunity to explore the Minnilusa Pioneer Museum.
5. Bear Country USA
Located just a short distance south of Rapid City, Bear Country USA offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the most impressive and adorable animals in the United States. As the name implies, there is an abundance of bears in this area, playfully moving through the large pine trees and exploring the vibrant meadows.
The adventure starts with a unique drive-thru experience, where you can enjoy the wildlife park from the comfort of your own car. As you drive along a three-mile route, you will pass various enclosures, showcasing not only black and brown bears but also wolves, elk, cougars, and the infamous bobcat.
These animals are often quite curious and may even approach and observe visitors as they drive by. Once you complete the drive-thru experience, you can park your car and continue your journey on foot by exploring the Wildlife Walk.
4. Storybook Island
Storybook Island has been providing families with an enchanting experience for over 60 years. By combining fairy tales and nursery rhymes, the park creates a captivating atmosphere. If you’re planning a day at the park with your young children, make sure to include Storybook Island in your schedule.
The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is conveniently located just a short drive away from Downtown Rapid City. While the park itself is free to enter, you can also enjoy additional attractions such as a train ride and carousel for a small fee of $3.
As you explore the park either by train or on foot, you’ll come across more than 100 fairytale scenes from beloved books and movies that you and your children adore. Additionally, there are regular theater productions to further enhance your visit.
3. Black Hills Caverns
Back in the 1880s, a group of miners stumbled upon Black Hill Caverns while searching for gold. They found out that the Lakota Native Americans had been using the cave for hundreds of years to benefit from the mental clarity provided by its calcite crystals.
Nowadays, the caverns are not just a fascinating place to explore the local geography but also a glimpse into history. The main cave stretches a whopping 3,400 feet underground and is filled with remarkable formations like stalactites, popcorn rocks, and helictites. An experienced guide will lead you through one of two tours.
The first tour takes you through the cave’s initial level, while the other one explores all three levels and involves walking approximately a mile.
2. Watiki Water Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Rapid City when it’s raining, there are some great options available. But if the weather is sunny and hot, Watiki Water Park is the best place to go. It has exciting water slides and swimming pools to help you stay cool during the summer.
What’s great is that the park is open all year, so you can still enjoy it even when it’s snowing. It’s a popular attraction and offers nearby hotels, bars, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot to meet up with friends or have a family outing.
Some of the highlights include a lazy river, the thrilling Maui’s Body Slide, and even a basketball area in the water.
1. South Dakota Air and Space Museum
The South Dakota Air and Space Museum has a collection of famous planes, fighter jets, and historical artifacts. When you visit, you’ll explore the 20th century through various galleries, exhibits, and real aircraft. The museum is a great way to learn about the rich aviation history of South Dakota and the entire country.
One of the highlights is seeing the 30 military planes that were used in the Second World War. Additionally, you can see missiles and weapons that played a crucial role in the Allies’ success.
The museum also showcases the pioneers of aviation history and demonstrates the advancements in technology, science, and engineering from the Wright brothers’ time to the present day.
