Things to do in Rapid City
Discover amazing Rapid City activities and premium in-home experiences.
Rapid City sits at the gateway to the Black Hills, where rugged landscapes meet vibrant downtown streets filled with art, history, and craft breweries. From quick trips to Mount Rushmore and scenic drives through Custer State Park to evening strolls along Memorial Park’s charming shops and cafés, this energetic city blends outdoor adventure with cultural flair. Whether you’re chasing sunsets over rolling hills or sampling local cuisine, Rapid City offers a spirited introduction to South Dakota’s frontier heart.
Popular Activities in Rapid City
Black Hills Private Tour: Rushmore Cave & Custer
See Mammoth Site, Custer State Park, and Rushmore Cave in one full-day private tour.
Rapid City Jeep Tour: Buffalo Safari & Fossils
Experience a private open-air jeep safari among buffalo, plus a VIP Mammoth Site tour
Mt. Rushmore & Black Hills 8-Hour Private Tour
See Mt. Rushmore and scenic Black Hills roads on an 8-hour private tour with lunch included
Black Hills Brewery & Winery Tour with Lunch
Sample craft beers and regional wines across the Black Hills with lunch included
Pactola Lake Kayaking with Gear & Snacks
Paddle Pactola Lake with gear, water, and snacks included
UTV Trail Rides in Deadwood Black Hills
Ride straight onto the trails with four hours of carefree UTV adventure.
Private Gold Claim Dig with Expert Miner
Dig for gold on a private claim with a professional miner
Black Hills Horseback Ride Through Wildlife Preserve
Tailored horseback ride through Norbeck Wildlife Preserve with scenic Black Hills views
Black Hills Horseback Ride with Chuckwagon Dinner
Ride through scenic Black Hills to a remote chuckwagon camp for a steak dinner and live cowboy music show
Deadwood UTV Rental: 6-Seat Can-Am Defender
Explore scenic forest trails with family on a powerful 1000cc UTV for up to six riders
Explore the Charms of Rapid City
Rapid City is a vibrant gateway to the Black Hills, where adventure and culture converge in an unforgettable blend. Known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore, this city offers more than just iconic monuments. It’s a place where art meets nature, with bustling downtown streets filled with sculptures and galleries set against a backdrop of rolling hills and towering pines.
Begin your journey at Main Street Square, the heart of Rapid City's lively community events and local shops. Here you can sip on locally brewed coffee or enjoy artisan ice cream while watching street performers entertain passersby. Just minutes away lies Dinosaur Park—a family-friendly spot offering panoramic views along with life-sized prehistoric creatures that delight visitors young and old.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities nearby: hike through Badlands National Park's otherworldly landscapes or take a scenic drive along Needles Highway for breathtaking vistas around every bend. In winter months, skiing at Terry Peak becomes an exhilarating way to experience South Dakota’s snowy wonderland. Whether you're exploring ancient caves or attending cultural festivals celebrating Native American heritage, Rapid City promises unique experiences that linger long after your visit ends.