Rapid City, South Dakota is the doorway to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.  Enjoy the great outdoors, hiking and biking on the many trails through the Black Hills area and along Rapid Creek or head to Iron Mountain Road or Spearfish Canyon. Rapid City and the Black Hills are known for their mountain lakes and fresh-water streams brimming with brook, brown and rainbow trout. On the surrounding prairie, reservoirs and ranch stock dams are full of largemouth bass, northern pike and a variety of panfish.

Treat the kids to a day at Dinosaur Park or Storybook Island or get up close to the wildlife at Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens. From the Rushmore Mall to unique downtown shops, Native American arts and crafts outlets and Black Hills gold jewelers, there’s plenty of shopping opportunities throughout town.

When it comes to dining, Rapid City has something for all appetites—whether it’s fine dining and wine, chuckwagon meals or cheeseburgers and fries—you’re sure to please the whole family.

A Day in Rapid City

Known as the City of Presidents because of its proximity to Mount Rushmore, all of the U.S. presidents are standing on downtown street corners in the form of bronze statues. Make a game out of hunting them all down. Make it easier by using the map provided by Downtown Rapid City.

The statue of George Washington, the first U.S. president, was strategically placed outside Rapid City’s first hotel, Hotel Alex Johnson, built in 1927.  Besides the presidents, other street art includes Native American pieces, like this piece by Dale Lamphere.

In Art Alley local artists express themselves with free-form graffiti murals. Visit the Prairie Edge store, filled with arts and crafts created by Native Americans and an art gallery on the upper level. The large store also sells supplies used in Native American arts. Why not also visit the Journey Museum for a good orientation to the Black Hills history and culture. Begin with the video and then work your way through the exhibits on area geology, archeology, Native Americans and pioneers.

And finally, visit Main Street Square. You’ll often find community events like concerts and movies under the stars at Main Street Square. Kids can romp in the splash pad in the summer. In the winter, skate on the ice rink.

South Dakota Destinations

How Can We Help?

  • North America Travel Service
  • The Kennedy Building,
    48 Victoria Road,
    Leeds, LS11 5AF
  • GET DIRECTIONS
Join our newsletter

Get updates on the latest offers, news, events and more.