Rapid City

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
Serving as the Midwest’s gateway to outdoor adventure, this South Dakota city is also regarded as a hub of arts and culture.

Located in southwestern South Dakota, Rapid City is a popular destination because of its close proximity to several famous landmarks. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is only 25 miles (40 kilometres) away, Crazy Horse Memorial 35 miles (55 kilometres) and Badlands National Park 60 miles (95 kilometres). Black Hills National Forest is nearby as well. These outdoor destinations are all accessible day trips.

The city and surrounding area are laced with walking and hiking trails. Cyclists travel from across the country to bike along Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and Needles Highway. Iron Mountain Road, which stretches between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, is widely regarded as one of the state’s best scenic drives. Enjoy other popular activities including golf, rock climbing, horseback riding and fishing.

Treat your family to a thrilling experience at Reptile Gardens, a park where children can pet tortoises, watch a snake show or stroll through the Sky Dome. Next, step back in time at Dinosaur Park, where you can learn about archaeology and climb atop some of the centre’s massive dinosaur statues.

Originally called “Hay Camp," Rapid City was a resting spot for mid-1800s explorers headed to the Black Hills in search of gold. Although the city is now a comfortably modern destination, vestiges of its “Wild West” past remain in its historical downtown. Learn about the city’s past at the Journey Museum, which is filled with interactive exhibits everyone will enjoy.

Main Street Square, the heart of Rapid City, features year-round events ranging from free concerts to ice skating. After visiting the area’s galleries, shops and breweries, stroll down Art Alley, a nationally renowned public art space. Pose next to your favourite president in the City of Presidents community artwork, life-size bronze statues scattered throughout downtown.

Rapid City’s downtown is compact so it’s easy to walk between attractions in the area. City View Trolley is another way to get around, offering an old-time ride to the area’s top sites. Domestic flights arrive and depart daily from Rapid City Regional Airport. Interstate 90 runs alongside the city, making it easily accessible if you are travelling by car.

Where to stay in Rapid City

Rapid City showing night scenes and a city

Historic Rapid City

Historic Rapid City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Main Street Square or Art Alley.

Historic Rapid City
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Rimrock

While Rimrock may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Thunderhead Falls and Black Hills Caverns.

Rimrock
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
1416 North Elk Vale Road, Rapid City, SD
The price is S$108 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
S$108
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, water park access (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 3 Nov,2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
Travelodge by Wyndham Rapid City/Black Hills
Travelodge by Wyndham Rapid City/Black Hills
2.5 out of 5
1550 N La Crosse St, Rapid City, SD
The price is S$58 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
S$58
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Watiki ...
7.2/10 Good! (300 reviews)
"The Staff is always friendly and nice .. only draw back is the $150 Deposit and you dont know when you will get it back"

Reviewed on 31 Oct,2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Rapid City/Black Hills
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
3 out of 5
2321 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD
The price is S$113 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
S$113
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,601 reviews)
"This is an older but updated and well maintained hotel. It was very clean and had a great swimming pool/slide. Conveniently located next to an authentic Mexican restaurant with lots of other options nearby. Also, located close to 2 shopping malls, Cabela’s and theaters. Well worth the stay."

Reviewed on 4 Nov,2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
660 Disk Dr, Rapid City, SD
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,371 reviews)
"Our room upon first entering looked very nice. However, the kitchen, including the floors and counter tops, were dirty and sticky. The entry way light was flickering off and on and a bathroom light was burned out. These items were reported to the front desk but nothing was repaired. Enjoyed our stay ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
Pine Haven Lodging
Pine Haven Lodging
3 out of 5
13514 U.S. 16, Rapid City, SD
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Rapid City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"This place is amazing. Little cabins, so you get a place to yourself. Incredibly clean. Microwave, refrigerator, and even a small two burner stove top. Coffee maker, plates, etc. Very comfortable!"

Reviewed on 1 Nov,2024

Pine Haven Lodging
Rapid City Vacation Homes
Rapid City Vacation Homes
3 out of 5
821 N 7th St, Rapid City, SD
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Rapid City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Watiki Water Park and Berlin ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"Cute house with some recent updates to the bathroom and kitchen. We easily fit 6 of us for an overnight stay."

Reviewed on 6 Jun,2024

Rapid City Vacation Homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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