10 Fun Things to Do This Weekend In Rapid City
Rapid City is known to be one of South Dakota's liveliest locales, filled with cherished restaurants, exciting exciting, and historic museums and monuments. Of course, much of the city is defined by its proximity to Black Hills National Forest, one of America's most iconic nature getaways. Spanning over 1.25 million acres, Black Hills provides locals and outdoor enthusiasts with a veritable playground of mountains, lakes, and scenic drives. The word is out: Rapid City is quickly becoming one of the Midwest's most beloved destinations.
Top 10 Things To Do in Rapid City
Dakotah Steakhouse
Dakotah Steakhouse is a tribute to the American West and Black Hills region. The restaurant sits inside of a ranch-style building that is easily recognized by the bronze bison sculpture made by local artist John Lopez. Inside, massive wooden beams, a stone fireplace, and cozy leather booths create a rustic elegance that pairs perfectly with the menu. Corn-fed Angus beef is aged on-site for a minimum of 30 days before being seared on high-temperature broilers; the result is a top-tier steak. The kitchen also offers items from local game like buffalo, elk, and walleye. Dakotah Steakhouse needs to be high up on your Rapid City restaurant list.
Firehouse Brewing Co.
Thai Thai Restaurant
Thai Thai brings authentic Thai cuisine to Rapid City with a menu built around traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Conveniently located, the restaurant has earned praise from Thai food enthusiasts who keep coming back for its dedication to authenticity. The restaurant delivers tried-and-true favorites like the classic pad Thai, the vibrant green curry, and a basil stir-fry that has many fans. The setting is calm, making it an ideal destination for a casual night out. On top of this, the service is always fast and friendly. Thai Thai Restaurant is a fantastic option for anyone craving genuine Southeast Asian cuisine in Rapid City.
Sabor a Mexico
Sabor A Mexico is a small, family-owned restaurant that sets out to deliver authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. The menu covers the full range of beloved Mexican classics such as steak fajitas, shredded beef chimichangas, tamales, tacos al carbon, enchiladas, and a delectable housemade queso. Daily lunch specials served Monday through Friday make Sabor A Mexico a fantastic option for the midday meal. Locals often the generous portions, friendly service, and top-notch menu. This is a real hidden gem.
Boss' Pizza & Chicken
If you have a day-time or late-night craving, there’s no better place to go than Boss’ Pizza & Chicken. The menu centers itself around specialty pizzas like the Bacon Cheeseburger, the Breakfast, the Chicken Bacon Ranch, and many more. The restaurant is also known for its 'broasted' chicken, which is their signature pressure-frying method that cooks chicken to perfection. On top of this, boneless wings, signature pasta dishes, and appetizers round out the menu for anyone wanting to switch it up. Boss’ Pizza & Chicken is a regional chain that has earned its stripes with the people of Rapid City.
Top 5 Places To Go in Rapid City
Perched high up on a ridge along Skyline Drive, Dinosaur Park is one of South Dakota's most beloved landmarks. Built during the Depression era as a public works project, the park features seven massive concrete dinosaur sculptures that loom over the city while also offering one of the best panoramic views of Rapid City. The dinos are charmingly retro, reflecting 1930s-era paleontology, which means their poses and anatomy are outdated by modern standards. Make sure not to leave without checking out the gift shop. The best time of day to visit Dinosaur Park is right around golden hour.
Often referred to as the crown jewel of Black Hills National Forest, Sylvan Lake sits at 6,200 feet in Custer State Park and feels like something out National Geographic. The lake's glassy surface reflects the surrounding granite boulders and ponderosa pines. Indeed, the setting is so photogenic it almost looks staged. A one-mile loop trail circles the lake, weaving between giant rock formations. The lake also serves as the starting point for hikes to Black Elk Peak and Cathedral Spires, making it an excellent gathering hub for a day of exploration. Visitors can also rent a kayak or paddleboard, enjoy lunch at the historic Sylvan Lake Lodge, or simply sit on the rocks and take in the landscape.
The City of Presidents is a walkable history lesson that brings American history to life. The project places life-sized bronze statues of every U.S. president on street corners throughout downtown, each posed in period clothing or holding a meaningful object. One fun way to engage with the City of Presidents is to turn it into a race of who can find the most statues in the shortest amount of time! Visitors will find enjoy interacting with the presidents while getting to know downtown Rapid City. The project also offers a free audio tour that brings the experience to life.
The Skyline Wilderness Area offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Rapid City. This 150-acre park sits along the same ridge as Dinosaur Park and features over 12 miles of interconnected single-track trails for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers of all skill levels. Choose from six trailheads and routes that range from easy loops to longer climbs with real elevation gain. Along the way, you'll pass through pine forests and open meadows with sweeping views of the city and surrounding Black Hills. Highlights include the Stonewall Overlook, Amphitheater ruins, and Hangman's Tree. Visiting the Skyline Wilderness Area is a great way to experience nature without leaving Rapid City.
About an hour east of Rapid City, Badlands National Park is one of the most recognizable natural landscapes in America. It features sweeping buttes, iconic spires, and canyon walls layered with shades of pink, orange, and grey that stretch across the horizon. The park has one of the world's richest fossil beds and has been the source of many incredible archeological finds like ancient rhinos, three-toed horses, and saber-toothed cats. Visitors can drive the 40-mile Badlands Loop Road, stop at the Door Trail, and walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for wild bison, bighorn sheep, and black-footed ferrets. Pro tip: the formations evolve throughout the day and are particularly spectacular as sunrise and sunset.