Families flock to Rapid City. That’s because this western South Dakota city has a bounty of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests and ages, from toddlers to teens. Rapid City’s versatility even earned it a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award. Read on to discover six ways to entertain your crew in Rapid City.
This article is sponsored by Visit Rapid City.
Pose with Presidents & Dinosaurs
Nicknamed the “City of Presidents,” Rapid City has 43 life-size bronze statues of U.S. presidents standing on every corner of downtown. Embark on a scavenger hunt of sculptures crafted by a group of local artists, or take an audio tour that brings the story of each president to life. Be sure to take a selfie with your favorite Oval Office icons, from George Washington to Barack Obama.
Since the 1930s, seven larger-than-life replicas of prehistoric beasts have watched over Rapid City’s skyline from Dinosaur Park. Kiddos love climbing on the cartoonish figures, including an 80-foot-long Brontosaurus and a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus rex, while adults take in breathtaking views of the city. Recent enhancements, including wheelchair-friendly pathways, have made this historical park accessible to more visitors.
Encounter Some Wild Residents
At Bear Country USA, a wildlife park located 8 miles south of Rapid City, families can see black bears, elk, reindeer and other mammals from the comfort of their own car. Or spend an afternoon at Reptile Gardens, one of the world's largest reptile zoos. There, you can watch gator and snake shows, go nose to nose with a tortoise, and spy on prairie dogs and several species of birds.
Roam the Great Outdoors
Families hankering for fresh air will find plenty of trails in and near Rapid City. Bike on the 13-mile bike path that follows along Rapid Creek near downtown, or hike through peaceful forests to eye-catching vistas on one of the many Skyline Wilderness Area trails. Rapid City is also just a 30- to 60-minute drive from some of South Dakota’s famous parks and monuments, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park.
Celebrate Rapid City Culture
Every October, crowds congregate in Rapid City for He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskake, or the Black Hills Powwow — one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the country. The three-day affair, which honors the beauty of Great Plains Indigenous song and dance, features competitions, a fine arts show and other activities. Venues across Rapid City also host plenty of other family-friendly events year-round, including sporting events, festivals, farmers markets and concerts.
Learn Something Cool
Rapid City has several museums that offer fun and educational experiences. At The Journey Museum, find out how the area’s earliest residents lived, from the dinosaurs to the Lakota people to the pioneers. Or check out rare minerals and fossils of camels, horses and other ancient mammals at the Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Feast on Crowd-pleasing Grub
Rapid City restaurants, which serve a diversity of cuisines, will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Pop into Colonial House Restaurant & Bar for comforting fare, such as stacks of buttermilk hotcakes for breakfast and heaping platters of pasta for dinner. Sip on a cold pint while your kiddos devour burgers and fries at Firehouse Brewing Co., housed in a historical fire station decorated with hoses, ladders and other gear.
Need a Place to Stay?
Rapid City has oodles of lodging options, from pet-friendly hotels for those with four-legged family members in tow to cabins and campgrounds for nature lovers.
