2019-12-21 01:22:28
In Rapid City, discover something bigger. This vibrant city in the eastern foothills of the Black Hills shines as the headquarters of this legendary region. Whether you’re seeing the sights for the first time or planning a return trip for more Black Hills and Badlands experiences, Rapid City is a must-see on your vacation. Here, you can meet American heroes, take in local arts and culture, explore the outdoors, indulge in a unique dining scene and still be within an hour’s drive of six national parks and monuments, including two of the world’s longest caves. Plan to spend a day or more exploring all the area has to offer. DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY Downtown Rapid City offers urban pleasures and the excitement of a cultural crossroads. The heart of downtown is located at Main Street Square, on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main streets. The Square’s interactive fountain delights kids of all ages. In the winter, the fountain transforms into an ice skating rink, while in the summer concerts, movies, celebrations and more are held weekly. You’ll find regular celebrations, music and vendors on the streets every Thursday at Summer Nights, Rapid City’s premier summer festival. The events are free, family friendly and chock full of summer fun. You’ll also often find entertainment options at local pubs, breweries and wineries throughout Downtown. There’s even a party on wheels! Jump on Black Hills Party Pedaler and tour downtown in style. ARTS & CULTURE Rapid City’s art scene blends urban, western and Native American cultures. The area proudly boasts creative exhibits in galleries, on street walls and even on utility boxes wrapped with local art. Downtown, you’ll find Art Alley — an ever-changing display of local art tucked between Main and St. Joseph streets. Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries offers fine art, goods and an enormous mercantile showcasing Great Plains Indian culture through crafts, books, music and cultural artifact reproductions in a two story building. Take a free factory tour at Sioux Pottery, where they make and sell fine Native American ceramics and pottery. ATTRACTIONS Whether you are looking to explore the world’s largest collection of reptiles, go on a scavenger hunt for the nation’s past presidents or discover seven prehistoric beasts that overlook the city skyline, Rapid City offers all of these opportunities and more. The City of Presidents allows visitors to experience all that downtown offers, while simultaneously posing for a picture next to their favorite president. Visit the most recently installed statue of President Obama and his daughter, Sasha. America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit, on U.S. Hwy 16 toward Mount Rushmore, houses a life-size diorama installation of John Trumbull’s iconic “Declaration of Independence” painting. Just next door to the exhibit, you can test your abilities with a musket at the Musket Range. For modern gun enthusiasts, check out Smoking Gun Indoor Range & Training Center. The facility has 12 lanes that allow handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Bring your own firearm or choose from their large selection of rentals. A mile southwest of downtown Rapid City, Dinosaur Park on Skyline Drive pays tribute to the dinosaur fossils that were found here. Climb to the top of the park and experience spectacular 100-mile views in every direction. For the wildlife lover, find magnificent creatures at Reptile Gardens, home to the largest reptile collection in the world. You’ll see reptiles, prairie dogs, exotic birds and a botanical garden filled with tropical plants and flowers. Pet one of three 100-year old tortoises — Orville, Tank and Samson — interact with Fluffy the baby alligator and even hold Marilyn, the park’s 12-foot python. Just down the road at Bear Country U.S.A., experience the world’s largest collection of privately-owned black bears — currently over 200. Drive through the wildlife park to view bears, elk, bison, wolves and other North American wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle. Take the Wildlife Walk to see bear cubs and other young animals born and raised in the park. Continue further on U.S. Hwy 16 to Old MacDonald’s Farm, where the whole family can hand-feed, pet and even bottle-feed some of the animals. Further down the road, experience Cosmos Mystery Area. There, the world is different, topsey and turvey, with nothing in its normal position — including you. Aircraft and history enthusiasts enjoy South Dakota Air & Space Museum, located near Ellsworth Air Force Base. More than 30 vintage military aircrafts from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and the modern-day B-1 are on display in the museum’s two major static exhibits — an outdoor air park and an immersive indoor experience. At the heart of Rapid City, the Journey Museum & Learning Center tells stories through prehistoric and historic collections of the region. The museum includes archaeological artifacts, Native American and pioneer culture, as well as interactive space and science displays. Find the great outdoors in Rapid City. Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, known as M-Hill, has more than 18 miles of trails flowing through 300 acres of terrain minutes from downtown. The park is great for hiking and biking. Near Dinosaur Park, Skyline Wilderness Area straddles Skyline Drive ridge and offers singletrack trails fixed on 150 acres of land. Hike or bike a mix of rugged forest and hilltop meadows. History in Motion Located near Ellsworth Air Force Base, visitors to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum can view exhibits of historic bombers, fighters, utility aircraft and missles, as well as live B-1 exercises overhead. RAPID CITY isn't just surrounded by big experiences. It's one of them. It's the city where big things are always happening and inspiration is found on every corner. Plan your bucket list list vacation at VisitRapidCity.com.
©South-Dakota. View All Articles.