Things to Do in Rapid City, SD - Rapid City Attractions
Things to Do in Rapid City
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Bear Country USA, Reptile Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Parks. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Bear Country USA, Reptile Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Parks. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Rapid City.
- fromper adult$165
- fromper adult$295
- from
$469per adult (price varies by group size)$399 
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$395- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$359
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$400
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$349- from
$25per group (up to 8)$23 
Extreme Sportsfromper adult$12- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$169
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Drive-thru and walkable wildlife habitat with close-up encounters of bears, wolves, and more. Enjoy observing playful cubs and a variety of native animals in a natural setting.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Interactive reptile and animal encounters ideal for family enjoyment, featuring educational shows, a diverse aviary, and hands-on experiences with exotic wildlife.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
National Parks
Architectural Buildings
Replica of a traditional Norwegian church with a tranquil prayer walk, historical displays, and unique nativity scenes in the gift shop, set amidst a residential area.
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Shopping Malls
Historic downtown ambiance with a blend of architectural styles, unique dining venues, and bronze presidential sculptures paired with informative QR codes.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Roadside attraction showcasing scenic views and cement dinosaur statues, complete with a gift shop and a snack bar, ideal for family photo moments and casual exploration.
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Speciality Museums
Hidden gem on a college campus, this museum presents a diverse array of fossils and minerals, complete with interactive displays and a black light room, ideal for geology enthusiasts.
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Art Galleries
Other Top Attractions around Rapid City
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- harryh409Crestview, FL432 contributionsWe decided to stop here as we love seeing wild animals in a non-closed environment. We are so glad we did too. The attendant at the gate was very informative, friendly and precise in explaining how to view the animals. Almost all the animals were available for viewing except the cougars and some mountain goats. The park is very well maintained and extremely clean. It was a trip seeing the bears wandering around the roadway and as the park's truck showed up with food all of about 30 bears started walking towards the food. The only disappointment was the snack bar was closed so we had to go into town to eat lunch.Written September 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- M OPrior Lake, MN18 contributionsGreat place to visit...even in October! They do a great job of moving a lot of animals indoors when it gets cold, so you can still see them.Written October 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alan M6 contributionsWithout doubt one of my favourite places on my 9,000 mile drive through 17 states. It was snowing and I was nervous about the drive through this amazing landscape, but the road is excellent and I had no problems at all. The canyons and patterns formed on the surfaces of the canyon walls by the passing millennia made this a very memorable drive.. the town of Wall, nearby, is also a great place to stop.Written January 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Emily K45 contributionsThis was a neat little gem to find! Its super easy to locate and the craftsmanship is beautiful. This chapel highlights the influence of Norwegian immigrants in the area, which was fascinating considering I had no idea that there was a large population of Nordic people that came to South Dakota. Inside there is a button that you can press for pre-recorded audio that discusses the history and construction of the chapel, and also plays a hymn so that you can experience its acoustics. I highly recommend to stop and see this beautiful chapel!Written January 31, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- phat_dawg_21Alpharetta, GA17,329 contributionslots of restaurants and bars. Neat old buildings. The street corners are decorated with life size sculptures of presidents.Written October 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AngelaMB12Hanover, PA335 contributionsA nice place to walk around and see five dinosaur statues. It has stairs and a ramp to the top. The views were spectacular. The visitor center is a big selection of souvenirs, a food cafe, and restrooms.Written June 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nancy ERapid City, SD3 contributionsAwesome place for families! /delightful time and fun to watch other families enjoying the atmosphere.Written December 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alyssa O5 contributionsMany beautiful and interesting artifacts to observe! The museum is currently accepting donations for admission, but will be charging admission fees beginning January 2025. The play area was great for kids to explore independently. Museum staff were friendly. This is a must see!Written December 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Terri FPhoenix, AZ13 contributionsWe went to this museum not knowing what to expect. The lady at the desk said it could take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to get through the whole museum depending on how quickly you read.
Here's the highlights: Dinosaur Excavation site, plus quite a nice display about Dinosaurs, Sioux Indian items including a very nice Teepee, A display about Custer, a nice display of a Fur Trader's Cabin, A story about Rapid City Flood, a Homestead Cabin, & a very nice Museum store. We were there 1.5 hours checking it all out. There was one area where a pilot (not alive) was standing directing kids to try out the flight simulators.
I would recommend it.
I give it 4 stars as there could have been more to do but it appeared that since it wasn't during the day on a school day, the demo people weren't there, so some areas were set up for doing demos, but no one was there to do them.Written November 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KarmV_707116 contributionsThis place has great souvenir options, beautiful artwork. Anything from head to toe souvenirs. A bit pricey butvyou'll find something worth buying. I did!Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carolinas704Colorado Springs, CO358 contributionsWe spent a few days here during a trip across country with our young children. It was clean, fun, safe, and enjoyable for the whole family.Written May 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VidaloqaAberdeen, SD12 contributionsThe price of admission gets you in for three consecutive days and we’ve gone several years now. We love to feed the animals and cuddle the baby goats!! Great staff too.Written August 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January28 ºF1 day of rainModerately busy
- February26 ºFColdest month2 days of rainLess busy
- March37 ºF3 days of rainModerately busy
- April44 ºF5 days of rainModerately busy
- May55 ºF8 days of rainWettest monthVery busy
- June68 ºF7 days of rainVery busy
- July74 ºFHottest month6 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- August72 ºF5 days of rainVery busy
- September64 ºF3 days of rainModerately busy
- October49 ºF3 days of rainLess busy
- November38 ºF1 day of rainLess busy
- December28 ºF2 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.