Rapid City, South Dakota: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit!
Rapid City, South Dakota: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit! Known as the Gateway to the Black Hills this charming city is bursting with a vibrant culinary scene, charming hotel establishments, and access to endless family-friendly activities. I’ll show you what to do, what to eat, and where to stay while in Rapid City.
Rapid City, South Dakota.
Known as the Gateway to the Blacks Hills is only a car ride away from Colorado.
This charming city is bursting with a vibrant culinary scene, charming hotel establishments and access to city and mountain adventures whether for a girls weekend away or family vacation.
I had a chance to tour Rapid City and I must say I was instantly smitten. Not only is this city growing, but it’s still maintaining that local charm. I promise a few nights in Rapid City and you’ll want to unpack that suitcase permanently.
Below is my full travel guide of what to experience in Rapid City during the summer months!
WHERE TO STAY:
Lodging and Transportation
Rapid City is located in the southwest region of South Dakota making it an easy location for travelers to access. With only a six hour drive from Denver to Rapid City, we decided it was the perfect place for our next family vacation.
If you aren’t traveling via car you can certainly fly into Rapid City Regional Airport that has a variety of non-stop daily flights from various cities.
Once we arrived in Rapid City, we immediately got settled into the Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown Convention Center. This comfortable hotel is centrally located in downtown Rapid City which makes access to all of our activities a breeze.
The Holiday Inn comes with spacious guest rooms, indoor pool, sauna, and robust fitness center. The hotel also offers delicious snacks and beverages from Gold Bison Grill delivered to your room or dine-in.
WHERE TO EAT:
Breakfast & Brunch
Fork Real Food: located in downtown Rapid City this vibrant and inviting cafe is a wonderful place to enjoy homestyle breakfast and lunch. Make sure to grab a breakfast burrito, fresh fruit parfait and hot cup of joe. Fun fact: they are a nonprofit pay-what-you-can-cafe that helps fight food insecurity in western South Dakota.
Black Hills Bagels: located about a mile from the Holiday Inn Downtown this made-from-scratch bagel shop is best enjoyed on your way to adventures outside the city. Grab a fresh bagel with smear or order one of their specialty sandwiches like bagel & lox or westerner to fuel for the long day.
Essence of Coffee: Claim to fame is Rapid City’s finest coffee. My vote? It’s pretty darn good. In addition to coffee they have quite a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu. I highly recommend one of their seasonal hash and Mediterranean scrambles. Enjoy your meal in a casual atmosphere with Rapid City locals.
Harriet & Oak: If you are looking for a hip cafe and roastery that has a VW van parked inside, Harriet & Oak is your jam. Not only are their pastries fresh and flavorful, but order one of their many breakfast sandwiches or bowls. Every item on their menu is a hit.
Lunch & Dinner
Tally’s Silver Spoon: If you are looking for modern, upscale food in a relaxed atmosphere, you must try Tally’s Silver Spoon. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this approachable restaurant serves up some incredible food. Pro top: try the bison marsala. It will change your life.
Ugly Graffiti: What started as a food truck now has roots established in downtown Rapid City. If you are a mac and cheese enthusiast you will want to make a pit stop here. Make sure to order the Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese, Cubano Nachos, and Korean BBQ Beef Tacos.
Delmonico Grill: Looking for a more intimate, fine-dining setting while in Rapid City? Stop by Delmonico Grill to enjoy some upscale, slow-food meal options like Breaded Tenderloin Chislic and Honey Bourbon Steak Tips. BUT! Don’t forget to bring your kiddos because the kids cheeseburger sliders are some of the best I’ve had!
Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar: You’ll want to make a stop to have a craft cocktail and nibbles at the Juniper Vertex Sky Bar. Nested at the top of the Hotel Alex Johnson, you’ll find sweeping views of Rapid City as you sit fireside while sipping a drink. Staying for dinner? Make sure to sample their local charcuterie boards and seasonal lamb.
Independent Ale House: Pizza and beer? Is there a better combo? Well, if you want to taste the best pizza and beer in Rapid City you have to stop into Independent Ale House. Make sure to order a local IPA and a couple pizzas for the table. You’ll leave happy and full!
Silver Lining Ice Cream: Best treat to enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner? Ice cream! Make sure to try Silver Lining Ice Cream located in downtown Market Square. Their ice cream is made on site and will delight any palate. Just make sure to add sprinkles!
WHAT TO VISIT:
One of the great benefits of visiting Rapid City is the ease of access to city activities and mountain adventures. You can visit a museum downtown in the morning and be at the steps of a national monument in the afternoon. Whatever type of activity you or your family wants to embark on, Rapid City, South Dakota has it all.
Rapid City Downtown Adventures
City View Trolley Tour: I highly recommend starting your visit in Rapid City with the City View Trolley Tour. Not only does it provide the perfect foundation for how the city was built, but you’ll be able to visit historical landmarks (like a hidden chapel built out of wood) to must-see views of the city and more. The tour is about an hour and a half and will pick up in front of the Journey Museum.
The Journey Museum: After the trolley tour jump inside to the museum for an adventure through time. You’ll learn how the ancient Black Hills were formed like prehistoric encounters to Native American heritage to pioneer tales. Lot’s of kiddo activities to do and in-depth knowledge for the adults.
Main Street Square Fountains: Visiting Rapid City during the summer months lends itself to multiple outdoor activities like the fountains in downtown. Stop by and run through the fountains to cool off. Or hang out at the square for a bite to eat!
Biking or Walking through Memorial Park: One of the perks of staying at the Holiday Inn was the ability to bike or walk downtown through Memorial Park. It’s the center of Rapid City featuring many exhibits, sculptures, a pond and a huge commons area.
Black Hills Adventures
Bear Country USA: About 25 minutes outside of Rapid City is the famous Bear Country. This 200 acre, three-mile drive wildlife tour features the largest collection of privately owned black bears in the world. We saw elk, bobcats, goats, and buffalo. Great experience to see so much wildlife close up!
Reptiles Gardens: Opened in 1935 is a reptile-focused zoo just south of Rapid City. There is so much to see and touch at this zoo. You can take in a gator show, pet tortoises, and visit a large sanctuary that is filled with every reptile imaginable including a fossil of a giant sea turtle who stretches 15 feet long!
Crazy Horse Memorial: About 45 minutes from Rapid City you will find the world’s largest mountain carving of Crazy Horse who was the Lakota leader. Interesting fact: they have never accepted funding from the government for this project. All the money is either privately funded or from admissions. You can take a bus to the bottom of the monument for a better view. Or you can grab a snack at the Laughing Water Restaurant and relax, while soaking in the incredible views.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore completed in 1941. It’s a breathtaking memorial. Highly recommended walking the presidents trail to get a change of scenery plus different views of the presidents. BUT! A must is a scoop of Jefferson’s ice cream recipe to end your experience.
And that’s a wrap on our time in Rapid City, South Dakota! A huge thanks to Visit Rapid City for hosting our family and for Lightning Bug Public Relations for curating our itinerary. We can’t wait to return!