Golden-hour sunset view of Rapid City, South Dakota
7 Unexpected Things to Do in Rapid City
Rapid City is more than the monuments nearby. A colorful arts scene, storied Western landmarks and hidden gems stack up fast, leaving your itinerary happily jam-packed. Here’s where to look beyond the obvious.
Find bronze presidential statues throughout downtown
Snap photos at Dinosaur Park
Sip locally brewed beer inside Firehouse Brewing Co.
Find bronze presidential statues throughout downtown
Snap photos at Dinosaur Park
Sip locally brewed beer inside Firehouse Brewing Co.
Go On an Art Walk
Wander through the heart of Rapid City, where the sidewalk is an outdoor gallery. Bronze sculptures of past presidents are scattered throughout town with subtle details such as hand gestures, newspapers or attire that reflect their personalities and the eras they represent. Nearby art spaces showcase contemporary works inspired by the Plains and traditional, hand-painted buffalo hide drums.
Pay Homage to Dino
High atop a ridge overlooking Rapid City, a bright green, 80-foot-long brontosaurus keeps watch at Dinosaur Park, welcoming visitors for free since the 1930s. Mingle with smaller prehistoric creatures and, as evening approaches, watch the horizon bleed into deep purples and oranges.
Continue your prehistoric adventure at the Dinosaur Museum
Design Your Own Pub Crawl
Rapid City is a walkable paradise for craft-beer enthusiasts. Step into history at Firehouse Brewing Co., where brick walls with red-painted trim, ladders and a sliding pole hark back to when it served as the city’s original fire station in 1915. Just a short stroll away, Hay Camp Brewing Company pairs creative taps with locally sourced fare at its on-site eatery, Bashful Bison.
Enjoy a stroll through Chapel in the Hills
Browse exhibits at The Journey Museum
Hike the Stratobowl Rim Trail for rewarding views
Shop for crafts and jewelry at Prairie Edge Co. & Galleries
Learn About Norwegian Architecture
Tucked away in a forested landscape southwest of town, the Chapel in the Hills is an intricate wooden marvel that draws “oohs” and “ahhs” from visitors, with free admission to boot. This faithful replica of Norway's Borgund Stavkirke features steep, storybook-like gables and expert craftsmanship that honors the region’s Scandinavian influence.
Visit other historic sites in Rapid City
Travel Back 2.5 Billion Years
Buckle up for a wild ride as you step into the time machine that is The Journey Museum. Trace the jagged lines of Black Hills geology, marvel at the lifestyle of early pioneers and learn about the traditions of the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Learn more about Native culture
Hike the Birthplace of the Space Age
In 1934, the Stratobowl served as the launch site for record-breaking crewed balloon flights that reached the edge of the stratosphere, paving the way for modern space exploration. Today, you can take the 1.7-mile out-and-back Stratobowl Rim Trail for a bird’s-eye view of the 400-foot-deep limestone bowl and green meadow below.
Find more hiking spots near Rapid City
Hunt for Downtown Treasures
If you’re the kind of shopper who lives for a one-of-a-kind score, Rapid City delivers plenty of unexpected finds to sift through. At He Sapa Vintage, the racks are heavy with weathered denim and threads from another era. The sprawling Prairie Edge Co. & Galleries showcases handcrafted art, crafts and jewelry as well as a library of music and literature that celebrates Native heritage.
Discover unique shopping in Rapid City
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