Rapid City, South Dakota, holds a Special Place in the hearts of those who have experienced charm and beauty tucked away at the base of Majestic Black Hills in the Hearts of the Midwest. This city is a treasure waiting to be discovered by the world. As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted by a feeling of peace and wonder as if time has slowed down so you can completely immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings.
Rapid City has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or want to have fun. Just imagine how much fun spending an exciting day with the people you love would be.
So, In today’s blog, we will tell you some of the best things you must do when visiting the Rapid City.
List of 8 Top Best things to do in Rapid City
After a lot of research on the internet, we have made a list of all the things to do in Rapid City as follows:
1. Visit Black Hills National Forest
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Visit-Black-Hills-National-Forest.webp)
All the people who have visited the Black Hills Forest of Rapid City so far have shared their experiences on the web. They all mention that you’ll be drawn to various exciting activities, including mountain biking, hiking, camping, and many other thrilling outdoor adventures.
- Address: West Pennington, SD 57745, USA
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
2. Custer State Park
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Custer-State-Park.webp)
Custer State Park is famous for scenic drives, animal viewing, and outdoor activities, making it a tourist attraction. During their visit, tourists can choose between taking on a safari jeep tour or climbing the hills to reach panoramic views, and others can have a picnic along one of the attractive lakes inside this park. Thus, it is one of the best things to do in Rapid City.
- Address: South Dakota, United States
- Official Website: Custer State Park
- Timing: 24 Hours open (Mon-Sun)
- Phone no:+16052554515
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
3. Hang out in Downtown Rapid City
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hang-out-in-Downtown-Rapid-City-.webp)
Main Stress Square- Main Street Square is the central attraction of Downtown Rapid City, famous for shopping, dining, live music, and family-friendly activities. You can also relax near the water fountains, attend live concerts, and buy souvenirs in local shops.
Art Alley- While exploring Downtown Rapid City, you will also see an Art Valley, a hidden gem filled with colourful graffiti and murals. You can take photos and find yourself immersed in those Urban Art Scenes.
The City of President- Rapid City is nicknamed the City of Presidents because it has life-size statues of every former president scattered all around downtown on street corners and the sidewalks.
- Address: 512 Main St Suite 980, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
- Official Website: Downtown Rapid City
- Phone no: +16057167979
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
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4. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mount-Rushmore-National-Memorial.webp)
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic sites in the United States. Four U.S. presidents’ faces are carved into Mount Rushmore’s granite at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is one of the best things to do in Rapid City. You will also explore Sculptures, Museums, and stunning views of the Black Hills when you visit.
- Address: Keystone, SD 57751, United States
- Official Website: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Timing: 5 am – 11 pm (Mon-Sun)
- Phone no: +16055742523
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
5. Know about the History of Crazy Horse Memorial
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Know-about-the-History-of-Crazy-Horse-Memorial.webp)
The Crazy Horse Monument is another notable statue among the Black Hills commemorating the Native American war hero Crazy Horse. You can learn how the monument was historically built and about the Indian Museum of North America. Apart from this, you will also get to see the ongoing projects related to its construction.
- Address: Crazy Horse, SD 57730, United States
- Official: Crazy Horse
- Timing: 8 am – 8 pm (Mon-Sun)
- Phone no: +16056734681
- Google Maps: Get Direction
6. Explore Chapel in the Hills
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Explore-Chapel-in-the-Hills.webp)
Chapel in the Hills is just 15 minutes from downtown Rapid City, and it is a replica of the Borgund stave church in Norway. The craziest thing about this chapel is that it is built of wood; the only metal parts are the hinges and door handles. There is also a wooden chapel built in Norway, brought to Rapid City, and rebuilt, which is fantastic.
You can also check out a small museum there, which has mannequins that will look exactly like real humans. Apart from this, there are pieces of the Berlin Wall and two tank traps, and the story behind them is also told.
- Address: 3788 Chapel Ln, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
- Official Website: Chapel in the Hills
- Timing: 8 am – 7 pm (Mon-Sun)
- Phone no: +16053428281
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
7. Storybook Island
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Storybook-Island.webp)
If you are visiting Rapid City with your family, then Storybook Island is perfect, and you can also take your kids there. Storybook Island is an outdoor park with different theme storybooks and picnic areas.
Apart from this, it also has characters from famous stories whom your children will be thrilled to meet. You can also ride the carousel and explore many different fairy tales.
- Address: 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
- Official Website: Storybook Island
- Timing: 9 am – 7 pm
- Phone no: +16053426357
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
8. Have lunch at Everest Cuisine
![Things to do in Rapid City](https://itstravelzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Have-lunch-at-Everest-Cuisine.webp)
Dining at Everest Cuisine is one of the most amazing things you can experience in Rapid City. They make the best Indian food in all of Rapid City. Even if you search for the best place to eat in Rapid City on the internet, you will always see this place as the best restaurant for things to do in Rapid City.
You can easily reach here by car. If you are an Indian and miss the food at home, you will have the same taste here, and if you are an international tourist, you definitely should try it.
- Address: 2328 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
- Official Website: Everest Cuisine
- Timing:
- 11 am – 2:30 pm(Mon-Sun)
- 4:30 am – 9 pm(Mon-Sun)
- Phone no:+16053434444
- Google Maps Direction: Get Direction
Conclusion
Things to do in Rapid City is an ideal destination to experience beauty, history, culture, and entertainment. You can visit historical monuments and do adventurous outdoor activities here.
From exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Black Hills and Iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial to immersing oneself in the rich history and culture of the area at museums and galleries. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping, while foodies can indulge in different cuisines.
If you seek an adventurous, relaxing, and unforgettable visit, you should experience the best things to do in Rapid City.
FAQs
Where are the main attractions in Rapid City?
The main attractions include Mount Rushmore, the National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and the Journey Museum.
What are the family-friendly outdoor activities that you do in Rapid City?
You can visit Storybook Island, Reptile Gardens, Dinosaur Parks, and Bear Country USA with your Family.
What is the best time to visit in Rapid City?
The best time to visit Rapid City is during the summer, from June to August, when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities, such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the parks.Â