Explore beyond the 87ft face of Crazy Horse when you visit the memorial and take time to explore the campus. The Indian Museum of North America® is home to a large collection of art and artifacts reflecting the diverse histories and cultures of the American Indian people.
Happy Thanksgiving from Rapid City!
The Grass Dance is more than an impressive series of movements and regalia - It connects back to a time when tribes followed the bison.
The purpose of the Black Hills Powwow is to make people feel good, carry on traditions, and bring people together. Follow along as we share the stories of different dance styles performed at this event!
Explore the rich past and beautiful movements of each dance style and discover their individual meaning.
Women's Fancy Shawl Dance
When you learn the intricacies of each dance style you develop a new appreciation for what you are watching when attending the Black Hills Powwow.
The Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch
Every September, ten to twelve experienced balloonists gather at the Stratobowl to celebrate the anniversary of a historic flight that took place in 1935, the event is called the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch.
Taking flight at sunrise every morning for three days, weather permitting, spectators gather like they did almost 80 years ago to watch from the canyon walls as the Stratobowl transform back into an iconic launching pad.
Top Fall Events Near Rapid
From hot air balloons rising out the forest to standing next to the largest thumb in the world, fall events in the Rapid City region don't disappoint. Here are a few you might want to plan your trip around.
Get Ready for the Central States Fair in Rapid City
Carnival rides, fair food, and live performances - there's a lot to love and do at the Central States Fair in Rapid City!
Here's what you need to know before you go:
🎪 Hydrate well if you plan to spend several hours exploring the fair.
🎪 It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance for Grandstand performances.
🎪 Arrive in advance for performances so you have time to find parking and enter the grounds.
🎪 Parking is available off Centre Street, Cambell Street, San Francisco Street, and Lacrosse Street surrounding the fairgrounds.
The South Dakota Air & Space Museum
Launch into aviation history at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum! 🛩️
Great news for aviation enthusiasts and history lovers: the South Dakota Air & Space Museum has reopened its interior exhibits! Located just outside Ellsworth Air Force Base, this free museum is a treasure trove of American aviation history and innovation.
Beyond its captivating outdoor exhibits, which feature legendary aircraft like the B-29 Superfortress and the B-1B Lancer, the renewed indoor galleries offer a deeper dive into aerospace technology and Cold War history.
Highlights:
🛩️ More than 30 aircraft on display, dating back to World War II
🛰️ Discover more about Ellsworth, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and the historic hot air balloon launches from the Stratobowl
🎟️ Admission is FREE
Whether you’re a local resident or traveling through Rapid City, this museum is a must-visit destination. Ready for takeoff? ✈️
ATVing in the Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills are calling.
Immerse yourself in 1.2 million acres of diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery through a variety of outdoor recreation. From hiking to biking, or a favorite for many ATV and OHVing.
For a good chunk of the year, cruising through the hills on ATV’s is a popular activity. With over 700 miles of trails for motorized travel, many haven’t even scratched the surface at experiencing it all. Many avid riders suggest that summer is the best time for this mode of adventure. However, spring and fall are equally as fun.
Looking for trail suggestions? Head to our website and check out our recent ATVing blog!
33 Free Things To Do
Looking for vacation activities that are fun and don't break the bank? Here are 33 options:
1. Dahl Arts Center
2. Black Hills Glass Blowers
3. Black Hills Gold Factory Tour
4. U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest
5. Canyon Lake Park
6. Dahl's Chainsaw Art
7. Dinosaur Park Visitor's Center
8. Fort Hays Chuckwagon & Mount Rushmore Tours
9. Museum of Geology at South Dakota Mines
10. DC Booth Fish Hatchery
11. Iron Mountain Road
12. Disc Golfing in Jackson Park
13. Main Street Square
14. Termesphere Gallery
15. Art Alley
16. Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus-Rapid City
17. Presidential Pawn
18. Prairie Edge
19. Prairie Berry Winery Tasting
20. Memorial Park
21. Deadwood Shootout
22. Rapid City Bike Path
23. City of Presidents
24. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
25. Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
26. Chapel in the Hills
27. Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park
28. Storybook Island
29. Summer Nights
30. Suzie Cappa Art Center
31. Skyline Wilderness Area
32. Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower
33. Wall Drug
Visit Rapid City is the official marketing organization for Rapid City. Sharing experiences to inspire traveling to Rapid City, SD and the Black Hills.
