Rapid City Things to Do Tips by Hopkid

Badlands National Park

Well it's not exactly in Rapid City as the main Visitor's Center is near the east entrance which is about 1.5 hours east of Rapid. But the drive is definitely worth it to see the strange geologic formations that make up the boundary between the upper and lower prairie in this area. The variation in the colors of the layers in the formations are spectacular.

Definitely take the 30-mile Badlands Loop Scenic Byway and stop at the numerous overlooks. Also take one or more of the hiking trails that originate at some of these overlooks. While gawking at the scenery, try to image what it must have been like for settlers in early 19th century when they came across these formations.

Directions: Take I-90 east and take Exit 110 (west entrace at Wall) or 131 (east entrance). The Visitor's Center is closer to the Exit 131 entrance.

Phone: 605-433-5361

Website: http://www.nps.gov/badl/

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

It's the one thing that everyone HAS to do if you're in Rapid City. You've heard about it since you were a little kid and seen pictures in books and images on TV and in the movies. So you gotta see it in person! Plus I'm one of those persons who feel that any chance to visit a facility operated by the National Park Service should be jumped on vigorously!

The grounds underwent a major renovation to update the site back in the mid-1990s and they did a great job! Unfoturately you can no longer see the dining room as it was in "North by Northwest".

So see it for yourself. And if you have the chance, see the lighting ceremony during the summer season. There is a nice 30-minute video presentation and then they turn on the lights. The lights are on each night for 2 hours, even in the non-summer months.

Be warned, however, that it won't seem as big as you probably imagined. It will still be pretty awesome in any regard. And be sure to check out the exhibits on the history of the sculpture and how it was created in the Visitor's Center.

Directions: Take Mt. Rushmore Road south from Rapid City and follow the signs. It takes about 30 minutes from downtown.

Phone: 605-574-3171 (recorded message)

Website: http://www.nps.gov/moru/