Though it’s South Dakota’s second-largest city, Rapid City is best known as the gateway to the state’s natural attractions. Over 2.5 million visitors flock to nearby Mt. Rushmore National Memorial each year to see the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln writ large in granite, and day trips frequently include Black Hills National Forest, which offers a wealth of wildlife and varied scenery. Other things to do around Rapid City include the Wild West town of Deadwood and Badlands National Park, known for its towering rock formations, Native American history, and ancient fossils.
For most visitors, Rapid City is a three-season destination. In spring, you get the forest roaring to life, with Spearfish Canyon’s waterfalls raging. In summer, you get warm, sunny days—and bigger crowds. In fall, you get the gold from aspen and birch trees popping out of the pine-clad greens in the Black Hills. Of course, in winter, you get bite-size crowds and world-famous places like Mt. Rushmore all to yourself.
You’re going to want a car. You could get by with some combination of buses, taxis, and rideshares—or simply stay downtown and book a bunch of tours—but a personal vehicle is your best bet. Rapid City’s iconic attractions (such as Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse) typically require a short drive. What’s more, this area of the US is famous for its scenic drives: Spearfish Canyon and Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop are two of the best.
However much time you’re thinking of spending in Rapid City, double it. There’s so much to do. You’ll want time to explore the Black Hills, including hiking the Cathedral Spires trail if you’re able. Then there’s Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse and the wildlife in Custer State Park. Make time to hang out with cowboys in nearby Deadwood (check out the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane) and tour Wind Cave and Jewel Cave.
