Things to do in Rapid City

Things to do in  Rapid City

The Rushmore, the merrier

Though it’s South Dakota’s second-largest city, Rapid City is best known as the gateway to the state’s natural attractions. Over 2.5 million visitors flock to nearby Mt. Rushmore National Memorial each year to see the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln writ large in granite, and day trips frequently include Black Hills National Forest, which offers a wealth of wildlife and varied scenery. Other things to do around Rapid City include the Wild West town of Deadwood and Badlands National Park, known for its towering rock formations, Native American history, and ancient fossils.

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Top 3 attractions in Rapid City

#1

Cosmos Mystery Area

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The laws of gravity may not apply at Cosmos Mystery Area. At this Black Hills attraction, you see water appear to flow uphill, discover that seemingly level surfaces aren't straight, and find tall people that seem tiny. Don't miss walking up a wall in the Mystery House, and try cracking crystal-filled geodes at the on-site mine.More
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#2

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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The stony faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt peer out from the iconic granite outcrop known as Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is an American symbol, and with some 3 million visitors each year, it’s the state’s most popular attraction.More
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#3

Badlands National Park

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The dramatic pinnacles and buttes of Badlands National Park provide a stark contrast to the surrounding prairie. Scenic drives, trails, and campsites give visitors many ways to take in this unique landscape and to spot bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. The park also contains one of the world’s richest fossil beds.More
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Itineraries for your Rapid City trip

Top activities in Rapid City

Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show

Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show

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$164.30
Mt Rushmore "Bundle" - w/Crazy Horse/Needles/Iron Mtn-Public

Mt Rushmore "Bundle" - w/Crazy Horse/Needles/Iron Mtn-Public

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$299.00
Premiere Private Black Hills Tour: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park

Premiere Private Black Hills Tour: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park

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$370.00
Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

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$132.50
Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park

Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park

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$400.00
Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

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$400.00
Private Badlands National Park Day Tour

Private Badlands National Park Day Tour

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$370.00
Cosmos Mystery Area Admission
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Cosmos Mystery Area Admission

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$19.05
Private Black Hills Monument Package

Private Black Hills Monument Package

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$325.00
Private Badlands Package

Private Badlands Package

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$325.00
Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike

Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike

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$325.00
Private Mickelson Trail Bicycling Tour

Private Mickelson Trail Bicycling Tour

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$379.00
Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

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$375.00
Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour

Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour

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$379.00
Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private

Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private

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$375.00
Private Kayaking/ Stand up Paddle Boarding Package

Private Kayaking/ Stand up Paddle Boarding Package

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$325.00
JEEP Bison Safari - Public - Half Day Tour

JEEP Bison Safari - Public - Half Day Tour

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$349.00
Rollickin Rapid City Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Rollickin Rapid City Scavenger Hunt

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$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
NEW! Full Monty: Badlands, Baja Agate Fields and Wall Drug

NEW! Full Monty: Badlands, Baja Agate Fields and Wall Drug

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$499.00
Winter Wonderland: Exploring the Black Hills

Winter Wonderland: Exploring the Black Hills

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$319.00
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All about Rapid City

When to visit

For most visitors, Rapid City is a three-season destination. In spring, you get the forest roaring to life, with Spearfish Canyon’s waterfalls raging. In summer, you get warm, sunny days—and bigger crowds. In fall, you get the gold from aspen and birch trees popping out of the pine-clad greens in the Black Hills. Of course, in winter, you get bite-size crowds and world-famous places like Mt. Rushmore all to yourself.

Getting around

You’re going to want a car. You could get by with some combination of buses, taxis, and rideshares—or simply stay downtown and book a bunch of tours—but a personal vehicle is your best bet. Rapid City’s iconic attractions (such as Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse) typically require a short drive. What’s more, this area of the US is famous for its scenic drives: Spearfish Canyon and Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop are two of the best.

Traveler tips

However much time you’re thinking of spending in Rapid City, double it. There’s so much to do. You’ll want time to explore the Black Hills, including hiking the Cathedral Spires trail if you’re able. Then there’s Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse and the wildlife in Custer State Park. Make time to hang out with cowboys in nearby Deadwood (check out the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane) and tour Wind Cave and Jewel Cave.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
3
Tours
56
Reviews
1,957
EN
550de3aa-c959-4d0e-86a3-8acdcd81de8d
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People Also Ask

What is Rapid City known for?

Rapid City is known as the City of Presidents—downtown is lined with more than 40 life-size statues of former US presidents. That’s because Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with those four famous granite faces, is a 30-minute drive. Other nearby landmarks include Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and Needles Highway.

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Is Rapid City worth visiting?

Rapid City is worth visiting. The South Dakota town is a great home base for exploring Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Needles Highway. And you’ll also find a bustling downtown, great restaurants, epic bike paths, and a surprising amount of varied topography and beautiful views.

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What does Rapid City have to offer?

Rapid City has a lot to offer, especially outdoors. From here, visitors can explore the George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile (175-kilometer) bike path in the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, scenic Needles Highway, and wildlife- and adventure-heavy Custer State Park.

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How do I spend a day in Rapid City?

How you spend a day in Rapid City depends on your interests. You could start in downtown, counting life-size president statues as you explore the shops and restaurants. Then you could head to nearby Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, or scout for bison at Custer State Park.

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What is there to do in Rapid City for free?

There’s a lot to do in Rapid City for free. Drive Needles Highway, stopping for hikes (try Cathedral Spires Trail). Spot 40-plus life-size statues of US presidents downtown. Fourth graders can apply for a free Every Kids Outdoors pass, which grants entrance into Mount Rushmore National Memorial (parking is extra).

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Is Rapid City, South Dakota nice?

Rapid City is nice. Sitting at the edge of Black Hills National Forest, this is where Wild West views begin—think granite spires, rocky canyons, and more. There’s a bustling downtown, great food, and outdoor adventures at spots like Custer State Park and along the 109-mile (175-kilometer) George S. Mickelson Trail.

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