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Things to do in Rapid City: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Rapid City, South Dakota: family and scenic. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

FamilyScenic
Family trip

Family Fun in Rapid City

5 stops · about 6 hr 30 min of stops · ~$175 per person

Enjoy a fun, stress-free family day in Rapid City with vintage dinosaur climbing, a whimsical storybook theme park, and delicious stops at highly kid-friendly local landmarks.

  1. 1

    Harriet & Oak

    329 Main St #1, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
    Harriet & Oak, Rapid City

    Grab breakfast in this cool cafe featuring an indoor vintage VW van that kids love.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$40 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Dinosaur Park

    940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
    Dinosaur Park, Rapid City

    Climb on giant 1930s concrete dinosaur replicas and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Storybook Island

    1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
    Storybook Island, Rapid City

    Admission is free, but bring cash for the $4 train and carousel rides in this fairytale park.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$10 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Millstone Family Restaurant

    2010 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
    Millstone Family Restaurant, Rapid City

    A cozy, locally owned favorite serving kid-friendly lunch baskets and comfort food classics.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$50 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Firehouse Brewery & Restaurant

    610 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
    Firehouse Brewery & Restaurant, Rapid City

    South Dakota's oldest operating brewery is located in a historic 1915 fire hall; kids get free plastic fire hats!

    ★ 4.0 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$75 per person · Directions
Scenic trip

Scenic Sights & Waterfronts of Rapid City

5 stops · about 6 hr 15 min of stops · ~$87 per person

Enjoy a beautifully scenic day in Rapid City, exploring a panoramic ridge drive, tranquil parks, and peaceful waterfronts, paired with the town's best local dining.

  1. 1

    Tally's Silver Spoon

    530 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
    Tally's Silver Spoon, Rapid City

    Try the famous Indecision Breakfast or a classic diner plate at this beloved downtown landmark.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Skyline Wilderness Area Park

    Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
    Skyline Wilderness Area Park, Rapid City

    Drive along the scenic ridge and stop at pullouts for panoramic photos of the city and the Black Hills.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Canyon Lake Park

    3P67+329, 4181 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
    Canyon Lake Park, Rapid City

    Stroll across the wooden bridges to the Gazebo Island and enjoy the tranquil waters of Rapid Creek.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  4. 4

    Murphy's Pub & Grill

    510 9th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
    Murphy's Pub & Grill, Rapid City

    Grab a relaxed lunch on the beautiful patio and try their scratch-made comfort food or local beers.

    ★ 4.3 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$22 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Dakotah Steakhouse

    1325 N Elk Vale Rd, Rapid City, SD 57703, USA
    Dakotah Steakhouse, Rapid City

    Cap off the day with a legendary South Dakota steak, bison dish, or local walleye in a warm, rustic setting.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$45 per person · Directions

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