The Hematoma
Photo of Christina and Emil in Art Alley, Rapid City, South Dakota
In South Dakota

31 Fun Things to Do in Rapid City, SD for Locals AND Tourists

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Rapid City is quite the diverse little sanctuary hiding right in the Midwestern US. You can do anything from shopping, to hiking, take photos with bear cubs, and even watch hot air balloons take off. After living in Rapid City for two years, I’ve come to love the vast variety of options for events and things to do in the area. I’ve put together this extensive list of all the best things to do in Rapid City, SD for both locals and tourists alike.

🚗 = While these destinations are not exactly located in
Rapid City, they are only a short drive away.

What the Locals Do

1. Window Shopping Downtown

It’s easy to get carried away window shopping in Downtown Rapid City with so many boutiques and other locally-owned small businesses in the area. These are just a few, that I thought were worth mentioning:

  • Thrifting – St. Joe Antiques Mall
  • Clothes – Karma Boutique, Decades Vintage Clothing, E’Lan’s Vintage Boutique
  • Camping – Roam’n Around
  • Books – Mitzi’s Books, Again Books & Bazaar
  • Health Foods – The Spice & Tea Exchange, Staple & Spice Market, Breadroot Natural Foods
  • Vinyl Records – Black Hills Vinyl
  • Native American Goods – Prairie Edge & Trading Co.

     

2. Take Selfies in Art Alley

Art Alley is a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the Midwest. The sheer amount of graffiti-style art covering the alleyway walls is mesmerizing. The murals are constantly changing as artists create new pieces, so don’t resist snapping infinite selfies.

3. Watch the Sunset from Skyline Drive

With a bird’s-eye view of all of Rapid City, there is no better place to watch the sunset. Also, might I add that South Dakota sunsets are some of the most vibrant you will ever experience. I’ve always considered them as the Aurora Borealis of the Midwest.

4. Hike to the Top of M Hill

Another great view of Rapid City can be seen from the top of M Hill. Get some fresh air and exercise on this short hike, which can be found right in the center of Rapid City.

5. Family Food Truck Night

Every Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer, you can find some of the best food trucks in Rapid City serving up their most appetizing dishes in Sioux Park.

6. Cocktails at the Blind Lion Speakeasy

Dramatic, innovative, classy, and cool. The Blind Lion is an all-around excellent speakeasy experience. Enjoy an invigorating night in the Prohibition era sipping on cocktails, but first you must sneak your way in.
A cocktail from the Blind Lion Speakeasy in Rapid City, SD
Sip on cocktails at the Blind Lion Speakeasy. Photo by Drake Anderson.

7. Black Hills Farmers Market

 Find an abundance of locally-grown produce, homemade jams, and raw honey among other handcrafted goods at the Black Hills Farmers Market on Omaha Street from May to October.

8. Bouldering at Black Hills Basecamp

This small bouldering gym is fully-equipped with a variety of bouldering routes. It has become popular amongst the climbing community in Rapid City for its convenience and proximity. The gym is open to members 24/7, and provides a nice break from the summer heat or winter lows.


Photo by Sara Ponwith

9. Take in the View From Falling Rock

Just a few steps from a sketchy dirt road will lead you to an even more sketchy, cliff-side view of Rapid Creek streaming through the Hills. Falling Rock is an astonishing teaser of the incredible views that can be found in the Black Hills.

10. Coffee Shop Tour

There are a handful of local coffee shops in Rapid City, each with their own personality. It’s a good excuse to get caffeinated and make a stop at all of them on your very own Coffee tour. Essence of Coffee, Pure Bean, Harriet & Oak, Alternative Fuel Coffee House, Dixon Coffee Co.
Pure Bean coffee shop in Rapid City, SD
Latte art from Essence of Coffee

11. Breweries

In addition, Rapid City has a few local breweries that make great hangout spots. Lost Cabin Beer Co., and Hay Camp Brewing Co. are the favorites in my circle, but there is also Zymurcracy Beer Company, Dakota Point Brewing, and Firehouse Brewing Co.

12. Canyon Lake Park

Canyon Lake Park is located on the west side of Rapid City, and features picnic areas and playgrounds with a peaceful lakeside view. It is a wonderful spot to relax, take the dog for a walk, have a barbecue, or go kayaking or fishing. You can even rent paddle boats from the Canyon Lake Resort for a more intimate experience.

13. Spend the Day in Sheridan Lake or Pactola Lake 🚗

There are so many recreational activities to do at both these lakes, including boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking. The shorelines are rich with forestry, providing a splendid backdrop for swimming or sunbathing on the beach.

14. Outdoor Campus - West

This state-run park is kind of a hidden gem in Rapid City that provides free classes and equipment for all ages. Learn how to hunt, fish, and even shoot a bow among other outdoor skills at Outdoor Campus – West.

15. Hike Buzzards Roost

Named after its remarkable panoramic view from 700 feet above Rapid Creek and Dark Canyon, Buzzards Roost is quite the breathtaking experience. Trail options range from easy to severe, providing an excellent source of hiking close to Rapid City.

What the Tourists Like

16. Reptile Gardens

Do you like creepy crawlies? Then Reptile Gardens is for you. It was named the world’s largest reptile zoo by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2018. They have gator shows, snake shows, giant tortoises, and plenty more animal exhibits to get your skin crawling. They also have bird shows, a botanical garden, and a prairie dog exhibit for those who might not be so fond of scaly critters.

17. Bear Country

Go on a safari at Bear Country as you watch bears, buffalo, wolves, and other North American wildlife stroll past your car. If you can make it out during the Cubfest, you will also get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to also pet and take photos with the baby bear cubs.

18. Take Photos With the Presidents

Rapid City is called the “City of Presidents” for a reason. Bronze statues of every past president are located throughout the streets of Downtown. See if you can identify them all, and take selfies to commemorate the presidential moment.

19. Axe It Out

If you’re looking for some good ole stress relief, Axe It Out will definitely get the job done. Try your hand at axe throwing, and whether you hit the target or not, I can guarantee you will have a ton of fun.

20. Dahl Arts Center

This nonprofit art center contains five galleries, an interactive children’s gallery, and classrooms. The galleries, which are my favorite, feature different art forms of artists from both near and far Midwest.

21. Chapel in the Hills

A fully functioning church replicated from Norwegian blueprints, Chapel in the Hills is a beautiful little hidden gem that you can tour right in the middle of Rapid City. 

22. Rushmore Tramway Adventures 🚗

For all you adrenaline junkies out there, Rushmore Tramway Adventures provides an exciting way to experience the Black Hills. Take the scenic chairlift, alpine slide, zip line, or all of the above at the mountain-top park, which boasts gorgeous views of Keystone, SD.

23. Prairie Edge & Trading Co.

This is a pretty sizable store containing an expansive variety of Native American items and art. For instance, the Sioux Trading Post has herbs and animal pelts, upstairs there is a glass bead display and paintings by local artists, and hidden in the back there is a rare books library. Not a lot of things that you would actually want to buy, but very comparable to a museum that will get you excited to see more of Rapid City.

24. Air & Space Museum 🚗

Observe an extensive collection of military aircrafts and missiles up close and personal at the Air & Space museum, including the B-1B Lancer and the UH-1F Huey Helicopter.

25. National Presidential Wax Museum 🚗

Travel back in time to meet over 100 life-size wax figures, including all 45 presidents and other iconic figures in American history.

26. Cosmos Mystery Area

The Cosmos Mystery Area is a truly baffling place where you will experience unusual physical phenomena, as you stand on walls and change sizes. No one can really explain the peculiar things that happen on the 30-minute tour, but everyone who encounters this Black Hills secret is amazed and leaves with smiles.

Special Events

1. Summer Nights

Summer Nights is a free event that features local bands and food vendors every Thursday night in the summer. On average it draws in 8,000 people who party it up in the streets downtown.

2. Stratobowl Hot Air Launch

During mid-September every year, pilots bring their hot air balloons to the Stratobowl to commemorate the historical launch site. The topology of the area provides the perfect vantage point to watch as approximately 10 hot air balloons lift into the sky. If this is something you’re interested in, there is also the Gold Discovery Days Flight in Custer, and Fall River Hot Air Festival in Hot Springs.

3. Beer Festivals

Rapid City actually hosts a several beer events throughout the year, including Bierbörse, Frühlingsfest, the Mountain West Beer Fest, the Boots and Beer Festival, the Black Hills Mountain Festival, and more, in which you can try South Dakota beers while listening to live bands.

4. Black Hills Stock Show

Cowboys and ranchers from all over the midwest come to Rapid City during this western festival which features rodeos, cattle shows, horse events, and livestock. With over 300 vendors, concerts, and a beer festival, you’ll find a new appreciation for the western lifestyle.

5. Ice Skating on Main Street

During the winter months, the popular Main Street Square is turned into an ice skating rink for people of all ages to get out and embrace the winter weather right in the heart of Downtown Rapid City.

These are just some of the things I came up with, but there are unlimited possibilities in Rapid City. It’s a lot more than meets the eye. Leave me a comment below if you think I missed anything or want to know more. Also, check out my complete South Dakota Travel Guide for more things to do in South Dakota.

Author

Hi, I'm Christina – your friendly adventure gal. I grew up in Florida, moved to South Dakota, then San Antonio, TX. I currently live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I've been on the move all my life for various reasons, and have picked up some tips and tricks along the way. I enjoy traveling, eating, hiking, rock climbing, and snowboarding, among other things. I write about travel in the US with a focus on the outdoors. My goal is to help travelers find genuine happiness via exploration, embracing the current moment, and valuable life experiences.

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