About Rapid City
Rapid City is a city in and the county seat of Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. It is located on the eastern slope of the Black Hills in western South Dakota and was named after Rapid Creek, where the settlement developed. It is the second-most populous city in the state with a population of 74,703 as of the 2020 census. The Rapid City metropolitan area has 156,000 residents.
Places to visit in Rapid City
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Landmark · 18 mi from centreThe carved granite faces of four presidents in the Black Hills southwest of town, with a viewing terrace, sculptor's studio and the Presidential Trail at the base.
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Custer State Park
Nature · 40 mi from centreA large park known for its wildlife loop with bison, pronghorn and burros, plus the scenic Needles Highway with its narrow tunnels and granite spires.
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City of Presidents
LandmarkLife-size bronze statues of U.S. presidents stand on downtown street corners, making an easy self-guided walk combined with nearby shops and restaurants. Kids enjoy hunting for each statue.
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Reptile Gardens
Zoo · 7 mi from centreA long-running attraction south of town with a large collection of reptiles under a tropical dome, plus live shows featuring snakes, alligators and birds of prey.
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Dinosaur Park
ViewpointConcrete dinosaur sculptures on a hillside above the city, a quirky roadside attraction that also gives fine views over Rapid City and the plains. It is free and quick to visit.
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Bear Country U.S.A.
ZooA drive-through wildlife park where black bears, wolves, elk and other North American animals roam close to your car, with a walk-through area for young animals.
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The Journey Museum
MuseumA downtown museum covering the geology, Lakota culture and pioneer history of the Black Hills, providing helpful context before exploring the region. It is a good choice on a rainy day.
Best time to visit Rapid City
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Rapid City is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 81–84°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Rapid City weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 65° 46° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 81° 57° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 83° 56° 13%
- Sat 24 Oct 59° 45° 13%
- Sun 25 Oct 46° 38° 6%
- Mon 26 Oct 46° 30° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DenverUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Rapid City
These are the airports closest to central Rapid City. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RAP Rapid City Regional Airport9 mi (14 km) from the city centre
Getting around Rapid City
Many people choose to use a personal vehicle, but it is not necessary. All of downtown Rapid City's attractions are walkable.
Rapid City travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Rapid City?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Rapid City is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 81–84°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Rapid City?
July is usually the warmest month in Rapid City, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 14°F (-10°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 68 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Rapid City?
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport, about 9 miles (14 km) from the centre of Rapid City.
What time zone is Rapid City in?
Rapid City uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Rapid City?
Many people choose to use a personal vehicle, but it is not necessary. All of downtown Rapid City's attractions are walkable.
What are the best places to visit in Rapid City?
Top sights in Rapid City include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, City of Presidents and Reptile Gardens. The carved granite faces of four presidents in the Black Hills southwest of town, with a viewing terrace, sculptor's studio and the Presidential Trail at the base.
