Rapid City acts as a gateway to the Black Hills, offering visitors a taste of all there is on offer. Museums, monuments, and guided tours portray a picture of days gone by, while amusements parks, National and State Parks, golf courses, rivers, hills and trails cater to outdoor enthusiasts. After a hard day’s recreating, you’ll find hundreds of places to dine and relax in this exciting city.
Rapid City, South Dakota is located in the eastern foothills of the Black Hills, off US Interstate 90.
Hundreds of accommodation establishments offer a range of hotels, motels, inns, resorts, campgrounds and RV parks.
Shoppers will find boutiques, art galleries, cafes and more in the historic downtown while Rushmore Mall and Rushmore Crossing shopping center feature nationally known shopping venues as well as local shops.
The Black Hills Gold Factory is a must-stop for jewelry lovers, with outlets in several locations.
Bikers and hikers have their choice of trails, including a 13.5 mile trail following Rapid Creek that winds its way through the city. Mountain bikers can enjoy endless hours within the 240-acres of Cowboy Hill, or the nearby Mickelson Trail.
Black Hills National Forest provides fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and ATV opportunity during summer, and rock climbers will find no end of canyon walls in the Harney Range. Eight area golf courses provide ample greens for golfers and several scenic roads bisect dramatic landscapes.
In winter, indulge in cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and ice fishing, or visit one of several museums open year-round.
Travel backwards in time when you visit the Journey Museum, featuring exhibits and artifacts as old as 2.5 billion years. The Dahl Arts Center contains three formal galleries, a children’s interactive gallery, and more.
Reptile Gardens allows nature lovers to view exotic birds, reptiles, and fossils, Bear Country USA is home to bear, elk, wolves and other species, and Watiki Indoor Water Park offers relaxing spa soaks while your kids enjoy the waterslides.
Other Rapid City South Dakota Resources
Official site for the Rapid City government.