Rapid City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
Photo provided by Rapid City CVB
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 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 Thunderhead Falls and Pactola Pines Marina.

Rimrock
Sonesta Essential Rapid City
Sonesta Essential Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
1902 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD
The price is £70 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£70
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (228 reviews)
"For the price it was great a lot of times cheaper places like that are just horrible but this was clean friendly quite and comfortable definitely will astray there next time and also easy access to I 90"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Sonesta Essential Rapid City
Foothills Inn
Foothills Inn
2.5 out of 5
1625 N. LaCrosse Street, Rapid City, SD
The price is £90 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£90
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,034 reviews)
"Steep back stairs to the second floor. It's a very old building and feels musty. But it's been remodeled, and they are making it as nice as possible."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Foothills Inn
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
GrandStay Residential Suites - Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
660 Disk Dr, Rapid City, SD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £108 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£108
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,542 reviews)
Good experience
"Our stay was good . Staff friendly and courteous. The suite was pleasant. First time booking a suite. I'd stay there again ."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

GrandStay Residential Suites - 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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,542 reviews)
Good experience
"Our stay was good . Staff friendly and courteous. The suite was pleasant. First time booking a suite. I'd stay there again ."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Putz n Glo - Black Light Mini ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"We had a lovely three night stay. Definitely would recommend and would stay again!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Pine Haven Lodging
Adorable Cabin Thirty Minutes from Mt Rushmore - Super Clean Cabin On Canyon Lake Thirty Minutes from Mt Rushmore
Adorable Cabin Thirty Minutes from Mt Rushmore - Super Clean Cabin On Canyon Lake Thirty Minutes from Mt Rushmore
Rapid City, South Dakota
Stay at this cabin in Rapid City. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Rushmore Lions Park and Canyon ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Vacation of lifetime
"It was a perfect place centerly located to see all the beauty that God has given us to explore. So accommodating for late enter and early departure. It was quiet and helped us to relax from our exploration and get balanced. Thanks so much"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Adorable Cabin Thirty Minutes from Mt Rushmore - Super Clean Cabin On Canyon Lake Thirty Minutes from Mt Rushmore
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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