Rapid City Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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 Black Hills Caverns and Pactola Point Swim Beach.

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 NZ$102 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$102
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
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! (1,005 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 26 Mar. 2024

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 NZ$108 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
NZ$108
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (1,466 reviews)
"I enjoyed the continental breakfast and the staff were polite and helpful. Plan on staying there again."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

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 NZ$112 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$112
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
Fantastic Staff
"The staff went above and beyond for our stay! Greatly appreciated!!! Will stay again!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

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! (2,102 reviews)
"…"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
Cabin on the Creek w/ Hot tub
Cabin on the Creek w/ Hot tub
Rapid City
Stay at this cabin in Rapid City. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Beautiful Setting
"Property is in a beautiful setting. Hot tub is great. Had what we needed in the kitchen and nice to have lots of towels for shower/hot tub. The reason for four stars is that the house had a lot of strong, plug-in fragrance things that we unplugged, but then the downstairs room had a really strong ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

Cabin on the Creek w/ Hot tub
201 S berry  · lNDOOR POOL! The FUN house
201 S berry · lNDOOR POOL! The FUN house
Rapid City
Stay at this vacation home in Rapid City. Enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Cleghorn Springs Hatchery & Visitors Center and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Best House Ever!
"This is our 4th holiday home family vacation and by far the best. This home is made for making memories. Although located in Rapid City, you would never know once you check in. The scenic beauty looking out the back at the deer is wonderful. The house itself is beyond comparson to the other homes ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jan. 2024

201 S berry · lNDOOR POOL! The FUN house
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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