Location: Rapid City
Top Things to do in Rapid City
10 Free Things to do in Rapid City That You Shouldn't Miss
Rapid City has long been considered one of the gateways to the West, and its rich cowboy and Native American heritage is the result. Visitors won't want to miss the area's mammoth outdoor sculptures. There's Mount Rushmore, of course, but work also continues on the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, which will be the largest sculpture in the world when it is finally completed years down the line. Among the many local attractions are the scenic Black Hills, several nearby cavern systems that offer guided tours and the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.
Restaurants in Rapid City
1. Sioux Pottery
2. Independant Ale House
3. Tinder Box
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Welcome to the Tinder Box Cigar Bar, Rapid City’s only Cigar bar. The Rapid City Tinder Box is located at 518 7th Street in the historic Buell Building (circa 1888), situated in the heart of downtown Rapid City. For visitors to Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, the Sturgis Bike Rally, or business visitors, we are the premium tobacconist in the area. Customer service is our number one goal, and our staff is eager and knowledgeable in helping you select cigars to fit your taste. Our premium cigar lines include Padron, Cohiba, Nat Sherman, Acid, Upmann, Romeo and Juliet, My Father’s, Brickhouse, Ashton, Flor de Selva, CAO and many more. In addition to carrying an extensive selection of high-quality hand-rolled cigars, we offer a full line of spirits such as bourbon, whiskey, cognac, and mixed drinks plus a great selection of fine wine, and beer. You will find Pipes and a large selection of Tinder Box Custom Blended Pipe Tobacco. Our retail area offers quality accessories and gifts.
Reviewed By jakeb320
This is the place to be. Great environment great staff top notch service. Being located in historical downtown Rapid makes it the place to be
4. Suzie Cappa Art Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
The Suzie Cappa Art Center is a member of Black Hills Works family. We believe that disability is not a boundary; that all people can be creative in a supportive environment. We are a vibrant, non-profit art studio and gallery, where artists of all abilities create, exhibit, and sell their work. The artists receive proceeds from the sales of their work and contributing to the cultural and economic life of our community. There is nothing quite like it in the region.
5. Black Hills Vinyl
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Vinyl - Tapes - CDs - Stereo Gear - Books - Magazines - Shirts - Disc Golf Discs - Bags - Apparel - Live Music - Sound/Light Production - DJ Services
Reviewed By 129charlottew
Rapid City is so fortunate to have this caliber of a record store smack in the middle of downtown. Huge and diverse selection, friendly staff and frequent host to a variety of live music acts. They carry records, CD's, cassettes and a bit of clothing. Also a great place to get equipment for disc golf.
6. Founders Park
7. Chapel in the Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Celebrating 50 years in 2019! Replica of the 850-year-old Borgund Church in Norway and has unique architecture and woodcarvings.
Reviewed By CharlesP1904
This place is really beautiful with wonderful wooden chapel structure inspired by the exact replica of Borgund Stavkirke of Laerdal, Norway. It has a prayer walkway. It has a gift shop for souvenirs and products from Norway. I really like the chocolate.
8. Museum of Geology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
We are a natural history museum featuring an excellent displays of South Dakota fossils, minerals from around the world and South Dakota Minerals.
Reviewed By jimmydoe
free to public, parking is difficult... has excellent display of minerals, gems and gold, also fossils from western south dakota....is very disproportionately large for a small museum in a small state. a replica of Sue, the T.rex fossil that was found in the area is on display, as are other dinosaur bones... a place for both kids and adults
9. Storybook Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 803 reviews
We are a non profit childrens park. 8 1/2 acres of outdoor fun! We have a train, carousel and Bippity Boppity Bounce, the cost is $2 per person for each of these. We have concessions on site as well as a gift shop. We are free admission in the summer, a $1 per person donation is recommended. We DO NOT allow outside food, drink or pets. We open for the summer season on Memorial Weekend and Close on Labor Day.
Reviewed By desiprincess
If you are ever in South Dakota, do not miss an opportunity to visit Storybook Island! Although this is not one of the commonly noted tourist attractions, it is one of the best things to do with children in the area. Storybook Island is a colorful, intricate, deeply detailed playground full of every fairy tale character you can imagine. Disney characters, Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street characters, Wizard of Oz, and more fill this space with wonder! A carousel, train ride, numerous slides, play houses, a tree house, and various vehicles including a boat, helicopter, and train are only some of the play structures on Storybook Island. Ice cream, slushies, and other quick, fun snacks are available for purchase. If you are in the process of planning your itinerary for a South Dakota trip with children, consider planning at least 3-4 hours here. You will be so glad you didn’t rush through this magnificent, magical park! There are many incredible things to do in South Dakota. Storybook Island is sadly missed by many tourists who prioritize other attractions. Take my advice- go to Storybook Island and enjoy a kids’ paradise!
10. South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota's premiere free aviation museum! The museum has two major static display venues: First, a outdoor air park filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft lets you get close to & touch history. This includes the currently flown B-1B Lancer. Secondly, four historical hangars showcase military history & technology,space tech & EROS, SD aviation, and EAFB local military history in a fresh and immersive walk-through. Mid-May through Mid-September bus tours of nearby Ellsworth AFB and the Minuteman II missile training silo are offered at a nominal fee. You will be able to go inside the silo and on base for a 50 minute guided tour of the only MMII silo open to the public. Make sure you bring your ID or Passport (Non-US) to enjoy the tour!
Reviewed By 107drewg - Rapid City, United States
In a city no larger than Rapid City, the museum at Ellsworth AFB far exceeds expectations if you are interested in military aviation history. Bombers, B-1 and B-29, among others are on display as is General Eisenhower's personal transport from WWII. The indoor portion of the museum is also well prepared and includes a B-1 cockpit.
