Rapid City
In the heart of western South Dakota's Black Hills & Badlands region, Rapid City is close to outdoor adventure — including six National Park Service sites — while offering plenty of city comforts and attractions.
Top Things to Do in Rapid City
Start at Main Street Square, the heart of downtown Rapid City. This popular public space, surrounded by boutiques, eateries and galleries, features live music, special events, arts and culture, and seasonal amenities like ice skating and interactive fountains. Take a walking tour of the “City Of Presidents” to spot life-sized bronze sculptures of dozens of U.S. Presidents throughout downtown, then see the ever-changing murals in Art Alley.
Explore museums such as the South Dakota Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Geology. Little ones love the themed playgrounds at Storybook Island (open seasonally) and massive sculptures at Dinosaur Park, a free attraction and classic road-trip photo op since 1936. All ages will get a thrill at wildlife attractions such as Bear Country USA, Reptile Gardens and The Outdoor Campus-West, home to a 4,600-gallon aquarium. The City View Trolley Tour offers a great overview of Rapid City's landmarks and history.
Find more things to do in Rapid City
National Parks & Monuments Near Rapid City
Within an hour’s drive, explore American history and the great outdoors in national parks and forests. See brightly colored landscapes at Badlands National Park, underground caverns at Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, a larger-than-life sculpture of American presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial and nuclear history at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Basecamp from this central Black Hills city to explore 353 miles of trails in nearby Black Hills National Forest.
The Travel South Dakota Stories
Episode 5: The Greatest Show in the west
In South Dakota, rodeo isn't just a sport — it’s a way of life! Hear hooves pound the dirt and crowds roar as you get an exciting look at the skill, tradition and daring on display at one of the biggest events in the region, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.
Annual Festivals & Events in Rapid City
- Get ready for the ultimate fair experience at the Central States Fair & Rodeo. From motocross racing and a demolition derby to rodeo events and national music acts, this carnival is a serious crowd-pleaser.
- Every Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, enjoy free live music featuring rock, pop and country artists at Rapid City Summer Nights. This family-friendly concert series also offers a lively happy hour with top-notch food and beer vendors.
- Celebrate Native culture at the Black Hills Powwow & Expo (He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate). The three-day event at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center brings together hundreds of tribes for arts and crafts shows, storytelling, drumming, singing and traditional dancing.
- For cowboys and Old West aficionados, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is a must. Drawing over 300,000 attendees, this weeklong event features 120 rodeos, livestock shows, horse events, concerts and even a beer festival.
Explore All Events
Where to Stay & Eat in Rapid City
From brand-name hotels and convenient RV parks to unique lodging options like log cabins and covered wagons, Rapid City offers an array of accommodations for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy a night out at upscale restaurants such as Jupiter at Vertex Sky Bar, Dakotah Steakhouse and Delmonico Grill. Families will love the casual atmosphere and kid-friendly food at places like Colonial House Restaurant & Bar and Millstone Family Restaurant. Grab a pint from Lost Cabin Beer Company, one of South Dakota’s best breweries — a perfect stop after biking the Black Hills terrain of M-Hill.
Things to Do in Rapid City
