Location: Rapid City
Top Things to do in Rapid City
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What to do and see in Rapid City, South Dakota (SD): The Best Things to do
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. Badlands National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By L2369IOjamesm
This park is amazing. The loop road they have let's you drive through the park and get great views of the scenery; there are lots of scenic overlooks where you can park and spend time enjoying the sights. We hiked a couple of the trails (the door and the notch) and they were also amazing.
2. Chapel in the Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Celebrating 50 years in 2019! Replica of the 850-year-old Borgund Church in Norway and has unique architecture and woodcarvings.
Reviewed By CharlesP1904
This place is really beautiful with wonderful wooden chapel structure inspired by the exact replica of Borgund Stavkirke of Laerdal, Norway. It has a prayer walkway. It has a gift shop for souvenirs and products from Norway. I really like the chocolate.
3. Bear Country USA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,013 reviews
Enjoy a leisurely 2-mile drive through this unique North American Wildlife park in the the Black Hills of South Dakota. From the comfort of your vehicle view black bears, wolves, elk, buffalo and other wildlife! After your drive-through tour, walk around wildlife loop where young and smaller animals frolic in the outdoors. Don't miss the Baby Bears! Dine at the Cub Grub Snack Shack or shop in the Bear's Den Gift Shop. Open May through November, weather permitting
Reviewed By Mutiny - Sydney, Australia
For a family with young children or Tweenies, the highlight of this place is the bear cub enclosure they are just so cute and adorable. They play and rumble with each other and delight everyone with their antics. You can pay an extra $5 to feed them fruit and vegetables and it is hilarious to watch them feeding (as if they have never been fed before when you know that they are extremely well cared for). The drive through enclosure are also great with gorgeous Arctic Wolves, Mountain Lions and Black bears (of all colours) just to name a few. This was a great family excursion for the morning.
4. 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
5. Reptile Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,204 reviews
World-renowned adventure park, Reptile Gardens is a must-see family attraction no matter what your age. We maintain the finest collection of tropical plants, colorful flowers, and exotic reptiles anywhere - we have more species and subspecies of venomous reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world!
Reviewed By shayleev - Grimes, United States
The Reptile Gardens was enjoyed by our entire family (kids age 11 & 8)! We did the gator & snake show and loved both. Matt has a great sense of humor while also giving tons of info. We loved all the different types of venomous snakes, Maniac the GIANT crocodile, prairie dog town and petting the Tank the tortoise was my favorite! While it did seem a little overpriced we definitely enjoyed our time there.
6. Storybook Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 803 reviews
We are a non profit childrens park. 8 1/2 acres of outdoor fun! We have a train, carousel and Bippity Boppity Bounce, the cost is $2 per person for each of these. We have concessions on site as well as a gift shop. We are free admission in the summer, a $1 per person donation is recommended. We DO NOT allow outside food, drink or pets. We open for the summer season on Memorial Weekend and Close on Labor Day.
Reviewed By desiprincess
If you are ever in South Dakota, do not miss an opportunity to visit Storybook Island! Although this is not one of the commonly noted tourist attractions, it is one of the best things to do with children in the area. Storybook Island is a colorful, intricate, deeply detailed playground full of every fairy tale character you can imagine. Disney characters, Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street characters, Wizard of Oz, and more fill this space with wonder! A carousel, train ride, numerous slides, play houses, a tree house, and various vehicles including a boat, helicopter, and train are only some of the play structures on Storybook Island. Ice cream, slushies, and other quick, fun snacks are available for purchase. If you are in the process of planning your itinerary for a South Dakota trip with children, consider planning at least 3-4 hours here. You will be so glad you didn’t rush through this magnificent, magical park! There are many incredible things to do in South Dakota. Storybook Island is sadly missed by many tourists who prioritize other attractions. Take my advice- go to Storybook Island and enjoy a kids’ paradise!
7. 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.
8. Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
To some, we are a Native American art gallery; to others, we are a trading post reminiscent of days gone by. On the corner of 6th Street and Main in downtown Rapid City, Prairie Edge stands two stories high and stretches out for half a block as a brick, wood, and glass storefront that has been restored to its original 19th century glory. Inside, the hardwood floors and polished cabinetry bring to mind the spirit of the Old West, while the distinct smell of sweetgrass and soft sound of a Lakota flute evoke the mystique of the Plains Indian culture.
Reviewed By 314LH - Chicago, United States
Truly amazing store that's also an art gallery, museum, reference library with a huge collection of Native American art, history, literature. Retail items; clothes, books, cards, dishware, outerware, jewelry, candles, an immense collection of art and beads, and more. Also, helpful and friendly staff - this place is a treasure.
9. Downtown Rapid City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,254 reviews
Escape for the weekend to Downtown Rapid City and experience numerous art galleries, fashionable boutiques, a variety of fine cuisine, the City of President statues and great entertainment from music to theatre and various events. Explore the fountains at Main Street Square, a place to make fun-filled memories for the whole family. With plenty of hotel rooms, over 70 shops and 33 restaurants, head Downtown, year round.
Reviewed By Celticladdie - Bellingham, United States
On a rather warm day in Rapid City we walked the length and breadth of the downtown the lifelike bronzes of the past presidents - it was a good walk and let us see a bit more of Rapid City than we would have other wise - we made a game out of it by trying to guess who that was across the street - as others have said shame it was not in order and I second that emotion!!
10. Dinosaur Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,093 reviews
Reviewed By callen33 - Wisconsin, United States
We were able to get here on one of the last days of it being open. Our young boys loved the dinosaur statutes and the adjacent visitor center was a nice little surprise. We were able to get the boys lunch and a couple souvenirs for very reasonable prices. Staff was also friendly. The park is up on hill, not a big deal but understand that it’s a great view of the area.
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