Location: Rapid City
Top Things to do in Rapid City
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The 10 Best Day Trips from in Rapid City, South Dakota (SD)
Rapid City has long been considered one of the gateways to the West, and its rich cowboy and Native American heritage is the result. Visitors won't want to miss the area's mammoth outdoor sculptures. There's Mount Rushmore, of course, but work also continues on the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, which will be the largest sculpture in the world when it is finally completed years down the line. Among the many local attractions are the scenic Black Hills, several nearby cavern systems that offer guided tours and the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.
Restaurants in Rapid City
1. Private Tour of the Badlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Inclusions: Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice, Snacks
Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.
Reviewed By Lornadoone
We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!
2. Private Badlands Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This tour provides a unique glimpse into the beauty and all that the Badlands have to offer! Learn about the history of the area, and spend the day taking in the rare geology of the Badlands. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Souvenir water bottle.
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
3. Custer State Park - Private Group Van Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is the only Convertible-Top Safari Van Tour of Custer State Park. The vans have individual leather reclining window seats, center aisle, sliding 10 foot tops that open/close according to the weather and guests comfort. We drive among the buffalo and you just stand and look down on them. We make many restroom breaks and stop for the picnic lunch . . . but you never need to leave the van during the tour for photos. With the elevated height your best viewing and photo ops are from the van. The tour includes: all fees, bottled water, snacks, picnic lunch and chilled wine/cold beer (on request)
Inclusions: Subway, Crackers and Cookies, Bottled water, On request only. Must be 21 years of age., Air-conditioned vehicle, Heated Convertible-Top-Vans with individual leather window seats, center aisle and 10 sliding top., Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 10 guests per tour.
Exclusions: Gratuities Not Included
Reviewed By EthanMN
We had such a blast with Jeff and Open top tours. We ended seeing quite a bit more bison than I ever expected and the deep knowledge from Jeff was great for us and was very engaging for our young kids. Additionally, they went out of their way to give us additional ideas for the other days we spent in the Black Hills and make our entire trip a great one.
4. Private Badlands National Park Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Tour with our knowledgable local guides and take in the park in your own time. Our private tours are flexible, with time to take photos, walk and enjoy the area as you wish to! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By debo395
We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!
5. Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Formed by several hundred thousand years of erosion, the Badlands formations expose the layers of millions of years of the regions history. It is a landscape that makes you feel as though you’ve landed on Mars. On this day trip, we pedal the nice, moderate Badlands Loop Road for just under 30 miles through the heart of the pinnacles and lower shale formations to the other end of the northern segment of Badlands National Park, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. There are also longer options available if desired. Enjoy close up views of wildlife and take in the breathtaking views of Badlands National Park. Enjoying this area by bicycle is a once in a lifetime opportunity! This tour is customizable. Contact us for more information.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Picnic Lunch, National Park Entrance Fee, Helmet, Water Bottle
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By debo395
We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!
6. Private Mt Rushmore & Southern Black Hills Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Make the most of your time in the beautiful Black Hills with our experienced, local guides. Booking a private tour means you have more time to enjoy the things you want to see! This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Inclusions: Lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By debo395
We hired Black Hills Tour Company for a 5 day Private Tour. Went to the Badlands National Park, Wall Drugs, Southern Black Hills, Mi. Rushmore, Iron Mt. Road, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, Northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon, National Science Lab, Mt. Moriah Cemetery and the city of Deadwood. Best was biking on the Mickelson Trail on the supplied "E" bikes. We even snuck in a trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Each day, the Company provided water/snack and knew all the "best" restaurants and coffee shops. Company personnel was extremely knowledgeable about the area and willing to deviate from plans when we required a "shopping" pit-stop!
7. Private Black Hills Monument Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
You will depart Rapid City at 8:30am and travel to Mount Rushmore. You will spend time hiking around the monument. Next, you will travel to Crazy Horse Memorial, learning the importance and history of Crazy Horse. Finally, you will get an opportunity to explore beautiful Custer State Park. You will be able to see wildlife at an incredibly close proximity, and enjoy the local flora. In each of these locations, you will gain unique and rare insight into the history of the Black Hills. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch will be enjoyed at the Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial., Bottled water, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
8. Private Mickelson Trail Bicycling Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
You will see areas of the Black Hills few people are able to experience. Learn the incredible history of the Mickelson Trail and what makes this trail so unique. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch, Use of bicycle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By kathryncF4736LW
My husband and I had a four- day tour of the Black Hills which was excellent from start to finish. We contacted the owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie, and she arranged the entire tour based on what we wanted to see and do which was perfect in every way. Karen Weik was our "Guiding Angel" who "knew her way around" and was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Beautiful Black Hills, Badlands, Leads, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Sheep Mountain , Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Sturgis and much more. Needless to say, the entire Black Hills Adventure Tour will always be one of our most memorable experiences because of the "Planning" by Carrie and the "Guiding" by Karen.
9. Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. All tours are conducted by the owners, Cindy and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are Private Tours exclusive to the group booking the tour and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free-of-charge and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our largest vehicle, a Sprinter van seats 9, and a larger vehicle may be rented or we can add a Honda Pilot for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Inclusions: Snacks, Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice
Exclusions: We have time budgeted for a meal break at the guest's discretion and expense. Coolers are available for boxed lunches and picnic supples.
Reviewed By Lornadoone
We hired John Eposti through Tours by Locals and were thrilled with him as a guide through the Badlands National Park. We learned about the geological formations, hit a variety of different sites where we saw majestic overlooks, walked on trails, visited a missile installation and stopped to photograph wildlife. We had lunch at Wall Drug, which was a fun diversion, and even got to hear some cowboy poetry. John planned a wonderful day, and helped us appreciate a majestic landscape with warm conversation, informative facts and even arranged to have his wife meet us to help us turn in our van at the end of the day. Well worth the modest investment to enhance your trip!
10. Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 14 reviews
Mount Rushmore Tours is the longest operating local family owned and operated tour company in the Black Hills. Started in 1973 and still under the same owner, we are widely regarded as the local experts in the bus tours for Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Restroom on board
Exclusions: Driver / Guide Gratuity, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner
Reviewed By Mark L
The best part of this tour was that they included everything I wanted to see in the Black Hills without me having to do the research and driving. This included a drive through a Buffalo herd, seeing the rock formations, driving through very tight rock tunnels, lunch at the presidential lodge and visits to the two carver's monuments. Our driver was very entertaining and knowledgeable.
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