Things to do in Rapid City

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

Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

RM61
per traveller
Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide
Keystone Ghost Tour Haunted Black Hills Self Guided Audio

Mount Rushmore Ghost Tour, Keystone - Self-Guided Driving/Walking

RM20
per adult
Mount Rushmore Ghost Tour, Keystone - Self-Guided Driving/Walking
Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

RM135
per traveller
Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour
Rapid City: Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Tour with Meals & Show

Rapid City: Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Tour with Meals & Show

RM713
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rapid City: Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Tour with Meals & Show
From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore Memorial Tour

From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore Memorial Tour

RM670
per adult
From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore Memorial Tour
From Rapid City: Black Hills, Deadwood, and Lead Day Tour

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

RM1,232
per adult
From Rapid City: Black Hills, Deadwood, and Lead Day Tour
Private - JEEP Badlands Backcountry

Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch

RM3,678
per adult
Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch
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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.

Panoramic sunrise view on Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

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.

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

Hill City

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

Nemo

SOUTH DAKOTA, USA - JULY 2019: Countryside hills near Rockerville Lodge

Rockerville

A green dinosaur sculpture in a grassy field with hills and trees in the background.

Caputa

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 kilometres 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.