Here’s your all-access pass to both the Badlands and Mount Rushmore.
A visit to Rapid City, South Dakota, means you’re just a 40-minute drive to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park and 90 minutes to the Badlands (with Wall Drug along the way, too). Go ahead and choose this town for its convenience — but be sure to save time for the attractions in and around Rapid City, including a nearby gold rush town, an Old West film set and a whole lot of fun restaurants, bars and cafés.
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Explore Rapid City

  • Deadwood
  • Downtown Rapid City

Deadwood

Overview

This folksy town has maintained its historical ties to the gold rush, with hillside mines, Victorian mansions and kitschy antiques stores along its quiet streets.

Known For

Antiquing, Gold Mines, Museums, Casinos, Outdoor Recreation

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Downtown Rapid City

Overview

Downtown is where you can learn about the area’s rich Indigenous history — as well as shop, savor regional cuisine and sample local craft brews.

Known For

Restaurants , History , Museums

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Nearby Hotels and Resorts

Stay in the Center of it All

Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.

Showing 1-6 of 6 Hotels in Rapid City1-6 of 6 Hotels
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Go West: Three Days in and Around Rapid City, South Dakota

Side view of the famed Mt. Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota.

Explore Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Fort Hays

Take a self-guided tour of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. Visit a replica Old West town built as a movie set and enjoy a chuck-wagon dinner there. Or head back to Rapid City for house-made pasta at an Italian restaurant.

A beautiful formation of granite spires

Explore Custer State Park

Dig into a hearty breakfast at Tally’s Silver Spoon before an afternoon of adventure in Custer State Park. Enjoy its natural wonders while you cruise the 18-mile scenic byway. Rapid City dinner spots include the Delmonico Grill or casual fare at a circa-1953 bowling alley.

Sweeping views and pink skies over Badlands National Park

Discover Badlands National Park

Stock up on doughnuts and coffee at the iconic Wall Drug before exploring Badlands National Park. Return to Rapid City for dinner at Firehouse Brewing Company, South Dakota’s oldest operating brewery.

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