RAPID CITY
Raipid City Photo credit: Linked In
Rapid City is located on the eastern slope of the Black Hills in western South Dakota. Known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills" and the "City of Presidents" because of the life-size bronze president statues downtown, Rapid City is split by a low mountain ridge that divides the city's western and eastern parts, called ‘The Gap.’ Ellsworth Air Force Base is on the city's outskirts. Camp Rapid, part of the South Dakota Army National Guard, is in the city's western part.
It is the second most populous city in South Dakota.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are some pretty unique accommodations in Rapid City like the Summer Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Photo credit: Summer Creek Inn
Summer Creek Inn in Rapid City provides adults-only accommodation with a garden, a bar and a shared lounge. The property features garden and quiet street views, and is 19 miles from Mount Rushmore.
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a sun terrace, a beautiful garden, a bar, outdoor fireplace, hot tub, and lounge. Additional amenities include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and soundproofed rooms. Free on-site private parking is available.
The house itself is absolutely gorgeous and Dan and Nancy are wonderful hosts, making sure every customer is happy and has a pleasant stay.
Dan and Nancy make the gourmet breakfasts themselves and they're delicious.
I highly recommend Summer Creek Inn.
Photo credit: Summer Creek Inn
Photo credit: Summer Creek Inn
Photo credit: IGH
Easy access location off I-90 at the Rushmore Crossing Shopping Complex puts you within arm’s reach of several shopping and dining options. From your doorstep, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, Reptile Gardens, Bear Country.
Spacious apartment style studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites.
Amenities: free WIFI, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and guest laundry, outdoor living space by the fire pit, pet friendly, fully equipped kitchens in every suite, 24/7 convenience store, complimentary laundry machines.
Breakfast is included with your reservation. An evening social is held Mondays through Wednesdays.
1314 Luna Avenue, Rapid City
Photo credit: IGH
Photo credit: Hotel Alex Johnson
Photo credit: Hotel Alex Johnson
523 Sixth St. Rapid City
Rapid City also has a slew of inexpensive to mid range motel and hotel chain accommodations.
Although an older hotel, the Hotel Alex Johnson is very nice with modern rooms and amenities.
Rooms have 42" LCD TV's, mini refrigerator microwave, coffee maker.
Hotel amenities include an on site restaurant, fitness center, free WiFi, full service Starbucks.
Breakfast is available for a fee.
The Alex Mercantile shop is right next door and there is a gift shop in the hotel lobby.
A big draw to Hotel Alex Johnson is its beautiful Vertex rooftop bar and restaurant.
Photo credit: Hotel Alex Johnson
ATTRACTIONS
Photo credit: Visit Rapid City
Spread across over 200 acres of lush pine forests and rolling meadows, just eight miles south of Rapid City, Bear Country U.S.A. offers an unparalleled opportunity to get close to wildlife. Guests can enjoy a relaxed three-mile drive through enclosures, spotting animals such as black bears, elk, reindeer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and bison. From the comfort of their cars, visitors can watch as bears climb trees, splash in pools, and stroll across the road just feet away.
Admission Pricing:
Adults (Ages 13 - 61): $24
Child (Ages 5 - 12): $19
Young Child (Ages 4 and under): Free
Maximum Price Per Vehicle: $80
This is the maximum per passenger vehicle. Meaning we charge per person and once it hits this maximum, that is what you pay for the vehicle.
13820 S. Highway 16 Rapid City
Photo credit: Reptile Gardens
At one of the world’s largest reptile zoos, you’ll discover some of the world’s deadliest snakes and quite possibly some of the world’s friendliest tortoises. From the Sky Dome to Methuselah’s Playground and all the botanical gardens in between, this attraction shines in hands-on learning and unexpected family fun.
Admission for 2025 Fall Hours:
Adults (16+) $22
Seniors (62+) $20
Youth (11-15) $18
Children (4-10) $16
Military (And Spouse) $20
Conveniently located near the entrance to Badlands National Park, this famous road-side stop offers dining, unusual photo ops, endless souvenirs and more to its visitors. If you’re driving to Rapid City, look for the famous Wall Drug billboards.
Thanks to Wall Drug, one of the most popular attractions in the state, drawing in more than 2 million visitors each year. Ted and Dorothy Hustead struggled to make Wall Drug successful in the early days. The city of Wall was somewhat affectionately known as “the geographical center of nowhere” back then and, to compound the challenges, the Great Depression was taking hold across the United States. But the story of Wall Drug was a story of success because one simple idea took root: Offering road weary travelers free ice water. Soon travelers would make a point to stop at Wall Drug to enjoy a refreshing break and they haven’t stopped coming to Wall Drug since.
Wall Drug isn't in Rapid City itself, you'll likely pass the town of Wall and home of Wall Drug if you're driving I-90 to Rapid City. It's an interesting place and worth a stop.
Photo credit: Visit Rapid City
Quirky history can be found standing on a ridge overlooking Rapid City. Boasting 60-mile views, Dinosaur Park is also home to seven green dinosaurs. While reflecting the general size of the real dinosaurs, these 1936 creations have aged to be more of a cartoon-like replica of the prehistoric beasts they represent. However, climbing and posing in photos with them is still timeless fun. FREE to visit.
940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City
With over 30,000 square feet of pools, slides, and water-filled fun, WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark Resort is the largest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas.
Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, WaTiki® is more than just a waterpark. The resort complex features five family-friendly hotels, delicious on-site dining options, and a sprawling arcade for endless entertainment.
If you're a guest at one of the 5 hotels, free admission to the water park is included in your reservation.
For non hotel guests, admission is $49.99.
1314 N Elk Vale Rd, Rapid City
Fort Hays is just minutes outside of Rapid City and this place is just a whole lot of fun!
Nestled along Highway 16 en route to Mount Rushmore, Fort Hays offers an variety of family-friendly attractions. Visitors can tour the film set of Dances with Wolves and enjoy a self-guided journey through the Old West Town Square, all for free. Indulge in an authentic Chuckwagon Supper
accompanied by live entertainment. And don't miss the adrenaline rush of the Buffalo Hunt Coaster, weaving through a herd of statue bison.
I recommend spending a full day here, beginning with their all-you-can-eat western pancake breakfast.
Indulge in fluffy, golden pancakes stacked high and served fresh. Enjoy as many as you like, paired with a hot cup of coffee or juice. We also offer a variety of add-ons to make your breakfast even more satisfying, including crispy bacon, and more.
What’s on the Menu:
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$.99 All you can eat pancakes
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Additional charges for Biscuits and Gravy (Single or Double)
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Coffee, Juice and Milk
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Thick Sliced Cowboy Bacon
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Extra Large Cowboy Sausage Links
After breakfast, stroll through our boardwalk and discover:
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Tin shop
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Post office
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Rope shop
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Blacksmith shop
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Sawmill
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Old-fashioned penny press
🪵 Every building is filled with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations by skilled artisans.
Explore the Dances With Wolves movie set and take photos at authentic movie backdrops.
Ride the Buffalo Hunt Coaster.
This isn't your average roller coaster.
The suspended cars mimic the thrills of a buffalo hunt and you’ll use a mounted six-shooter to aim at over 40 buffalo targets scattered throughout the course. It’s a test of skill and reflexes, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Between 5:30 and 5:45 head over to the chuckwagon dinner and show.
Step under the big timber pavilion as the dinner bell rings at 6:30 PM sharp. Guests are seated family-style, picnic tables stretching across the room, as cowboy cooks serve up steaming plates of authentic chuckwagon fare. There’s no waitstaff — this is a real Western dinner, served the way it was on the trail.
Your dinner menu:
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Chuckwagon potatoes
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BBQ beef or Baked chicken
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Western baked beans
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Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey
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Chunky apple sauce
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Old-fashioned spice cake
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Cowboy coffee
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Tenderfoot lemonade
After you’ve had your fill, the Rockin’ Wranglers take the stage. These talented musicians deliver an hour of classic Western tunes, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Show Tunes, and side-splitting cowboy comedy — a show that gets hands clapping, feet tapping, and smiles spreading from ear to ear.
The music starts at 7:15 pm and the show lasts 1 hour.
Price of admission starts at $49 per adult. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
This is a season park that's now closed for the 2025 season but will reopen in 2026 spring.
This is just the cutest park ever and kids will love it! Admission is FREE!
The favorite characters of your childhood books can be found among the fountains and green grass of Storybook Island. Kids have a blast exploring the tree house of Winnie the Pooh, sliding down the hill by Jack and Jill, and sitting in the carriage of Cinderella. Imagination has no limits within this fairytale park.
There's also a carousel and a train to ride as well.
1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City
I'd never seen anything like Pawnseum before during any of my travels. It's a museum and pawnshop in one...and every item is for sale!
Amongst stunning Black Hills Gold jewelry, an array of musical instruments and more, visitors can also find historical artifacts such as Michael Jackson’s early concert glove and authentic Native American antiques.
Pawnseum is located in downtown Rapid City at 629 Saint Joseph St, Rapid City.
Admission is FREE.
The City of Presidents remains one of Rapid City’s top attractions. It’s free, educational and fun for all ages. The added fun of the scavenger hunt, found on the back of the City of Presidents brochure, can be completed and turned in for a presidential prize at the Rapid City Visitor Center or the Visit Rapid City office.
The newest feature: a free self-guided audio tour. Dial in or scan the QR code in the brochure to listen or read along. It’s an easy way to learn more about the people behind the presidencies and catch artistic details you might otherwise miss.
Grab the City of Presidents Guide — your all-in-one companion to the trail. It enhances every experience, whether you're tuning into the free audio tour, following along with the dial-in version, or taking on the scavenger hunt. Use it to navigate downtown, track your progress, and uncover the unique stories behind each statue. Pick up a printed guide at the Rapid City Visitor Center in downtown Rapid City or view the digital version below.
DINING
Diverse menu including selections of local Dakota cuisine: buffalo, elk, walleye.
Specializing in steaks.
Features on the menu include savory chops, fresh seafood, generous salads, homemade soups, and decadent desserts.
Full bar. $$
Tally's serves breakfast lunch and dinner. $$
Upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
Salads, pasta, burgers, beef, pork, poultry, bison.
A unique feature of Tally's is that if you can't decide what to have, the chefs will create a tasting menu for you.
They also have Pork & Pinot Tuesday where chefs prepare pork entrees and pair them with a new Pinot Noir.
530 6th Street, Rapid City
DEADWOOD
Town of Deadwppd
Deadwood is best known as the town where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and died. It's a mix of modern and Old West.
A few years had elapsed between my visits to Deadwood and I was saddened to see during that time Deadwood had turned into one heck of a tourist trap. The whole atmosphere of Deadwood had changed as a result. Still, there are things worth seeing if you've never been to Deadwood.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are many options for lodging in and around Deadwood, too many to list - from campgrounds to motels/hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, condos, lodges, and vacation properties, Your best bet is to contact the official Deadwood website and ask an agent to help you find the best bang for your buck when it comes to the type of lodging you want.
We discovered it was cheaper to stay in nearby Lead than it was in Deadwood itself so booked into the Historic Town Hall Inn, 5 minutes from Deadwood.
The Town Hall Inn used to be the building that housed the government offices but has been turned into a boutique hotel.
In doing so, they named the rooms after the government offices those rooms had once housed.
We had the Municipal Judge's Chamber as our suite.
You could find your suite used to be the courtroom.
The Municipal Judge's Chamber
The inn owners are kind and welcoming, the rooms are both spacious and spotless, and our suite included a kitchenette as well as breakfast.
All rooms have private baths, microwave and mini refrigerator and complimentary WiFi.
You'll save 15% off your stay by booking direct with the Inn. Prices for a Queen suite on up start at a very reasonable $117.50 per night. Our suite was $123.75 per night.
DEADWOOD ATTRACTIONS
There is a self guided walking tour of Deadwood Smart Phone app available for $7.75 if you're interested. Once we figured out the WalkNTours app it was easy to use. However, Deadwood is a rather noisy place so don't do this tour without earbuds. Also, there are some references to brothel activity and some violent killings of the day, so parents should be aware.
We took a stroll down Deadwood's main street where Saloon #10 still stands. This was where Wild Bill Hickok met his demise.
It's a recreation of the Nuttal & Mann's Saloon, the original having burned down. The current No. 10 Saloon is not at the same location as the original Nuttal & Mann's. However, it is a working saloon serving drinks.
During the summer on Mondays through Fridays there's a free re-enactment of the shooting of Wild Bill that takes place in the No.10 Saloon.
Just a couple of doors down was a building with a big sign advertising BROTHEL. I tried the door but it was locked so my guess would be it's not a brothel anymore.
Wild Bill's Trading Post is still a functioning saloon and the real location where Wild Bill was shot. (Downstairs from the bar) Back then you could go down there for free but now they nick you $20 to go downstairs and look around as long as you want.
DEADWOOD MODEL TRAIN
Being both hubby and I were railroad brats and had our own HO model train layout, we hit the brakes for this one! Look for the building with the red awning that says DEADWOOD BAD LANDS, go into the building and down into the basement to see the train layout. The building is across from Mineral Palace in the “Deadwood Badlands” district.
No admission fee, it's FREE but if you want to watch the trains run it costs $1 for 10 minutes.
It's a large diorama so it'll take about 20 minutes to really see the whole thing and all the little details that went into building it.
MOUNT MORIAH CEMETERY
This is where both Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried.
To get to the cemetery is kind of weird. There's a very long flight of stairs you must climb that run right smack through the middle of a residential neighborhood.
The admission fee to the cemetery is $2 and it goes toward maintenance of the cemetery.
The cemetery is open year round and parking is available at the Sherman Street parking lot.
DEADWOOD ALIVE
This is another FREEBIE. Witness the infamous trial of the man who killed Wild Bill Hickok. Six nights a week (no shows on Sundays). The capture of Jack McCall takes place in front of the Old Style Saloon No. 10 At 7:35 PM.
The Trial of Jack McCall takes place at the Wild Bill Theatre on Main Street at 8:00 PM. Website
The play follows the shooting of Wild Bill and capture of Crooked Nose Jack in front of the Saloon No. 10. This family-friendly show utilizes members of the audience to participate in the performance serving as extras in the Trial. This show is one of the longest running stage plays in the nation having been performed in Deadwood since 1924.
DAYS OF 76 MUSEUM
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The Days of ’76 celebration began in 1924 as a way to honor Deadwood’s first pioneers – the prospectors, miners, muleskinners, and madams who poured into the Black Hills in 1876 to settle the gold-filled gulches of Dakota Territory. Since then, the Days of ’76 has grown into a legendary annual event with a historic parade and an award-winning PRCA rodeo.
The Days of ’76 Museum began, informally, as a repository for the horse-drawn wagons, stagecoaches, carriages, clothing, memorabilia, and archives generated by the celebration. The museum is now a state-of-the-art facility filled with dynamic and thematic exhibitions.
More than 50 historic wagons, carriages, buggies, and other animal-powered vehicles are on display in the exhibit, Deadwood: A Story of Movement and Change. The 7,000-square-foot exhibit tells the story of how this early transportation system helped settle the American West.
Spectacular and colorful panoramic photographs of the local western landscape cover the walls of the gallery. Many vehicles are positioned in front of creative representations of Deadwood’s Main Street, including wooden and brick buildings, a livery stable, a sundries storefront, a fire station, and the porch of an elegant Victorian home. The gallery is full of hands-on components, photo opportunities, and interactive activities that make for a truly memorable experience.
An old hearse
Tip for the budget conscious: Save the $20 you'd pay to see the basement recreation of the #10 Saloon and spend it seeing this museum instead + the Historic Adams House.
We spent several hours browsing through this museum. There's that much to see!
There's another floor of wagons, carriages, etc. downstairs.
There's also a gun display of guns used in the Old West.
We especially enjoyed the displays about
Lakota tribe members, interactive footsteps of native dance and movie about Buffalo Bill Cody.
(His great grandson, Kit and I had become friends during my first trip to Cody)
Admission: Adults $10, Children 6-12 $5, Children 5 & under free.
Or bundle your tickets to see 3 attractions:
$20 per person for the Days of ’76 Museum and Historic Adams House
$22 for Adams Museum, Days of ’76 Museum, and Historic Adams House.
EXPERIENTIAL TOURS
Photo credit: City of Deadwood
I'd never done an experiental tour before so I tried it on my last visit to Deadwood. It was great! It allows you to experience Deadwood rather than just see it. You can even make the tour a bit more exciting by playing PastPort while taking the tour.
Learn the history of Deadwood and win awesome prizes while having a great time! Stop by one of the Deadwood Information Centers to pick up your PastPort booklet, then catch the trolley for free (using passes in the booklet) to participating locations between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Collect stamps from the six participating locations: Adams Museum, Broken Boot Gold Mine, Days of '76 Museum, Historic Adams House, Mount Moriah Cemetery, and the Trial of Jack McCall. To collect a stamp you must have visited the attraction, this includes paying the admission fees when applicable. Once all stamps have been collected, return your PastPort to a Deadwood Information
Center to receive your sweet reward - a Chubby Chipmunk chocolate bar or deck of historic playing cards. You must complete the form on the back page of the PastPort to receive your prize. Available from mid-May through late September, while supplies last.
As for the tour itself, it includes walking tours, tea times, gold panning, and so much more. All tours require advance reservations. For more information, call 1-800-999-1876.
BROKEN BOOT GOLD MINE
Step into the Black Hills best underground mine tour and return to a time when the powerful punch of a miner’s pick and the roaring boom of another dynamite blast signaled the ongoing search for the richest veins of gold on Earth.
Follow the path of ore cars deep underground into the century-old drifts of the Broken Boot. Walk in the footsteps of thousands of faceless miners who sought their fortunes in the dark and explosive atmosphere of black powder and candlelight.
For a separate fee you can also mine for gold and keep whatever gold you find. $14.
You can also get a lesson in panning gold, pan for gold and keep any gold you find plus the pan. Call for pricing.
You can also do a Candlelight Ghost Tour, which is what I elected to do, having seen a few gold mines already. $14 non refundable. (Seen one cave, seen em all) Honestly, wasn't what I was hoping it would be. They gave you these battery operated little lights that were so dim you couldn't see where you were walking and the only thing "haunted" was the stories of experiences your tour guide had. Some people couldn't see so had to turn back and skip the tour.
Candlelight Ghost Tour at 5:30pm (must be 12+ years old) Space is limited. Book in advance online (choose the 5:30pm Candlelight option). If reserving day-of, call 605-578-9997 for reservations and to check availability.
DINING IN DEADWOOD
Photo credit: City of Deadwood
Their menu is New American cuisine, blending classic American flavors with a dash of culinary adventure, sourcing local meats, produce, and seafood whenever possible. It offers signature dishes such as wild game, gourmet burgers, and homemade desserts and has been featured on the tv shows Food Paradise and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
Bruschetta
Bison Ravioli
I think the Deadwood Social Club is one of the best restaurants in Deadwood. I love their rooftop patio seating where you can look down on the main streets while having a drink and listening to music.
I ordered the bison ravioli which was delicious and the sauce was amazing. The Bruschetta appetizer was also amazing.
Seafood Nest
Hubby ordered the seafood nest, a tower of large shrimp and scallops in fried capellini pasta and a creamy rich basil Alfredo sauce. His entree was very tasty as well.
Rhubarb Cheesecake
All of their desserts are homemade and they have several flavors of cheesecake - strawberry, peanut butter, etc. I had rhubarb cheesecake, which ended up being a pleasant, mouth watering surprise.
You get generous portions of everything. The staff and service were fantastic. Two thumbs up from us.
Paddy's is inside the Tin Lizzie Hotel on Main Street. Being Irish, I had to scope the place out but I didn't have high expectations as I have yet to see an American Irish pub that's genuinely like an Irish pub.
Paddy's was no different. If you're going to advertise yourself as an Irish pub with an extensive beer menu then at least have some Irish beer on hand!
Paddy's serves typical pub fare - salads, sandwiches and the usual appetizers.
We both ordered the Rueben sandwich that came with sweet potato waffle fries.
(Be sure to ask for the Honey Mustard sauce for dipping.)
It was good but not exceptional.
We did get a kick out of the little robot that came out of the kitchen to deliver our food to us. That was pretty novel.
However, we were surrounded by big screen TVs so I'd classify Paddy's as a sports bar, not an Irish pub,
(I found out later Paddy's was owned by Hilton)
I'd say if you want to go to Paddy's your best bet is to go for the nightlife and the evening events they hold - trivia night, karaoke night, etc. Or take advantage of their Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 2-5 pm when all drinks and appetizers are $2 off.
JAKE'S FINE DINING
Jake's Fine Dining is a renowned restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience. The staff is attentive and provides wonderful service, ensuring a perfect evening for guests. The menu features a variety of unique and beautifully presented dishes, including appetizers like escargot and seared tuna, as well as entrees such as trio of tenderloin and filet mignon, all of which are praised for their amazing flavors.
The restaurant has a classic fine dining atmosphere, with warm decor, a fireplace, and art deco elements that make guests feel right at home. The service is great, and the food is delicious, with highlights like the steak Oscar, which is served with a gluten-free sauce, and the multiple varieties of crème brûlée. Customers highly recommend this restaurant for anyone seeking a great meal in the area.
Photo credit: The Midnight Star
This area of South Dakota is one of the travel destinations I really enjoy as there's so much to see and do and so much history to the area. It's definitely worth a visit!