Rapid City is considered a gateway to attractions such as Bear Country USA and Badlands National Park. However, simply passing through the city will make you miss out on experiencing its unique charm. For instance, you don’t need to drive all the way to Mount Rushmore, which is 30 minutes away from the city, to see art devoted to former heads of state as The Presidential Statues in downtown Rapid City allow you to go up close and personal with US presidents. The nearby Reptile Gardens, as its name suggests, houses creatures such as Komodo dragons, crocodiles, and snakes. Dinosaur Park, meanwhile, is the place to be if you prefer their ancient variety. Indoor activities are plentiful in the city, and you can check out this list of the top things to do indoors in Rapid City, South Dakota, for acquainting yourself with great options.
1. Uncover the secrets of Cosmos Mystery Area (from USD 19.0)
Fans of quirky attractions will want to visit this gem of a place. This area, which was discovered by two college students, promotes itself as a place where the laws of nature are suspended. The scheduled tours of the Mystery House will give you a taste of this. You get to see water flowing uphill and you even be able to stand on walls.
Once you’re done having your world turned topsy-turvy, you can head over to the geode mine, where you can dig for your own geode. You can get some ice cream after you explore the area and buy a souvenir from the on-site gift shop.
Cosmos Mystery Area Admission
Duration: 40 minutes
2. Try to pull a Houdini at Black Hills Escape Rooms
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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Fans of escape rooms will want to check out this establishment which offers five different experiences, all of which feature locally based scenarios. These five have varying levels of difficulty, so your group can opt for the room that you are most comfortable with to challenge your skills.
Scenarios you can choose from include having to solve a murder and encountering aliens and zombies. Up to eight guests can be accommodated in a room. Special rates are offered if you want to book three or more rooms. Tickets cost 25 USD for adults and 18 USD for military personnel and senior citizens. Children between 7 and 17 are charged 16 USD while those under 7 can go in for free.
Black Hills Escape Rooms
Address: 705 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57703
Website: Black Hills Escape Rooms
Opening hours: 10am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
3. Play and stay at Watiki Indoor Waterpark
Posted by WaTiki Waterpark on Thursday, January 19, 2023
Families planning to spend a holiday at Rapid City will want to include Watiki Indoor Waterpark in their itinerary. It is considered to be the Dakotas’ largest indoor water park. It has five hotels for you to choose from. If you’re planning to stay somewhere else, don’t worry, as you can still visit the water park.
Various attractions await you here, including pools with slides, a lazy river, and a hot tub. Make sure to bring your own towels, otherwise, you can always buy some at the on-site market. There’s also an arcade if you want to stay dry but still have a fun time. Note that the opening hours differ seasonally, so be sure to check the timings before you visit.
Watiki Indoor Waterpark
Address: 1314 North Elk Vale Road, Rapid City, SD 57703
Website: Watiki Indoor Waterpark
Opening hours: May 27, 2023 – September 4, 2023: 8am - 9pm (daily); September 5, 2023 – May 24, 2024: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 9pm
Price: From 30 USD
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4. Check out the artwork at Dahl Arts Center
This arts center was established by Arndt Dahl, a banker from Rapid City, who then turned over the building to the city under the condition that it will be managed by the Rapid City Arts Council.
The establishment features a wide variety of art and has five visual arts galleries to serve this purpose. It even hosts performing arts exhibitions. Families will want to bring their kids to the interactive children’s gallery for a fun time. A gift shop is available if you want to bring home artsy souvenirs.
Dahl Arts Center
Address: 713 7th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: Dahl Arts Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
5. Appreciate Native American art at Prairie Edge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Art is an indelible part of cultures, which is why visiting Prairie Edge will provide you with glimpses of the way of life of Northern Plains Indians. This establishment has been styled to resemble a trading post, making guests feel as though they have traveled all the way back to the Old West. The smells of sage and sweetgrass only add to the experience.
On display is the artwork of Northern Plains Indian artists. Some pieces are available for sale if you want to bring one of these gorgeous pieces home.
Prairie Edge
Address: 606 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: Prairie Edge
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
6. Enrich your mind at Journey Museum & Learning Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This establishment is appropriately named because it offers a learning journey to its guests. Exhibits here cover a wide range of topics, including Native American culture and history, geology, paleontology, and archeology. The STEAM Lab helps round off the eclectic collection in the museum.
The establishment hosts various programs and events throughout the year, so be sure to check out the calendar to see what’s in store for you on the day that you plan to visit. The ticket price is 12 USD for military personnel and senior citizens. Children under ages 6-17 are allowed entry for 9 USD. Children who are five and younger with family can enter for free. Ticket prices for students start from 5 USD.
Journey Museum & Learning Center
Address: 222 New York Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: Journey Museum & Learning Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 14 USD for adults
7. Catch a show at The Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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Posted by The Monument on Thursday, February 16, 2023
The Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument is an event venue that is popular all across the city for its unique shows and concerts. Famous bands also perform here, and if you’re planning to visit the city in October, you might be delighted to know that Dropkick Murphys is slated for a performance here on their Fall 2023 Tour.
Business travelers may also find themselves spending time in this venue, considering that business events are also hosted here alongside musical and live performances.
The Monument
Address: 444 N Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: The Monument
8. Play classic arcade games at Press Start
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pinball Wizards, come and make our pizza and beer disappear.
Posted by Press Start on Sunday, June 4, 2023
Kids and adults alike will love this establishment which features two levels of arcade games so you have plenty of options to choose from. Foodies, meanwhile, will get a kick out of its extensive menu, which includes pizzas, salads, chicken wings, and nachos. Kids will love the child-friendly options on the menu, while adults will appreciate that alcoholic beverages are offered here. Party packages are also offered among the options.
Do be aware that this establishment follows a rule that only customers who are 21 years old and above can stay beyond 10pm.
Press Start
Address: 504 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: Press Start
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
9. Blow off steam at Axe It Out
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Axe It Out takes pride in the fact that it is the first and only urban axe-throwing establishment in Rapid City. First-timers need not worry because instructions will be provided so they can have a fun and safe time throwing axes.
Guests are required to sign a waiver and present their IDs before they get started. Minors are allowed here, provided that they are accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. Make sure to wear closed shoes before heading here for your safety (open-toed shoes aren’t allowed on the premises). Guests are allowed to enjoy one alcoholic drink for every hour while playing. Military & Chamber discounts are offered, and minors are allowed entry with special ticket prices.
Axe It Out
Address: 811 Disk Drive, Suite 6, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website: Axe It Out
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 8pm; Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 3pm - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 15 USD
10. Work out your muscles at Black Hills Basecamp
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Adventure-seekers may be interested in testing their climbing skills at Black Hills Basecamp, which features a bouldering gym that you can head to if you want to challenge yourself. Adult classes are offered if you’re a beginner at the sport. Kids’ programs are also available if you want to pick up climbing as a family.
Guests who are already familiar with climbing will get a kick out of exploring the 50 boulder problems that are offered here. Routes turn over once a month so you are bound to encounter something new with every climb.
Black Hills Basecamp
Website: Black Hills Basecamp
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 3pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 8pm; Mon: 10am - 1pm (closed on Tue)
Price: From 16 USD
Have indoor fun in Rapid City
Rapid City may be known as a gateway to outdoor adventures, but it doesn’t lack indoor attractions to offer visitors. Take your pick from these activities and stave off boredom while you’re visiting Rapid City.
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