Rapid City: Where Nature and Art Collide
One visit to Rapid City and you’ll understand what makes this town such a unique destination. It's where nature, regional history and public art combine to create one memorable experience. Observe seven massive dinosaur sculptures at Dinosaur Park, a free attraction and classic road-trip photo op since 1936. Explore a free outdoor education center equipped with a 4,600-gallon aquarium, interactive exhibits, trails and free classes on South Dakota’s outdoor heritage all at The Outdoor Campus-West.
Basecamp from this central Black Hills city to explore 353 miles of nearby trails in the Black Hills National Forest. Bike M-Hill and finish with a pint from Lost Cabin Beer Co., one of South Dakota's best breweries. Take a short drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of the nation’s biggest attractions. Check out the row of other family-friendly attractions along Mount Rushmore Road (U.S. Hwy. 16). Stops like Reptile Gardens, Bear Country U.S.A and Old MacDonald's Farm have entertained generations of road-trip warriors.
Main Street Square
Head to the heart of downtown Rapid City, where you'll find Main Street Square. 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.
Art Alley
Take a stroll down Art Alley, where you'll see unique art work from personal to global expressions. Get lost in the ever-changing and constantly modifying works of the many artists who have contributed to this community gallery since 2003.
Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park (M Hill)
Over 20 miles of trails beckon hikers, runners and cyclists to this 300-acre patch of Black Hills terrain in Rapid City known as "M Hill." Those looking for a gentle jaunt will enjoy an easy hike over rolling hills, while those looking for a challenging adventure will find plenty of climbs here.
The City of Presidents
Lining the streets of downtown Rapid City, you'll find life-size bronze sculptures of all the former U.S. presidents. Between shopping and dining, explore the City of Presidents to find them all — and be sure to snap some photos along the way.
Dinosaur Park
Fossils were once found in Rapid City on the sandstone ridge that's surrounded by the Black Hills. In honor of this former excavation site, the area has been converted to Dinosaur Park, the home of seven massive dinosaur replicas and a heck of a lot of fun.
Stratobowl
The Stratobowl isn't just a 400-foot deep canyon perfect for hiking around or launching hot air balloons. It's also where aeronautical history was made.
Looking for a fun outdoor getaway? Start planning your trip to Rapid City today.
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PLACES to Stay near Rapid City
Accommodations here run the gamut, from a lauded historic hotel in the heart of it all to a lodge overlooking the Black Hills to international brands with all the familiar trappings.
Where to Eat and Drink
The food scene here is as vibrant as the city itself. Craft breweries offer menus as creative as their beers, refined restaurants make date-night perfection and cafés serve up the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
What to See and Do Nearby
Whether you want to explore local indigenous culture, watch bear cubs play at Bear Country USA or browse boutiques at Main Street Square, Rapid City's itinerary potential goes well beyond Mount Rushmore – which is also close by.
View itinerary
There is so much to do in and around Rapid City, it can be hard to fit it all in: museums, wildlife parks, indigenous art galleries. Don't have much time? No worries: here's how to fit it all in over a couple of days.
Check Out These Rapid City Businesses
