10 Awesome Things To Do Near Rapid City, South Dakota (Pennington County)
If you’re dreaming about wide-open skies, winding scenic roads, and some of America’s most famous monuments,
Rapid City, South Dakota should be on your radar. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and a whole lot more.
Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a couples getaway, or just passing through on a cross-country drive, here are
10 fun things to do in and around Rapid City that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Let’s start with the big one. Just about 30 minutes southwest of Rapid City, in the Black Hills, you’ll find
Mount Rushmore—the massive granite faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
You’ve probably seen it in photos your whole life. But standing there in person? That’s a different story.
- Walk the short Presidential Trail for closer views.
- Stop in the visitor center to learn how the monument was carved.
- Check the schedule for the evening lighting ceremony (seasonal).
If you can, go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid mid-day crowds and enjoy cooler temps. Parking is easy, and the paths are well-maintained, so it’s a great stop for families.
2. Explore Badlands National Park
About an hour east of Rapid City, you’ll enter what feels like another planet:
Badlands National Park. Jagged rock formations, colorful layered cliffs, and rolling prairie stretch as far as you can see.
It’s one of the most unique places near Rapid City and a must-visit if you love scenic drives or photography.
Popular things to do here include:
- Driving the Badlands Loop Road for incredible viewpoints.
- Stopping at overlooks like Big Badlands Overlook and Panorama Point.
- Hiking short trails such as Door Trail and Notch Trail.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—the sun can be intense, and there isn’t much shade. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and prairie dogs along the way.
3. Take in the Views at Dinosaur Park
Looking for something fun and low-key right in Rapid City? Head up the hill to
Dinosaur Park, a local classic since the 1930s.
You’ll find:
- Several large, bright-green dinosaur statues kids can climb on.
- Panoramic views of Rapid City and the surrounding prairie.
- A small gift shop at the base of the hill.
The walk up the stairs is short but a bit steep, so take your time. The reward at the top is worth it—especially at sunset. It’s free to visit, making it an easy add to any Rapid City itinerary.
4. Wander Through Downtown Rapid City & Main Street Square
If you enjoy walkable downtowns with local flavor,
Downtown Rapid City is a pleasant surprise.
At the heart of it is
Main Street Square, a public space with:
- Fountains and a splash area in summer.
- An ice rink in winter.
- Seasonal events, live music, and markets.
All around the square, you’ll find:
- Local coffee shops and breweries.
- Art galleries and boutiques.
- Plenty of places to grab a burger, pizza, or a South Dakota-style steak.
As you stroll, you’ll also notice bronze statues on many corners—these are part of the city’s famous
City of Presidents walking tour. It’s fun to see how many you recognize.
5. Experience Wildlife on the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
A little under an hour from Rapid City,
Custer State Park is one of the top places in South Dakota to see wildlife up close—safely from your car, of course.
The
Wildlife Loop Road winds through rolling hills and open grasslands. You might spot:
- Large herds of bison.
- Pronghorn antelope.
- Burros (wild donkeys) that often wander close to cars.
Get there early or go closer to sunset for the best chance at wildlife sightings. Keep your distance, especially around bison—they may look slow, but they’re powerful and unpredictable.
Many travelers say this is one of the most memorable things they did near Rapid City.
6. Drive the Scenic Needles Highway
While you’re in Custer State Park, don’t miss the
Needles Highway (Highway 87). This 14-mile drive is packed with jaw-dropping scenery.
What makes it special?
- Sharp granite spires that rise like needles out of the forest.
- Narrow rock tunnels your car passes through.
- Pull-off spots with views you’ll want to photograph again and again.
It’s a curvy, slow-going road, so give yourself plenty of time. Larger RVs and trailers can have trouble with the tight tunnels, so check size restrictions before you go.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re driving through a fantasy movie set, this is your road.
7. Go Underground at Jewel Cave or Wind Cave
The Rapid City area isn’t just about mountains and prairies—there’s a whole world underground too.
Two major caves are within reach:
- Jewel Cave National Monument – About an hour southwest of Rapid City.
- Wind Cave National Park – Around 1 hour 15 minutes south.
Both offer ranger-led tours through incredible cave formations. You’ll walk through cool, dim passageways lined with unique rock shapes—like nature’s own art gallery.
Things to keep in mind:
- Tours often require reservations, especially in summer.
- Temperatures underground are cool, so bring a light jacket.
- Some tours include stairs and uneven surfaces, so check difficulty levels.
If you’ve never been in a cave before, this can be a highlight of your Black Hills trip.
8. Spend a Day at Reptile Gardens
Just a few miles south of Rapid City on Highway 16, you’ll find
Reptile Gardens, a longtime local attraction that’s especially fun for families.
Here, you can see:
- Snakes, alligators, and giant tortoises.
- Colorful birds and exotic plants inside the glass dome.
- Live shows featuring reptiles and birds (seasonal schedules).
One of the best parts is the chance to get surprisingly close to some of the animals—under staff supervision, of course. Kids usually walk out either completely fascinated or convinced they now want a pet tortoise.
If you’re driving toward Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, it’s an easy stop along the way.
9. Experience the Crazy Horse Memorial
Not far from Custer State Park, about an hour from Rapid City, stands the massive, ongoing project known as the
Crazy Horse Memorial.
This mountain carving honors
Crazy Horse, a legendary Lakota leader, and is still a work in progress. Even in its unfinished state, it’s impressive.
At the memorial, you can:
- View the mountain carving from the visitor area.
- Explore the Indian Museum of North America.
- Learn about Native American history and culture.
- Catch special night-time light shows during some seasons.
It’s a powerful place to visit if you want to understand more about the people and stories tied to the Black Hills region.
10. Relax Along Canyon Lake & Explore Local Trails
If you’d like something a little quieter and closer to town, head to
Canyon Lake Park on the west side of Rapid City.
Here you’ll find:
- A peaceful lake with walking paths.
- Picnic spots and playgrounds.
- Spaces to sit, read, or just enjoy the fresh air.
It’s a nice break between longer sightseeing days. If you’re into biking or running, you can also connect with nearby paths and explore more of Rapid City’s green spaces.
On a road trip of big monuments and national parks, it’s easy to forget how refreshing a simple walk by the water can be.
Planning Your Rapid City Trip
Here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your
Rapid City, South Dakota adventure:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather and open attractions.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car to explore places like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park.
- Where to stay: Rapid City has a wide range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Staying in town makes it easy to day trip in all directions.
- What to pack: Layers, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Weather in the Black Hills can change quickly.
If you love a mix of history, nature, and small-city charm, Rapid City is a great base for your South Dakota vacation.
What Will You Do First Near Rapid City?
Are you more excited to see
Mount Rushmore, drive the
Needles Highway, or spot bison in
Custer State Park? Maybe you’re planning to do all three—and more.
If you’ve been to Rapid City or Pennington County before:
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Any hidden gems you’d recommend?
I’d love to hear your stories and tips.
Share this post with friends or family who are planning a South Dakota road trip, and
drop a comment below with your questions, travel plans, or favorite Rapid City memories. Your ideas might help someone plan their perfect Black Hills adventure!
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