5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Rapid City, South Dakota, My Favorite Included

While I may be from the Land of Lincoln, I’ve spent years of my life in and around Rapid City, South Dakota. Between annual summer vacations and months working outside of Mount Rushmore, I’ve had over 25 years to gather intel on the best things to do in South Dakota. Whether you’re just passing through or you’re headed to the Black Hills, this handpicked list of five easy day trips you can take from Rapid City is sure to please any road tripper.

1. Deadwood: History and Gambling Intertwine

• Distance from Rapid City: Approximately 40 miles

Whether you’re a fan of the Deadwood TV show or just want to dive into history, this wild west town is a step back in time. Made famous by real-life Gold Rush legends, Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane, visitors can test their luck at over 20 casinos (watch out for that Dead Man’s Hand, though). If gambling isn’t your forte, take a tour of the Broken Boot Gold Mine or Mount Moriah Cemetery. Additionally, there are great spots where you can grab a bite or a pint, like Legends Steakhouse.

2. Keystone: Mount Rushmore Meets Family Fun

• Distance from Rapid City: Approximately 20 miles

I’ve been visiting Keystone, South Dakota, since I was four years old. From childhood through adulthood, I’ve continued to find interesting, delicious, and just plain fun things to do in this small mountain village. Formerly a gold mining town, Keystone is now the gateway to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Located just three miles from the landmark, many visitors choose to begin or end their adventure in Keystone. 

My go-to experience for first-time visitors is taking a ride on the scenic chairlift at Rushmore Tramway Adventures and enjoying lunch with a view overlooking Mount Rushmore. Other entertaining options include taking a ride on the historic 1880 train, dressing up for an “old-time” photo, exploring the antique shops, and window shopping. Be sure to grab some handmade fudge from the local shops.

3. Custer State Park: Unlock Your Inner Cowboy

• Distance from Rapid City: Approximately 30 miles

For anyone hoping to spot some wildlife, Custer State Park is your best bet. This state park is so beautiful that it could easily be mistaken for a national park. The 71,000-acre park is home to a herd of nearly 1,400 bison, as well as elk, prairie dogs, big horn sheep, mountain goats, and more. Drive along the Wildlife Loop Road for your best shot at seeing animals. If you want to feel like you’re in an episode of Yellowstone, visit in late September for the annual Buffalo Roundup when cowboys round up the bison on horseback to assist the park with herd management and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

4. Spearfish: The Perfect Outdoor Escape

• Distance from Rapid City: Approximately 50 miles

In my opinion, the city of Spearfish and its surrounding areas are some of the prettiest parts of the entire state. Drive the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and make stops at Bridal Veil Falls and Spearfish Falls. You can even take this route all the way to Devil’s Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

There are seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. In the winter, enjoy the Big Hill and Eagle Cliff cross-country ski trails. The warmer months offer access to over 140 miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for rock climbing.

5. Badlands National Park: Where Rugged Means Beautiful

• Distance from Rapid City: Approximately 60 miles

Unlike the others on this list, Badlands National Park is located outside of the Black Hills. Just south of the famously quirky Wall Drug, the rough landscape of the Badlands eerily beckons visitors with its haunting beauty. Travelers can drive the scenic 39-mile Badlands Loop Road. The route passes lookout points, short trails, prairie dog towns, campgrounds, and the occasional bison herds. There are a handful of hiking trails throughout the park. However, one should be prepared and mindful of attempting these hikes due to a lack of available shade and water.

As a city first used as a staging ground for miners, the City of Presidents has grown into South Dakota's second most populous city. Its convenient location on the edge of the Black Hills makes it a perfect spot to stay while exploring the region. I've been to over 30 countries and nearly all 50 states. Yet, all this time later, I'm still itching to return to western South Dakota. Let Rapid City be your base, and start exploring a truly underrated part of the great American West.

Do you have other day trips from Rapid City to add? If so, which ones? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. Find some of our favorite South Dakota day trips using our Travel Planner!