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City in South Dakota, United States
Photo: Minnesota Jones at en.wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Rapid City is the largest city in the Badlands and Black Hills region of South Dakota. It is a convenient base for travel on to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Badlands, and the Black Hills National Forest.
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Interesting exhibits about Native American History.
Concrete dinosaurs on a hill overlooking the city.
An old hotel
This is a serious herpetological park (as well as a "fun" place) with one of the best collections of lizards, gators and snakes in the country-quite possibly the best. "Gus" (short for "humongous"), the resident 14-foot-long American alligator, is a favorite.
Witness the changes through time by experiencing the aircraft and technology that changed the world.
Segments of the Berlin Wall.
A museum operated by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology that features various fossils and minerals.
The world's largest collection of reptiles, as well as some other animals with educational and entertaining demonstrations of snakes, crocodiles, and others.
Art Alley is an unusual art gallery in downtown Rapid. Graffiti, Paintings, Sculpture, Poetry, and even profile photos fill this alley that is always changing where the Black Hill's under thirty locals hang out. Artists paint on the building walls with the owner's permission.
Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the Roosevelt Park Ice Arena. The Sabres play in the North American Tier III hockey league.
A converted traditional theater, featuring the largest screen in South Dakota, the lowest prices in Rapid City, first run movies and a lot of fun kids-all right downtown.
Movie-set buildings from Dances With Wolves are part of the fun of this traditional cowboy supper with music and comedy show. All you can eat 99¢ pancakes 6:30AM-11AM. Supper bell rings at 6:30PM nightly for a hearty meal of BBQ beef, chuckwagon potatoes, spice cake, baked beans, biscuits, applesauce and coffee or lemonade. Then is time for our foot-stomping music/comedy show by the Ft. Hays Wranglers.
A kids' park.
The water park concept is wonderful.
Sushi and a wide variety of beverages, as well as Korean favorites such as Bulgogi (Barbecue) and Gal Bee (Barbecue Short Ribs).
Wonderful staff, environment, and coffee. They also serve breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, and desserts.
Delmonico Grill is one of several great choices for dining in Downtown Rapid City.
An upscale restaurant where you will experience a unique fashion of service with delicious foods that are the passion of fusion cuisine.
Many different flavors of delicious ice cream. Great place to eat and relax don't be surprised if there is a huge line. Totally worth the wait.
It is one of the premiere oriental restaurants with authentic food that will tantalize taste-buds.
The only restaurant serving Japanese food in Rapid City. Watch the chef use the most freshest ingredients while they create your perfect dish.
Good down home cooking. The C house serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. when you go for breakfast make sure to get the caramel rolls, they are homemade and to die for. All desserts are made in house by Master pastry chef Jeff Slather. Voted number 3 in all of Rapid City by trip adviser. This restaurant is a must stop while enjoying your stay in Rapid City.
Steakhouse offering steak, lamb, chicken, and seafood entrees.
The Firehouse is a restaurant and brewery built in the old downtown firestation. There is a great variety of food offered from Mexican, to German, to traditional hotdogs and hamburgers. In the summer, the outdoor patio features a full menu and bar in addition to live music and plays. They have large windows where you can view the brewing process. The beer menu changes seasonally to offer a variety of brews throughout the year. The options range from very light IPA's and ales to dark rich beers and even a house favorite red brew. You will not be disappointed with the menu, although the service can be hit or miss. Plan on going early in the summer to get a spot outside for the entertainment. In the winter, you can enjoy dinner theatre with new performances monthly.
Casual fine dining, extensive wine list & beer menu, late night menu weekends. Located in one of downtown's historic buildings in the newly renovated 6th Street District. European and Californian cuisine made to order with the freshest ingredients. Enjoy casual fine dining amongst candles and fresh flowers in the main dining room, enclosed back alley or the seasonal outdoor sidewalk patio. Extensive wine list & imported & domestic beer menu. Food styles: American (New), burgers, French, Greek and Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, pizza, seafood, Spanish/Basque, tapas bars, vegetarian. Takes reservations, walk-ins welcome, take out, waiter service, outdoor seating.
An older motel that supplies you with the basic necessities. It holds a simple relaxed atmosphere. It also has a great location close to restaurants, shopping, gas stations, as well as the interstate.
A "hotel" rather than a motel/motor lodge, with several hotel-type amenities. Starbucks on site.
The Grand Gateway has a 130-foot waterslide, 132 guestrooms, meeting and banquet rooms, fitness center, the Cheers Sports Bar & Casino, and is connected to Perkins.
Historical downtown hotel, built in 1927.
Clean hotel with friendly service and upscale rooms. Rooms can hold 6-10 people.
Family-run rural getaway on a 100-year-old working cattle ranch on the banks of the Belle Fourche River.
American Indian goods.
formerly Rushmore Mall
The only indoor mall within a 350-mile radius. It features many typical suburban stores. It is surrounded by Lowes, Kohls, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, Chuckie Cheese, two multiplex cinemas, and other retailers.
A strip mall containing major brand stores: Furniture Row, Scheel's, Sam's Club, Target.
By car
Interstate 90 is the main highway through Rapid City. The highway is scenic coming from the west.
By bus
Rapid City can be reached from almost anywhere in the US with two or less connections. There are daily services aboard Jefferson Lines from the Twin Cities, Sioux Falls and on to Wyoming.
Many people choose to use a personal vehicle, but it is not necessary. All of downtown Rapid City's attractions are walkable.
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Rapid City · Regional · RAP
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