What to do in Rapid City, SD

Activities, attractions and tours

A rugged landscape with prominent buttes and a clear sky.
Mount Rushmore with four large granite faces of U.S. presidents.
A field of colorful flowers, a brick structure, and a hill with trees in the background.
A cityscape with a prominent First National Bank building, surrounded by residential houses and greenery.
A gazebo in a grassy field with a large house in the background.

Things to do

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore

Rp535.651
per traveller
86% of travellers recommend
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore
Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

Rp589.234
per traveller
Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour
Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

Rp267.736
per traveller
Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide
Mount Rushmore Self-guided Walking Audio Tour

Mount Rushmore: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Rp267.736
per traveller
Mount Rushmore: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
Black Hills Day Trip: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State PK!

Mount Rushmore Extended Expedition Tour

Rp5.268.995
per adult
Mount Rushmore Extended Expedition Tour
From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore Memorial Tour

From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore Memorial Tour

Rp2.926.346
per adult
From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore Memorial Tour
Rapid City: Mount Rushmore Winter Tour

Rapid City: Mount Rushmore Winter Tour

Rp3.554.339
per adult
Rapid City: Mount Rushmore Winter Tour
From Rapid City: Black Hills, Deadwood, and Lead Day Tour

From Rapid City: Black Hills, Deadwood, and Lead Day Tour

Rp5.380.626
per adult
From Rapid City: Black Hills, Deadwood, and Lead Day Tour
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing

Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing

Rp7.126.539
per adult
Mt Rushmore Night Ceremony and Tour - with Tunnels and Stargazing
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What to do in Rapid City

Stay near popular Rapid City attractions

A person interacting with a large reptile at Reptile Gardens.
Photo by Dan Vang
Open Photo by Dan Vang

Reptile Gardens

9.0/10 (995 reviews)
Guinness-certified as the world's largest reptile collection, Reptile Gardens displays exotic creatures amid stunning botanical settings. Enjoy live snake shows or meet gentle giant tortoises in this educational sanctuary.
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Where to stay in Rapid City

Find the best Rapid City areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A rugged landscape with prominent buttes and a clear sky.
Photo by Rapid City CVB
Open Photo by Rapid City CVB

Historic Rapid City

Historic Rapid City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Main Street Square or Aby's.

Mount Rushmore with the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the rock.

West Boulevard Historic District

West Boulevard Historic District might not have many top sights, but Main Street Square and Central States Fairgrounds are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A vast landscape with layered rock formations and green vegetation.
Photo by Thomas Steventon
Open Photo by Thomas Steventon

Downtown Historic District

If you're spending some time in Downtown Historic District, Main Street Square and Art Alley are top sights worth seeing.

A rugged mountain landscape with tall, narrow rock formations and dense green forests.

Rimrock

While Rimrock may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Thunderhead Falls and Pactola Pines Marina.

Day trip destinations from Rapid City

A rugged mountain range with prominent rock formations and dense forests.

Piedmont

A winding road through a forested valley with a rocky cliff and a waterfall.

Blackhawk

Frequently asked questions

Is Rapid City worth visiting?
Rapid City offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, nature or regional cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Rapid City?
Watiki Water Park and Bear Country USA are two great places to begin your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Rapid City while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rapid City?
Don't leave without visiting Watiki Water Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Rapid City.
Is three days enough to stay in Rapid City?
You can easily visit leading attractions like Watiki Water Park, Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show and Storybook Island with a three-day stay in Rapid City. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and head to Keystone.
Is Rapid City a walkable city?
With awesome attractions like Storybook Island in the area, Rapid City is every bit a place to enjoy on foot. Up for visiting some vibrant neighbourhoods within walking distance of downtown? Historic Rapid City is just 0.32 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Rapid City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Rapid City with kids.

What to do in Rapid City for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Rapid City, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Museum of the American Bison or Journey Museum & Learning Centre.
Are there free things to do in Rapid City?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Rapid City is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.