Rapid City Activities

Rapid City, South Dakota, tourism is a roaring trade, offering a mix of modern entertainment venues as well as historic districts, buildings, and museums highlighting the area's culture.

Bountiful year-round recreational activities cater to all ages, and outdoor Rapid City attractions include hiking and mountain biking trails, rivers and reservoirs, and climbable rock canyons.

Summer

• Rock-Climbing
  Nearby Needles-Sylvan Lake district, in the Harney Range, is a rock-climbing paradise, with guides and outfitters ready to help you find the perfect wall or rock face.
• Hiking/Cycling
  Tour Rapid City on the 13.5 mile trail following Rapid Creek then continue west out of town and explore the multi-use Mickelson Trail.
• Mountain Biking
  Attend the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival or explore the 240 acres surrounding Cowboy Hill.
• Fishing
  Tie on a dry fly and search for trout in Rapid Creek or head to a nearby reservoir and enjoy a day of lake fishing.
• Horseback Riding
  Satisfy your inner cowboy and take a guided horseback trail ride for a few hours of fun in the saddle.
• Museums/Arts
  With most museums open year-round, anytime is a good time to visit the Journey Museum, Dahl Arts Center, The Museum of Geology and more.
• Shopping
  Another year-round activity, search for the perfect gift in Rapid City’s historic downtown, Rushmore Mall, Rushmore Crossing Shopping Center, or Black Hills Gold jewelry outlets.

Winter

• Snowmobiling
  Snowmobiling is a primary Rapid City tourism activity in wintertime, with thousands of miles of accessible trails and roads located in Black Hills National Forest.
• Snowshoeing/Cross-country Skiing
  Snowshoe or cross-country ski in one of several designated areas or take the adventurous approach and break new trail.
• Ice Fishing
  Spud a hole and enjoy an afternoon on ice as you wet a line on a nearby reservoir.

• Rapid City, South Dakota, is a traveling hotspot, with centrally located museums, parks, shops and accommodation establishments.
• Hike or bike the 13.5 mile trail following Rapid Creek.
• Visit the Journey Museum and the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.
• Fish, camp, horseback ride, rock climb and more in Black Hills National Forest.