Compare Cheap Hotels in Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota, is the closest city to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and the Crazy Horse Memorial is located to the south of Rapid City, off of Highway 16 in the Black Hills National Forest. Archaeological sites throughout the Black Hills contain ancient plant and animal fossils, and you can head to Wind Cave National Park to check out live excavations.

Key facts

The world famous Wall Drug Store in Rapid City has been is dubbed the No. 1 Roadside Attraction in the World. It features an casual American diner, an extensive collection of western art and 18 unique shops. Families with small children should leave time for Storybook Island and Dinosaur Park. The Museum of Geology features a large collection of gemstones and ore, including meteorites. Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the main airport for commercial air travelers. Drivers will use Interstate 90, along with a network of eight U.S. and state highways.

Hints and tips

Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Rapid City in late summer on their way to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held since 1938. Summer temperatures in rapid City can get into the 80s, but 100-degree temperatures are possible. Snow is common in the winter months, with high temperatures in January hovering at about 35 degrees.