The Rapid City center is approximately the area of National American University and the area of Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Rapid City's steppe climate means that the area has long, dry summers and winters and very short spring and fall seasons. In the summer, temperatures usually reach the upper 80s during the day and cool off significantly at night. In the winter, temperatures typically reach the upper 30s. Spring tends to be the wettest season, with March receiving an average of 9 inches of snow and May getting an average of 3.25 inches of rain. In the summer, sunshine abounds and the skies typically remain dry.
Get extra space and all the amenities you want without overspending at one of these best value options in Rapid City.
Whether you book a king room or a suite at the Baymont Inn & Suites Rapid City, you'll have access to amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs. Rely on the free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with family or catch up on work. Relax by the indoor pool, and enjoy a soak in the spa tub.
On Rapid City's north side, the Best Western Ramkota Hotel offers plenty of value with spacious rooms and all the amenities you want. Choose from standard king rooms, business queen rooms, or king suites. Some rooms feature fireplaces, and all include desks, coffee makers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Make a splash in one of two indoor swimming pools, spend the evening at the on-site casino, and get expert assistance with booking tickets. Enjoy a stress-free night by hopping on the area shuttle and leaving your car behind. Plan an event of any size with 36,000 square feet of event space.
Located on the north side of the city, the Ramada Rapid City is convenient to the Journey Museum and the Minnilusa Pioneer Museum. This large hotel has 210 guestrooms that include cable programming, workspaces, and complimentary internet access. With a game room, an indoor pool, and a fitness center, keeping the whole family entertained is a breeze. Have a meal at one of three on-site restaurants, or order in without leaving the comfort of your room.
Just west of Rapid City, the Coyote Blues Village Bed and Breakfast is located in the Black Hills National Forest. This bed and breakfast has 10 individually decorated guestrooms, and each one includes complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the spa tub, or curl up by the lobby fireplace. In the morning, wake up to a continental breakfast, included in the room rate, and take a stroll through the garden. Take advantage of the free self-parking, and plan a great adventure in the Black Hills.
Get even better deals on Rapid City hotels when you apply group discounts to your rate. AAA members save 5 percent or more on room rates at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and the Days Inn Rapid City SD. AARP members and seniors get low rates at the Baymont Inn & Suites Rapid City, while members of the military and government employees get guaranteed low rates at the Ramada Rapid City.
Take a stroll through Rapid City's thriving downtown area to shop in the boutiques, have a bite to eat in the restaurants, and enjoy performances in the square. Brush up on your history by identifying the presidential statues that dot the city center.
As the Gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City is the ideal place to call home during a visit to this vast area. Just a short drive west of the city, the Black Hills National Forest spans 1.2 million acres of mountains and forested hills. Though you can drive to several Black Hills attractions, leaving your car behind to hike, canoe, and bike is one of the highlights of any visit. Inside the park, don't miss Mount Rushmore or the Crazy Horse Memorial, both easy drives from Rapid City.
Sixty miles east of Rapid City you'll find Badlands National Park, another natural highlight in South Dakota. If you're in a hurry, the Badlands Highway 240 Loop Road offers a good overview of the area. If you have time to spare, however, get some fresh air and hike the easy Door Trail or challenge yourself to taking on the strenuous Saddle Pass. Stop by the Fossil Preparation Lab to watch paleontologists at work and stay late to see the night sky at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater.
About 40 miles northeast of Rapid City, Deadwood remains one of the wildest spots in the Old West. History buffs will love witnessing the historical reenactments and Old West shootouts right on Main Street, along with seeing the graves of Western legends like Calamity Jane. If you're feeling lucky, you can even play roulette and craps in the gaming halls and casinos in town.
Whether you want to relax in Rapid City or use the area as a base to explore the rest of South Dakota, this small city delights. Start planning your trip today, and see why travelers of all types enjoy Rapid City.
The second largest city in South Dakota, Rapid City is the county seat of Pennington County and it was named after Rapid Creek. The city is beautifully set against the eastern Black Hills mountain range slope and is commonly referred to as the Gateway to the Black Hills or the City of Presidents. The Black Hills alone attract thousands of tourists each year from all over the country, as well as the world, and some largely popular attractions of the area include Mount Rushmore, Custer Slate Park, Crazy horse Memorial and the Wind Cave National Park.
Rapid City has long been famous as the gateway to the real west and it has a very rich Native American and cowboy heritage. There are some mammoth outdoor sculptures that tourists usually find amazing, and people who may fancy something different can check out the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. Hotels in Rapid City are usually crowded since the tourist traffic consistently remains high, and you'll be surprised at the wide variety of Rapid City Hotels you'll have at your disposal.
If you would rather enjoy spending on experiences than fancy lodgings, there are many cheap hotels in these vicinities that you can choose from. One thing to remember about these cheap hotels is the fact that they can also be found online, offering great seasonal discounts. Choose places like La Quinta Inn & Suites, American Lodge & Suites, Best Western Ramkota Hotel, or Travelodge, to make sure you find the kind of accommodations that you are looking for.
If luxury hotels are what you are looking for, rest easy; there is a long list of great hotels in Rapid City that you can choose from. The great thing about Rapid City Hotels is the fact that they are extremely hospitable and offer impeccable services, so all your needs will be looked after. You can choose to stay in Econo Lodge, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Big Sky Lodge, or the Canyon Lake Resort to make sure you get your money's worth!
An important thing to remember is the fact that Rapid City is a major tourist attraction due to its landscape, and the best way to enjoy a natural terrain is by getting in touch with it. There are many independent hotels and inns in Rapid City that can offer you all the luxury of a 5 star hotel, with a cultural touch to add some thrill. Places like Hotel Alex Johnson, Adoba Eco Hotel, Cambria Hotel & Suites or the Summer Creek inn & Spas offer a fresh break with a great atmosphere. These hotels are fully equipped with the best of amenities, and provide services to make sure you leave the facility happy as a clown!
Below are reviews of the city of Rapid City, SD from an actual visitor's perspective.
Love walking downtown Rapid City, never know what you will find to take home. City is not far from Keystone, Hill City and Mount Rushmore.
Hotel was very close to The Eye Institute which is why we stayed there. Close to restaurants as well.
We love Rapid City's restaurants. Food we can't get in Pierre. My wife love this hotel.
We enjoyed Rapid City. We used it as our home base.
The Colonial was a very good breakfast option on our way out of town.
Comfortable beds, good biscuits at breakfast, nice front desk staff.
Comfy beds, good biscuits at breakfast, nice front desk staff.
I live here so this is where I call home. Just had an early flight the next morning.
We enjoyed all of the different sites around Rapid City; we went to Mount Rushmore, we went to Custer State Park and watched the Buffalo Roundup, we went through the Needles Highway and the tunnels, we went up to Sturgis and visited one of the famous bars, and several other places. Very Enjoyable trip!
Mt. Rushmore and the historical landmark that it is.
Love Rapid City. Our hub to a lot of nearby must see spots.
Very navigable.
Loved the views and activities available!
Wonderful views!
Fun!
Fun!
Seeing all the updates around the downtown area. I liked the Armadillo ice cream!
Friendly town!
The Moments
Great local restaurants, everyone we met was very friendly. Loved it!
Everyone seems very friendly.
Has a lot of amenities that most towns of that size do. Easy to get around.
Has a lot of amenities that most towns of that size do. Easy to get around.
Visiting Prairie Edge store a must see experience!
Has a lot of amenities that most towns of that size do. Easy to get around.
Very clean city, people are very nice.
Things to do with my family and grandchildren.
All the things that I could do with my grandchildren and son and his family.
Rapid was beautifull
Very nice city with a lot to do and very kind people!
We were able to find everything we needed. We loved sightseeing and we loved going to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse memorial. Everything was amazing!
Things to see and lots of choices for eating and shopping!
Beautiful place!
The mountains!
Lots to see and do. Great outdoors!
Great place to visit, lots of fun stuff to do! Reptile Gardens and the Rushmore Candy Factory were awesome!
Clean city. Laid back.
I came here for the Marine reunion. I liked Mount Rushmore which is about 25 miles.
The people were friendly and food prices were very reasonable.
The hotel is near places to eat and close to all attractions!
Fair amount of shopping experiences, beautiful historic architecture downtown, view of the pine covered hills and also the creek with large cottonwoods. We found great food establishments from steak to Italian and several great coffee shops. The statues of past presidents were very intriguing as well as the local custom of placing on them hats or scarves in cold weather for those in need.
A lot of services. I had a lot of fun!
We attended the Black Hills Livestock Show.
Lots of dining options!
Nice! Just passing through.
Rapid City is an historic town within many tourist attractions nearby.
Rapid City is an historic town with many tourist attractions nearby (hour or less drive).
Lots of options for cuisine, family fun and business meetings (I visit often on business).
Downtown on main are some of the older buildings that just make a person feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus it's close to Mt. Rushmore and other attractions!
Beautiful parks, lots of shopping and restaurants available, easy to get around.
Great place to shop!
Proximity to the airport.
Lot of places to visit and nice stores!
Friendly people. Easy to get around. Beautiful.
Top notch hospital!!
Rapid City is conveniently located to tour the monuments, Sturgis, Deadwood and the Badlands. We enjoyed touring around downtown and checking out all the presidents' statues and old architecture. We only scratched the surface I think as we ran out of time.
Beautiful scenery!
The president sculptures and Kathmandu Restaurant.
Very convenient to many local attractions with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Lots to do in Rapid City area!
The people of Rapid City are some of the friendliest and most helpful I've experienced. After some car trouble we were “chauffeured” by our hotel's car dealership and a car rental (after we were told no rentals were available). We found RC to be an extremely clean, friendly and vibrant city. No wonder it's growing!
Accessible to the Black Hills and Badlands!
Good places to eat, especially Millstone and Minerva, attached to a really high class hotel.
Hotel is close to major attractions.
Mount Rushmore was beautiful!
Mount Rushmore. Beautiful scenery. Great food. Easy access to the airport and other places.
Great!
It was easy to get around in. Visitor center was excellent. Plenty of affordable restaurants.
Easy to get around and loved downtown!
The terrain and Mt. Rushmore!
Friendly people...beautiful city..
Close to airport!
I received wonderful service at the Black Hill Surgical Center.
Clean, comfortable, large rooms, polite and friendly staff.
Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Mount Rushmore
Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. Rapid city is great! The people Ave very nice for the most part
Rapid City was a good location to see a lot of sites in SD.
Fun to walk around and visit shops. Good restaurants too!
Excellent Steakhouse nearby and friendly people.
Good hotel, very pretty town.
Close to Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore!
Rapid City is great with tons of things to do (for 50 to 60 miles all around)!
We love this part of South Dakota!
Great beds and location to interstate also great!
Hiking trails!
Large variety of stores to shop at!
Restaurant at location was good, billiards and other entertainment on site.
Great shopping and good places to eat!
The room was clean. The area is friendly and has a good amount of restaurants and stores for a city it's size.
Love the Black Hills area, Mt. Rushmore, Bear Country, Custer State Park, Badlands.
Area is easy to get around, lots of attractions
Very clean hotel.
It is a nice place to stay!
The Perkins Restaurant next door was good.
Laid back, clean, friendly.
Beautiful setting and wonderful people.
So pretty and green. Lots of activities to do.
A lot of different restaurants in the area. Easy to get to places of interest.
Lots of activities available in the area. Whether you prefer crowds or solitude, there's something for you. I recommend the Black Elk Peak hike. Challenging but doable for the occasional hiker. So many historical points of interest all around Rapid City.