The 15 best things to do in Rapid City (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show

   Outty Ranking89

   Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. This all-inclusive tour offers an immersive experience, combining expert-guided sightseeing with deli. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.8/5 from 1,064 traveler reviews, 9h from $164, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

   Outty Ranking88

   Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Our Sightseeing Bus Tour Only package is designed for those who wish to explore the area’s stunning s. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 445 traveler reviews, 9h from $133, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park

   Outty Ranking85

   Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. T. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 219 traveler reviews, 8h from $425, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State Park

   Outty Ranking84

   The best of the Black Hills in one day! Our most popular tour, and a wonderful way to make the most of your time in the beautiful Black Hills. Our experienced, local guides will take you to the highlights of the area. Pr. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 232 traveler reviews, 9h from $475, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Pinnacle Zipline Tour in Keystone

   Outty Ranking84

   Exhilarating 5-line Zipline Tour in America’s most iconic location. Dare to take flight on this 2-hour guided expedition, spanning panoramic vistas on over a mile of ziplines. Fly beyond granite spires through fragrant P. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 482 traveler reviews, 2h from $125, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Mount Rushmore Extended Expedition Tour

   Outty Ranking81

   Neal and Becky live in the Black Hills near the historic mining town of Hayward. Neal is a native South Dakotan having a close association with the Black Hills since his youth. As you tour the southern Black Hills, you. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.9/5 from 87 traveler reviews, 10h from $295, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

   Outty Ranking80

   What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and f. Exceptional at 80/100, 5.0/5 from 84 traveler reviews, 8h from $312, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Private Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park Monument Tour

   Outty Ranking76

   Discover the most iconic landmarks of South Dakota on this full-day guided tour through the stunning Black Hills. Explore the legacy of Mount Rushmore, the cultural significance of Crazy Horse Memorial, & the untamed bea. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 157 traveler reviews, 8h from $366.

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9. 

   9. Cosmos Mystery Area Admission

   Outty Ranking76

   Located amongst the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, the Cosmos Mystery Area is a unique, family friendly attraction. Guests can enjoy a 30 minute tour that displays how mystery, comedy, and science collide as they. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 4.6/5 from 233 traveler reviews, 0.7h from $20, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Premier Private Badlands Day Tour

    Outty Ranking74

    Experience another world in Badlands National Park. Wildlife and fossil spotting is a favorite as we weave our way through the spires and pinnacles of the park. We make many stops, and can incorporate a hike if you wish! Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 4.9/5 from 59 traveler reviews, 8h from $450, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

    Outty Ranking73

    The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guid. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 5.0/5 from 29 traveler reviews, 8h from $425, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Mount Rushmore Memorial Shared Tour from Rapid City, South Dakota

    Outty Ranking72

    Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 5.0/5 from 25 traveler reviews, 4h from $164, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Shared Badlands and Wall Drug Store Experience

    Outty Ranking72

    What makes this Badlands and Wall Drug Store tour unique is the depth of knowledge and storytelling it offers. It's not just a scenic drive, but a fully narrated experience that brings the Badlands and prairie areas to l. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 5.0/5 from 26 traveler reviews, 7h from $312, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore

    Outty Ranking70

    Download GuideAlong's Black Hills, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, & Custer State Park audio tour to explore a surprising mix of big-name icons and wild landscapes, crowned by one of America's largest and most famous monuments. Strongly Recommended at 70/100, 4.3/5 from 175 traveler reviews, 4h from $30, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Mt Rushmore 8pm Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour

    Outty Ranking70

    We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 6:30-6:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheate. Strongly Recommended at 70/100, 5.0/5 from 11 traveler reviews, 3h from $100, free cancellation.

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