Location: Rapid City
Top Things to do in Rapid City
Countries
The 8 Best Specialty Museums 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. Motion Unlimited Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Motion Unlimited Museum and Antique/Classic Car Lot. Same Location Since 1973. 6180 South Highway 79, Rapid City, South Dakota Come visit our genuine Old Car Lot, With Nearly 100 Vehicles For Sale. Come Inside to See Our Beautiful Museum 17,000 sq. feet of cars, trucks, motorcycles, toys, pedal cars, memorabilia, oil & gas signs, and much more. All beautifully displayed. Hours: 9am-5pm- Monday-Friday Saturday: 9am-4pm Closed On Sundays, and Some Holidays.
Reviewed By Drew4Kristin - Buhler, United States
The price was great the cars where cool. And the old lady there was really awesome and very nice. They had alot of cool things not just cars. There were a lot of cool stuff for sale including cars I would definitely recommend a quick stop just to take a look.
2. The Journey Museum and Learning Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Open all year long! Your Black Hills Journey starts here. The Journey Museum and Learning Center brings together four major prehistoric and historic collections to tell the complete story of the Western Great Plains - from the perspective of the Lakotas and the pioneers who shaped its past to the scientists who now study it. Providing special programs and interactive learning experiences for all ages is our mission.
Reviewed By CarolA247 - Amarillo, United States
This is an amazing museum in the downtown area. It is hardly advertised or signed toward. It is so worth spending an hour in even at $12 per person. The museum is very clean, social distanced and masks required. It was not crowded even on a Saturday and the restrooms were good. You make your way from gallery to gallery through South Dakota history. They have some very good Lakota, Sioux and other local tribal displays that we really enjoyed including a beautiful hide painting and calendar paintings. They have many, many period artifacts, furnishing, clothing, etc. in each area and the tepees were amazing to me. They looked like the real thing. The signage is just enough and not overwhelming.
3. Museum of Geology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
We are a natural history museum featuring an excellent displays of South Dakota fossils, minerals from around the world and South Dakota Minerals.
Reviewed By jimmydoe
free to public, parking is difficult... has excellent display of minerals, gems and gold, also fossils from western south dakota....is very disproportionately large for a small museum in a small state. a replica of Sue, the T.rex fossil that was found in the area is on display, as are other dinosaur bones... a place for both kids and adults
4. South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota's premiere free aviation museum! The museum has two major static display venues: First, a outdoor air park filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft lets you get close to & touch history. This includes the currently flown B-1B Lancer. Secondly, four historical hangars showcase military history & technology,space tech & EROS, SD aviation, and EAFB local military history in a fresh and immersive walk-through. Mid-May through Mid-September bus tours of nearby Ellsworth AFB and the Minuteman II missile training silo are offered at a nominal fee. You will be able to go inside the silo and on base for a 50 minute guided tour of the only MMII silo open to the public. Make sure you bring your ID or Passport (Non-US) to enjoy the tour!
Reviewed By 107drewg - Rapid City, United States
In a city no larger than Rapid City, the museum at Ellsworth AFB far exceeds expectations if you are interested in military aviation history. Bombers, B-1 and B-29, among others are on display as is General Eisenhower's personal transport from WWII. The indoor portion of the museum is also well prepared and includes a B-1 cockpit.
5. America's Founding Fathers Exhibit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Tours for groups of 10 or more are available Oct through April. Book on our website -- or use the contact page on the website. Step back to 1776 and America's founders! We're all about the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War and the perfect stop to or from Mount Rushmore! The centerpiece is the life-size iconic "Declaration of Independence" painting by John Trumbull in a 3-D diorama. Hear the dramatic story of the 56 men who staked their lives and sacred honor for your liberty. The staff introduction to the Revolution which is followed by an 18 minute narrated sound and light show. Afterwards, take in brief biographies of all 56 signers. You can also shoot a flintlock long rifle or ring a full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell. The gift shop features books, games and puzzles about the American Revolution. We're the replica of Independence Hall between Mt. Rushmore and Rapid City. Hours 9am to 4pm daily, May through Sept. The flintlocks are available until 3:00pm.
6. Pawnseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
What do you get when you cross a world-class Pawn Shop with an amazing musuem? Well...You get a Pawnseum. More importantly, you get the World's Only Pawnseum. And it's located in downtown Rapid City, SD (only a half-hour from Mount Rushmore!) At the Pawnseum, you will not only view rare artifacts like The Friendship 7 Periscope Lens, The Icebox Nugget, and "Pawnzi", The World's Smallest Dog?, We feature an amazing collection of Native American artifacts, Western Historic items, and much, much more! Lots of reasonably-priced jewelry, musical instruments, general merchandise, and Pawnseum souveniers are on-hand. The World's Only Pawnseum is truly a FUN place to learn!
Reviewed By BigRobUTSA - Odessa, United States
At the corner of Bill Clinton Statue (city has statues on city corners) is the Pawnseum, which is a great place to visit and get out of the heat/cold/elements. It really is part pawn shop (lots of clocks and guns and watches) but there are cool things to see like one of Michael Jackson's gloves. Couple photo ops but not many.
7. Dinosaur Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 86 reviews
The Dinosaur Museum is located adjacent to Reptile Gardens. Mini Golf, Mirror Maze, & Theater are all free with Admission. Come see the most realistic, life-like dinosaur replicas in the world. We have dinosaurs of all sizes, from tiny micro-raptors to a full size T-Rex. Inside the Dinosaur Museum, you will see over 98 ancient reptiles from more than 65 species, learn more in our educational Movies Theater, while little ones play in the adjacent Fossil Dig. have the opportunity to make your way through our famous Mirror Maze, and even try your putting skills at our Mini Golf Course!
Reviewed By jcb1452 - Minnesota, United States
Despite other not so positive reviews, It was great. Friendly people and a neat old structure. The exhibits were well done and informative. The mirror maze was super cool. Not crowded at all. Stop here, it’s worth it!
8. Main Street Classic Car Museum
TAGS
