30+ Must-dos including hidden gems that locals don’t want you to know about
I’ve been to the Black Hills of South Dakota twice and could easily go back again. It’s one of those areas of the USA where you’re constantly surprised by how much there is to see and do, especially for families. Truth be told, you’d be hard-pressed to do it all in a week’s vacation, so you either need to be very selective or just plan a return trip!
Planning a trip to the South Dakota can be a bit overwhelming. I want to offer you some guidance on the must-sees in the Black Hills – those well-known sites that likely are drawing you here in the first place like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore. But perhaps more importantly, I want to clue you in to the area’s hidden gems – the places that locals are reluctant to divulge because they don’t want to share them with visitors. Seriously, I had to beg for the inside scoop in some cases.
I’ve arranged the following attractions in the order in which I’d suggest visiting them. Instead of staying in one location and then branching out for day trips, I’d recommend moving around the Black Hills and staying in different locations each night to maximize your time and experience.
1. Start in Rapid City
If you’re flying to South Dakota and renting an RV or car, you’ll likely begin your trip in Rapid City. Before moving on, it’s worth spending a day exploring the town’s attractions.
For an excellent overview of the Black Hills, begin at the Journey Museum and Learning Center (222 New York Street). While the exterior of the museum is bit imposing, you’ll find the staff and exhibits inside inviting and interactive. It’s the perfect spot to educate yourself and your kids on the Black Hills’ geology, paleontology, and Native American and pioneering history. The exhibit space is set up to guide you on a journey from prehistoric times to present day. Throughout the week and especially during the summer, the museum runs programs designed especially for kids. Cost: Youth (5 & under) Free; Youth (6-17) $7; Adult $12.
Stroll through downtown Rapid City to see The City of Presidents, a collection of life-size bronze statues of every past American president – life-size with the exception of William Howard Taft. Apparently, it was too expensive to replica his large physique in bronze! Stop at the visitor information center (1851 Discovery Circle) to pick up a scavenger hunt for the kids. Also don’t miss Art Alley between 6th and 7th Streets. This block of ever-challenging, eye-popping graffiti murals is truly Instagram-worthy.
KidTripster Tip: If you’d prefer to ride instead of walk, catch the hop on-hop off City View Trolley for a narrated tour. The trolley runs June through August. Cost: Youth $1; Adult $2.
Lunchtime? Stop at Murphy’s Pub and Grill (510 9th Street). A favorite among locals, the restaurant has arcade games, table Squigz, and a kids’ menu. But I’m really sending you here to try the fried pickles. Yum!
If you’re looking for an upscale stay in Rapid City, it doesn’t get any fancier or more historic than the Hotel Alex Johnson (523 6th Street). Since 1927, the hotel has played host to presidents and celebrities alike. Next door, you’ll find the historic Elks Theatre (512 6th Street), a truly unique spot to watch an evening movie.
If you only have time to visit one attraction in Rapid City, make in Reptile Gardens (8955 Highway 16). I know what you’re thinking – reptiles in South Dakota? Believe me, I was skeptical, but I can honestly say, this place is well done. Reptile Gardens is home to Maniac, the largest crocodile in the Northern Hemisphere as well as 200+ other species, making it the largest reptile collection in the world. In the summer, your kids can walk outside among giant tortoises including Orville, who’s over a hundred years old! You’ll find snakes of every type. You may even have the opportunity to have Marilyn, an albino Burmese python, sit on your shoulders. I admit, I was a wee bit petrified.
In addition to reptiles, the center has an indoor, walk-through aviary with tropical birds and outdoor botanic gardens with 50,000 flowers. It’s open March through November. Make sure to budget several hours to visit. Summer season cost: Youth (3 & under) Free; Youth (4-10) $13; Youth (11-15) $15; Adult $19.
KidTripster Tip: Reptile Gardens has bird, snake, and gator shows throughout the day. But if you can call ahead and schedule your visit to coincide with the gator feeding time, you won’t be sorry! (The gators eat about every two weeks.)
For dinner, head to family-friendly Dakotah Steakhouse (1325 N. Elk Vale Road). And don’t miss taking a photo of the metal bison sculpture out front. Crafted by local artist John Lopez, it cleverly hides nearly two dozen other bronze castings. It’s really something!
