I Asked Our AI-Travel Planner for a Weekend Adventure in Rapid City—Here’s What It Created

Western South Dakota blew me away with its Badlands and Black Hills, but I messed up by not planning nearly enough time to explore Rapid City and more of the surrounding region. Clearly, I need to pay another visit. Since I had already crafted one itinerary of my own, I decided to see what AI would come up with for a return visit.

I asked the AI-powered Only In Your State Travel Planner to help me plan the perfect weekend visit to Rapid City. It not only gave me recommendations for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay, it also described each place.

Known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills," Rapid City is often a basecamp for visiting locations like Mount Rushmore National Monument and Badlands National Park. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally also brings thousands of visitors to this corner of Western South Dakota each year. The surrounding area is dotted with old Western towns like Deadwood and Keystone. What sometimes gets lost in the mix is the town of Rapid City itself, so I was eager to see what the AI travel planner would recommend. Let's take a look!

Where To Stay in Rapid City, SD

For me, the first part of trip planning is deciding where to stay so that I can seal the deal with reservations. For Rapid City, the AI came up with a grand glamping getaway, a historic hotel, and a budget-friendly option. I loved the diversity of options!

I told the AI I was interested in glamping, and it delivered with the Under Canvas Mount Rushmore. To truly experience the natural wonderland of the region, camping is the best option. Now, when I mention “camping,” you might imagine something basic and uncomfortable. Have no fear, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler for its exceptional luxurious experience, with glamping tents outfitted with everything you need for a comfortable stay. 

Of course, glamping isn’t for everyone. If you want a classy accommodation with a rich history, the AI recommended Hotel Alex Johnson, which has hosted many presidents and celebrities—and is rumored to be haunted. As an added plus, you are within walking distance of Rapid City's charming downtown Main Street, where you'll find shops and dining.

Finally, if you want to save your dough for the exceptional dining and experiences found across Rapid City, the AI recommended the Grand Gateway Hotel, which offers modern amenities at an old-fashioned price. Seriously, it’s cheaper than most campsites in the region!

What To Do in Rapid City, SD

I told the AI trip planner that I basically like everything when it comes to attractions. Hiking? Check. Museums? Check. Romantic locations? Check. Even though I had already seen some of the tourist highlights of the Black Hills region, the AI came up with a few spots I had not visited. There’s so much more to see than Mount Rushmore!

To experience the natural landscapes near Rapid City, the AI gave me two ideas. First, there’s the Osprey Trail. This 2.8 loop around Pactola Lake takes you through pine groves and along open views of the rolling hills surrounding the lake. Plus, you might spot some osprey. Sounds pretty promising to me! The next recommendation was actually for a place we visited: the Cathedral Spires Trail in Custer State Park, which is easily one of the most beautiful hikes in South Dakota. I’m glad the AI put Custer State Park on its itinerary since this was one of my family’s favorite spots in the Black Hills.

I have a deep fondness for quirky tourist attractions, and the AI trip planner definitely read my mind with its next two recommendations. First, there’s Dinosaur Park, which features massive dinosaur statues dating to the 1930s. This truly captures the eclectic fun of road trips from a bygone era and is a place I’d like to check out for some fun Instagram-worthy snapshots with the colorful dinos. Next, the AI suggested Reptile Gardens, which holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the largest reptile zoo. Who knew? 

Where To Eat in Rapid City, SD

If you’re like me, vacation dining is a treat because of all of the local spots to explore. While I love it, I sometimes get bogged down trying to figure out where to go. The AI trip planner made this simple with some awesome dining options in Rapid City.

First, the AI recommended Vertex Sky Bar, now known as Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar. Located atop the Hotel Alex Johnson, this rooftop spot offers panoramic views, upscale local cuisine, and crafty cocktails. It truly sounds like my kind of place since I love outdoor dining, even more so on vacation. Just beware that you have to purchase a day pass if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

For fine dining with no pass required, the AI trip planner recommended the Delmonico Grill, which promises some of the best steak in South Dakota in a beautiful historic environment. Count me in! This is the kind of spot where I would expect a memorable meal. Finally, the AI trip planner recommended a less formal spot that would be no less memorable, the Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial. My family visited Crazy Horse and didn’t realize there was a dining spot onsite offering one-of-a-kind views.

My Review of the Only In Your State AI Travel Planner

While I was somewhat familiar with Rapid City, the custom itinerary from Only In Our State’s award-winning dashboard planner gave me so many new ideas that I’m ready for another visit. I loved that the accommodation options were so diverse, and the local dining recommendations would take the difficult decision-making out of my next trip. If you're ready to plan your next travel adventure, see what our AI travel planner can do for you.

This article was made using our award-winning dashboard planner. Feel free to check it out.