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Before you go
Your trip to Rapid City.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Rapid City – South Dakota Destination Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
How to get there
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Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) 18 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is about 18 km from downtown. Via I-90, the city is about 130 km from Badlands National Park.
How many days
Two to three days as a base, with Badlands National Park on one day and Custer State Park and Wind Cave on another.
When to go
From May to September, when the park roads are open; in summer the plains get hot. In winter it’s cold and snowy, and some park services close.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes: the parks are up to an hour and a half away by car, and public transport does not reach them.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Rapid City
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All day
Badlands National Park
Go early to Badlands National Park, drive the scenic road with stops at the overlooks, and return to Rapid City at the end of the day.
2 days in Rapid City
Day 2
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Morning
Custer State Park
Drive the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park to see the bison.
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Afternoon
Wind Cave
Take the guided cave tour at Wind Cave National Park.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Rapid City?
The bronze statues of presidents downtown; the city is a base for Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.
How far is Rapid City from Mount Rushmore?
About 37 km, or a 40-minute drive.
Is Rapid City close to Badlands National Park?
Yes, about an hour and a half by car via I-90.
What time zone is Rapid City in?
UTC−7 in standard time (Mountain Time) and UTC−6 from March to November, with daylight saving time.