Things to do & places to visit in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States

Rapid City has long been considered one of the gateways to the West, and its rich cowboy and Native American heritage is the result. Visitors won't want to miss the area's mammoth outdoor sculptures. There's Mount Rushmore, of course, but work also continues on the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, which will be the largest sculpture in the world when it is finally completed years down the line. Among the many local attractions are the scenic Black Hills, several nearby cavern systems that offer guided tours and the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.

Rapid City city in South Dakota, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 4:12.

Top things to do (34)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Badlands National Park (908 reviews)
- The Badlands
Spent 1-2 hours National Parks

We drove from Rapid City on hwy 90 and started from the west from a town named Wall. We stopped at the Ranger entrance and the cost was $30 or you can buy a one year pass for senior citizens for all parks for $20. The loop 240 road trip was wonderful. We stopped on all view sites. We enjoyed going there. See more..
5.0 Black Hills Outdoor Fun (280 reviews)
- Chuck, you Rock!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

Went here on a Monday morning and it has so far, been the highlight of our SD trip. We were a party of 6 and we were outfitted with a Yamaha Viking 6 seater and a Polaris ATV (wanted to switch it up during the trip). My family had the greatest time. Chuck was our guide and was a professional from start to finish. He is a lover of the land and it showed when he took time to explain details of Edelwise Mountain and kept us safe on the ride. Couple of pointers: 1) Book with Chuck! 2) bring a bandana to keep dust off 3) Bring goggles if you are on an ATV (sunglasses ok if UTV) 4) Bring dirty clothes I highly recommend!! See more..
5.0 GeoFunTrek Tours (217 reviews)
- Outstanding Tour Service Company
Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Six adults traveled to Rapid City and hired John as our tour guide for three full days. What a great experience it was. From the time of our first telephone call to John until he dropped us off for the final time at the hotel, John was amazing, thorough and available. John was with us and toured us on their three most popular tours. We were absolutely please with the professionalism John showed us each day. He was always on time and was a mountain of information. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history, geological nature of the area and full of facts and stories about this area. It was noticeable how safe of a driver John was throughout the three days. We would HIGHLY recommend John and his company for any touring in this area. You will be very pleased. See more..
5.0 Black Hills Tour Company (208 reviews)
- High-quality, well-maintained bikes
Bike Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

Rented 2 gravel bikes to ride the Mickelson Trail + elsewhere around the Black Hills. The bikes were high quality and well maintained. We didn't encounter any mechanical issues over a week of riding and the bikes performed perfectly. Would definitely recommend to anybody seeking to rent bikes for a self-guided tour. See more..
5.0 Dakota Tours (204 reviews)
- Mount rushmore
Saturday: Sightseeing Tours • Day Trips

We went to Mount Rushmore on our holiday aroung the west coast of America. We came accross from Yellowstone and it was a good drive a few things to see as well... but Mount Rushmore is very worth it you need to spend a day there as well and you could go back a second day but if you are stretched for time then you can see it in a day. they have a night show as well which is worth it See more..
5.0 Black Hills Adventure Tours (186 reviews)
- Incredible Experience
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Bike Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

My mother and I used Black Hills Adventure Tours for our South Dakota adventure and we cannot speak more highly of this company and our tour guide, Mark. Over the span of 3 days, we did the Private Custer State Park Jeep Safari and Hiking Tour, the Private Badlands Package, and the Horseback Riding and Black Hills Hiking. There is no way we would have been able to see all that we saw without Mark. He really made exploring (and the logistics of getting into parks and stopping for lunch) 10000x easier. Mark really knew all of the good spots to check out, and personalized our packages to our own wants. He was extremely knowledgeable about all things South Dakota: the history, the landscape, the wildlife, rocks and fossils, and more... If we had a question, Mark had the answer! We felt so blessed to have gotten Mark as a tour guide and he will hold a special place in our heart when looking back on this trip. We cannot thank Black Hills Adventure Tours and Mark enough! See more..
5.0 My XO Adventures (105 reviews)
- XO Adventures is the best!!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Day Trips

Had a fabulous time with Daniel and XO Adventures. A fun filled day with our group of 8. With Daniel doing all of the driving we ALL got to experience the beauty of the area. Daniel’s knowledge of Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park added to our experience. Saw buffalo, donkeys, prairie dogs, prong-horned antelope. Loved the Iron Mountain drive. Those incredible tunnels framing Mt Rushmore were spectacular. Daniel set up a tasty lunch including brownies and ice cream. A day we’ll always remember. Thank you Daniel. See more..
5.0 Suzie Cappa Art Center (15 reviews)
- Very impressive
Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

The Suzie Cappa Art Center is a member of Black Hills Works family. We believe that disability is not a boundary; that all people can be creative in a supportive environment. We are a vibrant, non-profit art studio and gallery, where artists of all abilities create, exhibit, and sell their work. The artists receive proceeds from the sales of their work and contributing to the cultural and economic life of our community. There is nothing quite like it in the region. See more..
5.0 Buzzards Roost (5 reviews)
- Loads of wildflowers
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

This is a wonderful place to hike with lots of options depending on your time. You can go straight in and out or take the long way around. I went straight in and took the long trail back. It made for a very interesting hike. Lots of wildflowers were in bloom. See more..
4.5 Bear Country USA (4.180 reviews)
- seeing the active and cute little bears is the highlight
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 28, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Enjoy a leisurely 2-mile drive through this unique North American Wildlife park in the the Black Hills of South Dakota. From the comfort of your vehicle view black bears, wolves, elk, buffalo and other wildlife! After your drive-through tour, walk around wildlife loop where young and smaller animals frolic in the outdoors. Don't miss the Baby Bears! Dine at the Cub Grub Snack Shack or shop in the Bear's Den Gift Shop. Open May through November, weather permitting. Our daily closing time is only when the front gate closes, the rest of the park remains open until your visit is complete. See more..
4.5 Downtown Rapid City (2.329 reviews)
- Great Walkable Downtown Area
Neighborhoods

Escape for the weekend to Downtown Rapid City and experience numerous art galleries, fashionable boutiques, a variety of fine cuisine, the City of President statues and great entertainment from music to theatre and various events. Explore the fountains at Main Street Square, a place to make fun-filled memories for the whole family. With plenty of hotel rooms, over 70 shops and 33 restaurants, head Downtown, year round. See more..
4.5 Reptile Gardens (2.305 reviews)
- Great attraction
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

World-renowned adventure park, Reptile Gardens is a must-see family attraction no matter what your age. We maintain the finest collection of tropical plants, colorful flowers, and exotic reptiles anywhere - we have more species and subspecies of venomous reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world! See more..
4.5 South Dakota Air and Space Museum (941 reviews)
- Great museum with great history
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota's premiere free aviation museum! The museum has two major static display venues: First, a outdoor air park filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft lets you get close to & touch history. This includes the currently flown B-1B Lancer. Secondly, four historical hangars showcase military history & technology,space tech & EROS, SD aviation, and EAFB local military history in a fresh and immersive walk-through. Mid-May through Mid-September bus tours of nearby Ellsworth AFB and the Minuteman II missile training silo are offered at a nominal fee. You will be able to go inside the silo and on base for a 50 minute guided tour of the only MMII silo open to the public. Make sure you bring your ID or Passport (Non-US) to enjoy the tour! See more..
4.5 Storybook Island (818 reviews)
- A fun little park that will bring you back!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

We are a non profit childrens park. 8 1/2 acres of outdoor fun! We have a train, carousel and Bippity Boppity Bounce, the cost is $2 per person for each of these. We have concessions on site as well as a gift shop. We are free admission in the summer, a $1 per person donation is recommended. We DO NOT allow outside food, drink or pets. We open for the summer season on Memorial Weekend and Close on Labor Day. See more..
4.5 Chapel in the Hills (665 reviews)
- Have you seen a Norwegian stave church in US ?
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Celebrating 50 years in 2019! Replica of the 850-year-old Borgund Church in Norway and has unique architecture and woodcarvings. See more..
4.5 Mount Rushmore Tours (635 reviews)
- Family Fun at Mount Rushmore and more
Sightseeing Tours

When you first arrive at Fort Hayes you are treated to a yummy pancake breakfast. Arrive early so you have time to walk around to the different experiences including the black smith, the metal forge and the rope maker. Very informative and captured the interest of my teens. Our bus driver was Ken and he was a hoot. He gave us ample time to explore our stops which included Mount Rushmorw, Custer State Park, and the Iron Hills road. At Custer State Park he made sure we saw bison and were able to safely snap as many photos as we wanted. Now. If you have never taken the Iron Highway let me tell you the tunnels will make you sweat. Ken was so entertaining as he drove the 8 foot wide bus through these 8 foot tunnels. Because our group was small we did not have the evening dinner and show, which was fine with my family as we really felt that we had a fun filled day of adventure. See more..
4.5 Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries (562 reviews)
- Great place to shop and see local and native american items for sale and display
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

To some, we are a Native American art gallery; to others, we are a trading post reminiscent of days gone by. On the corner of 6th Street and Main in downtown Rapid City, Prairie Edge stands two stories high and stretches out for half a block as a brick, wood, and glass storefront that has been restored to its original 19th century glory. Inside, the hardwood floors and polished cabinetry bring to mind the spirit of the Old West, while the distinct smell of sweetgrass and soft sound of a Lakota flute evoke the mystique of the Plains Indian culture. See more..
4.5 The Journey Museum and Learning Center (402 reviews)
- Don't miss The Journey Museum and Learning Center, Rapid City, SD
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Open all year long! Your Black Hills Journey starts here. The Journey Museum and Learning Center brings together four major prehistoric and historic collections to tell the complete story of the Western Great Plains - from the perspective of the Lakotas and the pioneers who shaped its past to the scientists who now study it. Providing special programs and interactive learning experiences for all ages is our mission. See more..
4.5 Museum of Geology (377 reviews)
- Worth a stop
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We are a natural history museum featuring an excellent displays of South Dakota fossils, minerals from around the world and South Dakota Minerals. See more..
4.5 Black Hills Open-Top-Tours (320 reviews)
- Best way to see needles highway, Mount Rushmore , Custer park and everything in between with kids!!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We did the Bison tour for my sons birthday. It was exceptional. Our tour guide Charlie was amazing! He was so thoughtful and educational, even brought my son cupcakes for his birthday! We saw Bison, antelope, long horns, deer, Prairie dogs and even fed the burrows! I couldn’t recommend this tour or Charlie enough!! See more..
4.5 Berlin Wall Exhibit (179 reviews)
- Moving tribute to those who suffered and those who fled or fought for freedom!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was a must see while here on family vacation. It was also timely in educating my kids about the history of this wall. My daughter just finished US history and we have talked about world history so this was a great exhibit! It is located downtown in the Memorial Park area and is free! This is a great exhibit and it has great details about it! See more..
4.5 Firehouse Wine Cellars (167 reviews)
- Fun-loving wine encounter
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Firehouse Wine Cellars is a working winery in historic downtown Rapid City where we craft a variety of wine styles. From oak-aged reds and crisp white wines to sweet dessert styles - our knowledgeable staff will help you find a wine to love! See more..
4.5 Main Street Square (98 reviews)
- TOWN SQUARE SURROUNDED BY SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
Parks

Located in the heart of Downtown Rapid City, Main Street Square is a fun-filled public space that features special events, arts and culture, live concerts, seasonal ice skating and interactive fountains. Surrounded by the City of Presidents, boutiques, eateries and galleries, Main Street Square is a destination the whole family can enjoy. See more..
4.5 Lost Cabin Beer Co. (87 reviews)
- Great variety of styles
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Brewery and taproom located in Rapid City, SD - specializing in small batch ales & lagers, barrel aging and seasonal beers. Energetic tap room with a rustic outdoor theme and active Food Truck scene - located across the street from Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, and Golf. See more..
4.5 Canyon Lake Park (76 reviews)
- Absolutely Gorgeous Park!
Canyons • Parks

If you have not been to Canyon Lake Park - go! Now. Don't wait. Its just beautiful! Lakes, ducks, geese, beautiful big, old amazing trees and on a cold day or a hot one, its the place to be. If you like photography, its a great place for that. Nice walking trails and plenty of space to roam and pet friendly because I've seen many pet owners with their dogs there. Go see for yourself. See more..
4.5 Dahl Arts Center (36 reviews)
- Wonderful Museum
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We loved the art work that we saw, but most striking was the amazing mural that went 360 around one of the rooms. WOW! See more..
4.5 Buffalo Gap National Grassland (29 reviews)
- Crowd Free
Scenic Walking Areas

The grassland gives a person a chance to get away from the crowded roadways to get the real feel of being home on the range. We spent most of a day in places where you heard/seen no other people. No vehicle noise. No people. One rancher flew a small plane to survey his cattle. 5 minutes of airplane noise and he was gone. I find the plains/prairie to be a spectacular, beautiful region! See more..
4.5 Rushmore Plaza Civic Center (29 reviews)
- great place just very confusing
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Great place, great rooms, just very hard to find your way around. The map provided is not very clear. See more..
4.5 Motion Unlimited Museum (23 reviews)
- Nice Car Museum
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

Motion Unlimited Museum and Antique/Classic Car Lot. Same Location Since 1973. 6180 South Highway 79, Rapid City, South Dakota Come visit our genuine Old Car Lot, With Nearly 100 Vehicles For Sale. Come Inside to See Our Beautiful Museum 17,000 sq. feet of cars, trucks, motorcycles, toys, pedal cars, memorabilia, oil & gas signs, and much more. All beautifully displayed. Hours: 9am-5pm- Monday-Friday Saturday: 9am-4pm Closed On Sundays, and Some Holidays. See more..
4.5 Founders Park (17 reviews)
- Park and see
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

This is a very good park near Rapid Creek. There is hiking and biking riding. But I liked the history information. It was near here that Rapid City got its start in 1876. About 12 men laid out the mile square city street grid. I found out the streets are based on magnetic north , not true north because they just used their magnetic compasses. See more..