Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Kristin
Rapid City is nicknamed the City of Presidents for its proximity to Mount Rushmore. But it is also a great starting point for other adventures ranging from scenic national parks to bustling cities. After exploring Rapid City’s Dinosaur Park, the Museum of Geology and the city’s downtown restaurants, grab a car and explore. Here are the best road trips from Rapid City.
Fabulous Road Trips from Rapid City
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
23.1 miles / 31 mins.
The most famous excursion from Rapid City is to Mount Rushmore, an iconic sculpture of four presidents carved into a mountain. Among the scenic drives through the picturesque Black Hills, don’t miss Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile stretch that takes visitors to Custer State Park — home to nearly 1,400 bison. Want to stretch your legs? Head down the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US Highway 14A) to enjoy waterfall hikes.
Deadwood
41.6 miles / 45 mins.
For a road trip back in time, head to the historic city of Deadwood in the Black Hills. This touristy stop harkens back to the Gold Rush era. It is known for its museums, Wild West reenactments, casinos and gift shops hawking cowboy hats and boots. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the outlaws that shaped the city’s history. Grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s old-style saloons and check out a ghost tour.
Badlands National Park
76 miles / 1 hr. 19 mins.
Another fabulous destination from Rapid City is Badlands National Park, a 244,000-acre wilderness with surreal rock formations, diverse wildlife, campgrounds and hiking trails. Animals such as bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs call the park home. TTake a leisurely jaunt down the 32-mile, paved Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) and stop at the many lookout points along the way. Keep in mind that several of the park’s scenic byways are unpaved and most rental car companies do not allow their vehicles to travel on gravel roads.
Sioux Falls
347 miles / 4 hr. 55 mins.
To explore a different side of South Dakota, head east to Sioux Falls to spend a relaxing weekend taking in the city’s namesake waterfalls, museums and downtown shops. To get acquainted with the city, stroll through Falls Park, which offers different views of the Big Sioux River’s powerful waterfalls. Head downtown to browse boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. Admire 80 outdoor sculptures in the SculptureWalk public art exhibit and check out the family-friendly Butterfly House & Aquarium. >> The best road trips from Sioux Falls
Denver, Colorado
387 miles / 5 hr. 54 mins.
The six-hour drive down to Denver from Rapid City includes a pit stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. About four-and-a-half hours into the trip you’ll reach the capital city of Cheyenne. Have lunch and stretch your legs by walking around the free Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, or immerse yourself in vintage cowboy artifacts at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Continue down to Denver, a cosmopolitan city known for its art museum and galleries, culinary scene and Rocky Mountain views. >> Recommended hotels in Denver’s Cherry Creek
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