If you’ve been to a lot of places and you’re thinking of a new vacation spot to spend a few days or so, have you ever considered going to Rapid City? Rapid City rests on the eastern side of Black Hills National Forest and is one of South Dakota’s most populous cities. It is half an hour away from Mount Rushmore so you can easily go on a tour around the famous landmark. Some of the most famous tourist attractions are the South Dakota Air And Space Museum, Museum of Geology, and Crazy Horse Memorial, but there’s so much more in Rapid City just waiting to be discovered! If you’d like to pay the city a visit, read on. For you to acquire an immersive experience, we’re here to give you an idea of the things to do in Rapid City, USA.
1. Go wildlife spotting at the famous Bear Country USA
Getting close to bed time...see you tomorrow!
Posted by Bear Country USA on Monday, 11 June 2018
If you love animals, then there’s no reason for you not to visit the famous Bear Country USA! They have a lot of North American wildlife on their premises that you and your friends or family members can spot and get an up-close look at. Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture these majestic animals, too! Some of them are black bears, arctic wolves, elks, badgers, beavers, bighorn sheep, and a whole lot more! So if you are looking to relax and be fascinated with the wonders of nature, then you know what the first tourist spot you’ll visit in Rapid City is.
Bear Country USA
Address: 13820 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: Bear Country USA
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From18 USD
2. Bring your children to see the dinosaurs at Dinosaur Park
Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries is the shop to visit if you are looking for souvenirs to remind you of your vacation in Rapid City, or if you are looking to buy gifts for family members, relatives, or friends who’re unable to come with you in the lovely city. Some of the products that they are offering are hat pins, native medicine bags, t-shirts, and even herbal medicines! Aside from shopping, the gallery is a place to be fascinated by Native American artworks such as paintings and other American Indian crafts. It’s another great way to appreciate the creative expression and immerse in the culture of the place you’re visiting - and take a piece of it home, too.
Dinosaur Park
Address: 940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: Dinosaur Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
3. Browse through the Native American artworks at Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries is the shop to visit if you are looking for souvenirs to remind you of your vacation in Rapid City, or if you are looking to buy gifts for family members, relatives or friends who’re unable to come with you in the lovely city. Some of the products that they are offering are hat pins, native medicine bags, t-shirts, even herbal medicines! Aside from shopping, the gallery is a place to be fascinated by Native American artworks such as paintings and other American Indian crafts. It’s another great way to immerse in the culture of the place you’re visiting - and take a piece of it home, too.
Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
Address: 606 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
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4. Offer some prayers at Chapel in the Hills
Chapel in the Hills was built primarily as a place of worship. If you are a spiritual person, you can stop by on your Rapid City trip to offer your prayers in the beautiful and secluded chapel. Chapel on the Hills holds concerts and other Christianity-centered performances. The chapel’s architecture has Scandinavian roots evident in its rustic and elegant design. Apart from a spiritual visit, it is another architectural wonder that’s a great addition to your photo collection of wonderful places and buildings.
Chapel in the Hills
Address: 3788 Chapel Ln, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: Chapel in the Hills
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
5. Spend some time bonding with your family at Reptile Gardens
If you love animals, especially reptiles, then Reptile Garden is the place to be! They have a wide variety of reptilian species such as alligators, turtles, giant tortoises, frogs, and snakes that will fascinate you and your family! Besides their collection of reptiles, they also have birds, insects, and other kinds of animals. The admission fee changes depending on the season; winter has the lowest price at 15 USD per person and summer, is the highest, at 20 USD per person. Seniors and kids from 5 to 12 years of age will also receive a special discount, while kids below the age of 4 are free to enter. A trip to Reptile Gardens will certainly make for an interesting afternoon of bonding with family.
Reptile Gardens
Address: 8955 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: Reptile Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
6. Marvel at the rare fossils at Museum of Geology
If you’re an earth science buff, you’ll surely enjoy your time at Museum of Geology. With their wide collection of rare dinosaurs and other prehistoric animal fossils, kids and adults alike will surely find it fascinating. They also have a dedicated place for children where they can enjoy hands-on experiences while learning a thing or two about the ancient wonders of our world and general knowledge about geology through exhibits. Best of all, admission is free so it’s perfect for budget travelers.
Museum of Geology
Address: 501 E St Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Museum of Geology
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
7. Unwind yourself at the peaceful Canyon Lake Park
If you are looking for a place where you can chill out with your family, and friends, or even as a solo traveler, there are a ton of places to be in Rapid City. One such place is Canyon Lake Park. The park is a perfect place for outdoor pursuits such as morning jogs, bicycling, or playing sports such as tennis or golf, so you might want to bring some extra clothes for your stop here. It has green spaces and outdoor seating to just relax amid the peaceful surroundings or get active with some games. Just a reminder, if you plan on bringing your pet with you, you can do so provided that it is properly leashed.
Canyon Lake Park
Address: 4181 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: Canyon Lake Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
8. Tour the unique Downtown Rapid City
If you don’t have a particular plan in mind and you just want to go out and be spontaneous, your best bet is Downtown Rapid City. This lively, bustling area of the city is a spot where museums, restaurants, and other recreational establishments are situated so you can do whatever it is that comes to your mind and spend an idle afternoon. At night, make sure to visit the incredible dancing water fountain in Main Street Square. No visit to this area is complete without having a photo with the collection of statues of all former US Presidents including Thomas Jefferson on 7th Street and Theodore Roosevelt on 9th Street. Whether you just want something to eat or learn a new thing or two, check out new coffee shops, go shopping, or even if you just want to stroll around, a downtown attraction can surely accommodate you.
Downtown Rapid City
Address: 512 Main St #980, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Downtown Rapid City
9. Breathe in some fresh air in the lush greenery of Buffalo Gap National Grassland
An ideal location for family picnics, walking your dogs, or just relaxing, Buffalo Gap National Grassland is a place abundant in green grasses and small animals just outside the city limits. It is an expansive area where you can chill out with mother nature. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is always free to whoever wants to enjoy lying in the grass and unwinding. It could also be a romantic dating spot where you can gaze at the stars with your significant other!
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Address: Rapid City, SD
Website: Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Have fun with your children at Storybook Island
Storybook Island is an economical way to bond and have fun with your kids because the park is absolutely free of admission! Yes, you’ve read that right! The park offers itself for free for children and even the young at heart to enjoy! The special events cost a few dollars though, but overall, spending time here is still very affordable. Some of the amusement park’s exciting events usually happen in time for Halloween and Christmas seasons. Check out this family-friendly attraction’s website if you wish to know more about such events.
Storybook Island
Address: 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: Storybook Island
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Catch up on your reading at Rapid City Public Library
If you love reading books, you can safely express that geeky side of you at Rapid City Public Library! They’ve got a wide range of physical books, e-books, and periodicals, and they even have gaming and movie DVDs! Whether you are the type of bookworm who loves to hold a physical book or you’re okay reading them on a computer screen, Rapid City Public Library won’t fail your ‘bookie monster’ within! This place should be a must on your list if you’re a bookworm looking to get some reading done on vacation.
Rapid City Public Library
Address: 610 Quincy St, Rapid City, SD 57701; 10 Van Buren St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Rapid City Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 7pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 6pm
12. Tour Firehouse Wine Cellars and learn about wine-making
If you want to learn how wines are made, or you simply want to see, feel, and be in a real-life winery, then Firehouse Wine Cellars is the place to be! They have a huge selection of wine you’d love to taste if you’re a wine connoisseur at heart. In addition to selling wines, they also sell pizzas, host events, and even sell various merchandise such as caps, bottle openers, and even tumblers.
Firehouse Wine Cellars
Address: 620 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Firehouse Wine Cellars
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
13. See and feel a real flintlock rifle at America's Founding Fathers Exhibit
On this date, Friday, June 28, 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress heard the first reading of the draft Declaration of...
Posted by America's Founding Fathers Exhibit on Friday, 28 June 2019
Arts and history enthusiasts might want to pay America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit a visit. At this iconic landmark, you’ll learn about American history, especially how the country got its independence. You will also see life-size sculptures of the iconic figures who helped shape the history of America. You’ll also have the chance to fire a flintlock rifle, ring the Liberty Bell, and buy a few souvenirs from their gift shop after your visit.
America's Founding Fathers Exhibit
Address: 9815 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Website: America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit
Opening hours: By appointment only between Oct 1 - Apr 30
Price: From 12 USD
14. Stroll along the beautiful Memorial Park
Here’s another park in Rapid City where you can stroll without worrying about anything - Memorial Park Promenade. It was built to commemorate the people who lost their lives in the 1972 flood, and also for the locals and tourists to have a place to relax and unwind, or maybe bond with friends and family members. The park has an entire alley of food stalls where you can eat your favorite street food. It also has street performers to entertain its visitors.
Memorial Park
Address: 600-684 Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Memorial Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
15. Attend an event at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
If you don’t have any particular event that you’d like to attend in Rapid City, why not check out the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center’s website? They have a ton of upcoming and annual events that might interest you. This grandiose venue features different performances - there’s bound to be something for you. There are events such as Simon and Garfunkel Story, Byu Ballroom Dance Company, and more! From sports, concerts, community events, theatrical performances, and everything else in between, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center has got your entertainment covered!
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Address: 444 N Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
16. Satisfy the art connoisseur in you at Suzie Cappa Art Center
Learn about and appreciate the many different forms of art at Suzie Cappa Art Center. By visiting this art alley, you’re supporting different-abled artists’ magnificent works, and you can even learn how to create your own artwork, too! If you like one of the art pieces in their gallery, you can purchase one, and know that by doing so, you are contributing something positive to the lives of people who are doing something they are passionate about.
Suzie Cappa Art Center
Address: 722 St Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Suzie Cappa Art Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
17. Gorge on American delicacies at Tally's Silver Spoon
Your vacation in Rapid City wouldn’t be complete without having a taste of the area’s good food! And if you agree, you’d want to visit one of the most famous restaurants in the area: Tally’s Silver Spoon! Serving American dishes, don’t you want to compare how the taste of the food here fares against your favorite restaurant in your hometown? Tally’s Silver Spoon has been serving up delicious eats since the 1930s, and they have a wide menu with dishes such as pork and pinot, beef wellington, and the American version of famous oriental cuisines such as bibimbap and pho.
Tally's Silver Spoon
Address: 530 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Tally’s Silver Spoon
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
18. Sample the nightlife at Murphy's Pub and Grill
Beer, cocktails, mocktails, and food! Yes, Murphy’s Pub and Grill is all about partying and a good time, and good vibes! This pub has been serving happy drinks and feel-good food since the 1930s, and it is still standing tall and famous up to this day, which says a lot about the quality of food, drinks, and customer service! So if you and your pals are looking for a place to unwind, you guys won’t go wrong at Murphy’s Pub and Grill!
Murphy's Pub and Grill
Address: 510 9th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
Website: Murphy’s Pub and Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 12am; Thu - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 10.30am - 9pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
Discover more of Rapid City
As you can probably tell, Rapid City’s got a ton of places where you can hang out and have fun either by yourself or in the company of other people. And these are but a few of the things to do in Rapid City, USA! So, pack your things up, hit the road for scenic drives, and discover more of the hiking trails, mountain ranges, theme parks, cultural attractions, and more in this charming destination.
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