Rapid City, SD

Travel Guide
Rapid City showing a monument and mountains
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 kilometers) away, Crazy Horse Memorial 35 miles (55 kilometers) and Badlands National Park 60 miles (95 kilometers). 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 center’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 favorite 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 traveling by car.

Where to stay in Rapid City

Rapid City featuring a city and night scenes

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

Rimrock might not have many top sights, but Black Hills Caverns and Pactola Point Swim Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Rimrock
AmericInn by Wyndham Rapid City
AmericInn by Wyndham Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
1632 Rapp Street, Rapid City, SD
The price is NT$1,493 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
NT$1,493
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Pool and slide is amazing. The place was dirty in the hallways and not many options for breakfast but overall was a good stay"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

AmericInn by Wyndham Rapid City
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 NT$1,556 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
NT$1,556
per night
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,465 reviews)
"Great rooms for a very affordable price"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
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 NT$1,815 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$1,815
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Best hotel especially the water park is the best my kids love it"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
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
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 staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,084 reviews)
"…"

Reviewed on 2024/3/19

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
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 an in-room washer/dryer. Popular attractions Berlin Wall Exhibit and Journey ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Very clean, cozy and lots of bang for the buck. Luis was very responsive and helpful. Don’t let the lower back entry color your perception of the place. Conveniently located and just a short drive from Mt. Rushmore Memorial Park and a beautiful, scenic drive to the Badlands."

Reviewed on 2023/11/30

Rapid City Vacation Homes
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini Golf and Cosmos ...
Pine Haven Lodging
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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