Rapid City, SD

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 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 Thunderhead Falls and Black Hills Caverns are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Rimrock
Sleep Inn And Suites Rapid City
Sleep Inn And Suites Rapid City
2.5 out of 5
4031 Cheyenne Blvd, Rapid City, SD
The price is ¥12,579 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥12,579
per night
May 13 - May 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Sleep Inn And Suites Rapid City
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,019 per night from May 14 to May 15
¥14,019
per night
May 14 - May 15
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 helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The people in the room above us were very noisy they did not quiet down until around midnight it sounded like they were running in the room"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites 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 ¥13,864 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥13,864
per night
May 13 - May 14
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rapid City. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,485 reviews)
"Very nice comfortable room at an affordable price. Will definitely stay there again if i am ever in the area in the future."

Reviewed on May 8, 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! (2,109 reviews)
"We stay here a lot"

Reviewed on May 5, 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, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Perfection
"My husband and I enjoyed our stay at this perfectly located cabin. It was clean and comfortable. Location was ideal for visiting all of the parks in the area. Neighbors were friendly. The hot tub was amazing after a day of hiking. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 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 a fitness center, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Cleghorn Springs Hatchery & Visitors Center ...
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 Jan 1, 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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