Road Trip to Rapid City, South Dakota: Museums, Monuments, Must-See Parks

Jul 23, 2024

This summer we’re highlighting some incredible places around the US that simply must be added to your travel “bucket list.” We’ve scoured the country for unique things to see and do, best places to go camping, most beautiful landscapes to see, and best stargazing locations! Today, we’re taking you to Rapid City, South Dakota, where you can do every single one of those activities plus a whole lot more. Take a tour of some beautiful national and state parks. Tour unique and fascinating museums. Shop local artisan goods and take home some fun souvenirs. Visit stunning historic monuments and sites. Yes, indeed, this city is a must-see stop in your 50 states of travel. Let’s check it out together!

Storybook Island Play Park for Kids

This charming, vintage amusement park was founded in 1959 and features a whimsical, nostalgic storybook theme. This sweet family-friendly destination has more than 50 different play areas and interactive exhibits, as well as its very own train that goes around the park. As you wander through the grounds, you’ll notice some heartwarming donation memorials and dedications from sponsors, families, and local friends which help keep the park running for all to enjoy. The park opens in May and runs through September, making it a fantastic family vacation stop on your trip. Attractions like the train ticket and carousel are under $5 per person, but park admission otherwise is free and open to the public 7 days a week from 9AM to 7PM!

Dinosaur Park in the Black Hills

Another incredible family-friendly destination with free admission is this incredible open air sculpture park. Opened in May of 1936, this unique park offers 7 different larger than life dinosaur sculptures, resting upon a hill with an incredible overlook vista to the city. Boasting 20-acres of parkland to explore and enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of the city skyline and prairie landscapes, the park is open May through September. There’s also a pretty fun littel gift shop offering unique souvenirs and kitschy memorabilia.

Museum of Geology at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

We certainly love it when a vacation offers plenty of low-cost and free activities, especially if you’re bringin the whole family along. This free museum and geology exhibit features preserved specimens, mounted skeletons, rare fossils, and rotating special exhibits. There’s a special Kids Zone dedicated to educational and hands-on experiences for younger visitors. And you don’t want to miss the unique Hall of South Dakota Minerals with special geological specimens, meteorites, and a fluorescent mineral room! Check the calendar as well to book your trip around the annual “Night at the Museum” and “Dinosaur Eggstravaganza” special events for a memorable visit!

Reptile Gardens Zoo of Rapid City

Open annually from Early March through Late November, this reptile-centric zoo is a fascinating stop for visitors of all ages. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a beautiful botanical garden that changes seasonally, visit Tortuga Falls and meet the resident Kookaburra, get a look at the animals up close and personal, and explore dozens of reptiles, birds, and bugs! There’s also a very fun playground in memory of Methuselah, the former giant tortoise who called the gardens home in the 1950s. Admission costs vary seasonally and by age.

The Journey Museum

This general history museum encompasses several exhibits across geology, archaeology, and local history, as well as hosting 7-acres of gardens. You’ll find prehistoric dinosaur bones and unique historic artifacts, documents and exhibits highlighting local Native American heritage and tribal culture, stories about American colonizers and pioneers, and even a fascinating exhibit about outer space travel. You’ll follow along the exhibits and take a path through 4 different areas as you learn about each of these historic periods, all on the price of one singular admission. While some of the exhibits and presentations may be slightly dated, it still makes for a unique stop and enjoyable visit for families.

Badlands National Park

An exquisite national park boasting dramatic vista points of rugged landscapes, geological spires and rock towers, steep canyons, and sparkling layered rock formations. The area is known for its rich fossil beds, drawing geologists, paleontologists, and other scientific researchers who wish to explore the evolution of plants, animals, and our environment. It’s also a hotbed of natural wildlife including many endangered species of mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, and insect. With more than 240,000 acres to explore, you could easily spend several days here. There are plenty of hiking trails leading you in and out of caves and to scenic overlooks with views of the colorful rocks and canyons. The Fossil Exhibit Trail offers a unique opportunity to take a boardwalk trail through some of the many fossils and specimens uncovered by scientists visiting the park. Wildlife Photographers and birders will rejoice to find animals such as Bison, Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, Burrowing Owls, Pheasants, Prairie Dogs, Pronghorn, Mountain Lions, and so many more magnificent creatures. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore diverse habitats such as prairies, plains, mountains, rivers, and streams which each house unique animals and plants. There is a pass fee for admittance via National Parks Service, and additional costs for camping or parking may apply.

Custer State Park

More than 70,000 acres of protected park lands and wildlife reserve situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is the state’s first and largest state park, opened in 1912 and receiving its moniker from Lt Col George Custer. It’s an adventure seeker’s paradise, offering ample opportunity for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, and camping. Opt in to the Wildlife Loop drive and you’ll be afforded the chance to observe wildlife including Bison, Burros, Buffalo, Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Pronghorn, and more. You’ll have a chance to visit “The Needles”, a section of granite pillars in the state park along Sylvan Lake Road, and drive along the highway past the rock formation called “The Needle’s Eye.”

Mount Rushmore in Keystone and The Crazy Horse Memorial in Crazy Horse

Neither of these unique stone-carving monuments should be left off your list! These two iconic historic sites are carved out of rocky mountains, depicting historical figures in US history. The Crazy Horse Memorial Depicts the Oglala Lakota Warrior, Crazy Horse, as he rides a steed pointed in the direction of his homelands. It’s the world’s largest mountain carving, and considered The Eighth Wonder of the World (in progress.) Mount Rushmore is an iconic sculptural piece of Americana, carved 60-feet high into the granite mountainside in the Black Hills, and is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations as well as one of the world’s largest sculptures.