10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Rapid City, South Dakota

on

10 Easy Road Trips From Rapid City, SD: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Pennington County

If you’re based in Rapid City, South Dakota, you’re in the perfect spot for some of the best short road trips in the Midwest. In just 30 minutes to 2 hours, you can reach stunning parks, quirky small towns, and wide-open prairie that feels like the “old West” come to life. Below are 10 out-of-county road trips from Rapid City that take you into nearby counties like Custer, Lawrence, Meade, Jackson, Oglala Lakota, Haakon, and even over the border into Weston County, Wyoming. No stops are inside Pennington County—so you’re truly getting out of town. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a day drive, these ideas will help you find new things to do near Rapid City.

1. Custer State Park & Wildlife Loop – Custer County, SD

If you only do one road trip from Rapid City, make it this one. The drive to Custer State Park takes about 45–60 minutes, and it’s packed with classic Black Hills scenery: granite spires, twisting roads, and wildlife around every corner. Top things to do in Custer State Park:
  • Wildlife Loop Road – An 18-mile loop where you’ll often see bison, pronghorn, wild burros, and prairie dogs. Early morning or late afternoon is best.
  • Needles Highway (SD-87) – Narrow tunnels and jaw-dropping rock formations. It’s like driving through a stone maze.
  • Sylvan Lake – An easy walk around the shore, great for photos and picnics.
  • Scenic picnics – Bring a cooler; there are tons of pull-offs with big views.
One time I pulled off along the Wildlife Loop just to watch the sunset, and a herd of bison quietly crossed the road in front of the car. No crowds, no noise—just hooves, dust, and the sky turning orange. That’s the kind of moment Custer State Park creates. Drive time from Rapid City: ~45–60 minutes County: Custer County, SD

2. Mount Rushmore & Iron Mountain Road – Custer County, SD

Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s worth it—especially when you combine Mount Rushmore with the famous Iron Mountain Road. Instead of just parking, snapping a picture, and leaving, turn it into a full scenic drive day. What to do on this road trip:
  • Walk the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore for closer views.
  • Stay for the evening lighting ceremony in summer.
  • Drive Iron Mountain Road (US-16A) – pigtail bridges, one-lane tunnels, and framed views of the monument through the rock.
  • Stop at overlooks to soak in the Black Hills from different angles.
If you’re traveling with kids, this one’s great. Short walks, bathrooms, food options, and plenty of spots to stretch little legs. Drive time from Rapid City: ~35–45 minutes County: Custer County, SD

3. Crazy Horse Memorial & the Town of Custer – Custer County, SD

A little farther down the road from Mount Rushmore, you’ll find the Crazy Horse Memorial and the laid-back town of Custer. Why this makes a great day trip:
  • Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial to see the massive mountain carving in progress.
  • Explore the on-site museum and cultural center that highlights Native American history and art.
  • Head into Custer for small-town charm, local diners, and coffee shops.
  • Walk the town’s main drag and check out art, murals, and local shops.
Some evenings, the memorial hosts light shows and special events. If you can time your visit for late afternoon into night, you’ll get the best of both worlds—daytime views and night-time atmosphere. Drive time from Rapid City: ~45–55 minutes County: Custer County, SD

4. Deadwood & Lead – Lawrence County, SD

Looking for a mix of history, nightlife, and mountain scenery? Point your car toward Deadwood and Lead in Lawrence County. Things to do in Deadwood & Lead:
  • Stroll historic Downtown Deadwood – old brick buildings, casinos, saloons, and live entertainment.
  • Take a historic walking tour or visit museums focused on the Old West and mining stories.
  • Head up to Mount Moriah Cemetery to see famous graves and a sweeping view of town.
  • Stop by Lead for mining history and a quieter, local vibe.
It’s an easy road trip if you want something more lively than a hiking day but still set in the Black Hills. In fall, the drive itself is gorgeous, with changing leaves and curving mountain roads. Drive time from Rapid City: ~1 hour County: Lawrence County, SD

5. Sturgis & Bear Butte State Park – Meade County, SD

Everyone’s heard of Sturgis because of the motorcycle rally, but it’s worth a visit even when the bikes aren’t in town. Pair it with a hike at Bear Butte State Park for a full day. What to do near Sturgis:
  • Walk through downtown Sturgis for biker bars, shops, and motorcycle museums.
  • Drive out to Bear Butte State Park for a rewarding hike with views for miles.
  • Learn about the spiritual significance of Bear Butte to Native American tribes—be respectful of prayer ties and offerings you may see along the trail.
The hike up Bear Butte is steady but not extreme. On a clear day, you can see far across the plains. It’s the kind of spot that makes you feel small in a good way. Drive time from Rapid City: ~30–40 minutes County: Meade County, SD

6. Badlands National Park (East Side) – Jackson County, SD

If you’re craving dramatic landscapes that look like another planet, head for the Jackson County side of Badlands National Park. Parts of the park touch Pennington County, but many of the iconic overlooks stretch into Jackson County, so you’re still getting a true out-of-county adventure. Must-do stops on this road trip:
  • Drive the Badlands Loop Road (SD-240) and stop at overlooks like Panorama Point and White River Valley.
  • Try short hikes like the Window or Door Trail for epic views with minimal effort.
  • Watch for bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and maybe even a golden eagle.
  • Bring snacks and plenty of water—shade is limited.
If you can, stay for sunset. The jagged cliffs seem to change color every few minutes, shifting from gold to pink to purple. Drive time from Rapid City: ~1–1.5 hours County: Jackson County, SD

7. Bennett County & the Open Prairie – Oglala Lakota / Surrounding Area

For a quieter, less touristy road trip, consider heading south and east into the wide-open country that includes parts of Oglala Lakota County and neighboring areas. While services are more limited, the sky feels endless and the roads are peaceful. Ideas for this kind of “open road” trip:
  • Drive backroads and small highways through tribal lands and ranch country.
  • Stop at public pull-offs to take photos of the rolling grasslands and big sky.
  • Pack a picnic and create your own “middle of nowhere” lunch stop.
This is more of a “go with the flow” drive than a packed attractions day, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Just remember to top off your gas tank in Rapid City and bring what you need—services can be far apart. Drive time from Rapid City: ~1.5–2 hours depending on route County: Oglala Lakota County & nearby areas

8. Haakon County Country Roads – Haakon County, SD

If you enjoy quiet highways, old barns, and “blink and you might miss it” small towns, set your sights on Haakon County. It’s a slice of rural South Dakota that many visitors never see. What this road trip feels like:
  • Long straight stretches of road where you can see for miles.
  • Occasional farmsteads, grain elevators, and windmills.
  • Plenty of spots to pull over and just listen to the wind and birds.
Use this as a “reset day.” roll the windows down, put on your favorite playlist or podcast, and enjoy the slower pace. If you like photography, the old buildings and open sky make for great shots. Drive time from Rapid City: ~1.5–2 hours County: Haakon County, SD

9. Scenic Drive Toward Edgemont & Southern Black Hills – Custer County, SD

Instead of sticking to the usual tourist loop, drive the southern Black Hills region toward towns like Edgemont in Custer County. Fewer crowds, more open space. What to look for on this route:
  • Rolling forest that gives way to more open country.
  • Railroad history and quiet small-town main streets.
  • Less traffic and more chances to pull off and explore side roads.
This is a great road trip if you like to wander. There’s no single “must-see” tourist attraction—just a steady stream of local life and easy, relaxing driving. Drive time from Rapid City: ~1.5 hours County: Custer County, SD

10. Devils Tower Country – Weston County, WY (Gateway Area)

When you’re ready to cross state lines, head west into Wyoming through Weston County and on toward the famous Devils Tower area. The tower itself sits in a neighboring county, but your approach through Weston County gives you that classic “old West” feeling. What makes this trip special:
  • Wide-open ranch land and rolling hills as you cross into Wyoming.
  • Small-town stops to grab a snack, fuel up, and chat with locals.
  • Distant views of strange rock formations and buttes as you move closer to the tower area.
Even before you reach the national monument, the drive itself is a highlight. It’s the kind of road trip where the scenery slowly shifts, and you feel like you’re driving into a classic Western movie set. Drive time from Rapid City: ~1.5–2 hours to the gateway area through Weston County County: Weston County, WY

Tips for Easy Road Trips From Rapid City

To make your out-of-county adventures smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Fuel up in town: Gas stations can be far apart once you leave Rapid City.
  • Pack water and snacks: Especially for Badlands, Bear Butte, and long prairie drives.
  • Check road and park conditions: Weather can change fast in South Dakota and Wyoming.
  • Respect local lands and cultures: Especially in tribal areas and sacred sites like Bear Butte.
  • Plan your daylight: Sunsets are gorgeous, but driving remote roads in the dark can be tricky.

Ready to Hit the Road From Rapid City?

Living in or visiting Rapid City, SD means you’ve got a whole world of short road trips at your fingertips. From the rugged Badlands in Jackson County to the pine-covered hills of Custer County, the historic streets of Deadwood, and the lonely prairie roads of Haakon County, you can see a totally different side of the region in just a day. Which out-of-county road trip will you try first?
  • Have you already visited any of these places?
  • Did I miss a favorite backroad or small-town stop near Rapid City?
Share your road trip stories in the comments and let others know what you loved (or what you’d skip next time). And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to Rapid City—your share might be the nudge they need to hit the road and explore.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment