
Rapid City

Rapid City
Nestled on the eastern foothills of the Black Hills, Rapid City shines as the hub of this legendary region’s vacation destinations. Five year-round museums, 17 movie theaters, eight area golf courses and more than 4,000 guest rooms in local hotels, motels, bed & breakfast inns, resorts and campgrounds surround this brilliant, bustling city to accommodate visitors seeking fun and adventure in the Black Hills. Rapid City’s fortunate geographical location makes it within 300 miles of 12 National Parks. To the east lie the mysterious Badlands; to the north stands Devils Tower; turn south to Wind or Jewel Cave National Parks, Custer State Park, or Crazy Horse Mountain carving now in progress; or head 23 miles to majestic Mount Rushmore, just to name a few local attractions.
City View Trolley
All aboard! Catch a ride on the City View Trolley and enjoy a narrated tour of Rapid City and many of the unique point-of-interests found throughout the town. The City View Trolley operates during the summer months, beginning in June and runs through the end of August, offering passengers informative tours filled with recent and historical information about Rapid City, local attractions, and the surrounding area. For easy free parking and access, start your Trolley Tour at The Journey Museum & Learning Center. The Trolley makes 15 stops during each tour, including stops at popular Rapid City attractions such as The Journey Museum & Learning Center, Storybook Island, Dinosaur Park, and the Dahl Arts Center. You may board the Trolley at any of the stops along its route. The last departure for the Trolley from the Milo Barber Transportation Center is 4 PM.
Price: Under $12
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM Every 60 minutes
Open Seasonally: June – August
Family Friendly
Handicapped Access
Hospitality Partners
Hotel Alex Johnson
Rapid City has changed considerably since the Hotel Alex Johnson was constructed a century ago, but the hotel still remains a center of activity in the downtown district. Built in the roaring 20s, the Hotel Alex Johnson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a landmark of the downtown skyline. The Hotel Alex Johnson is a proud member of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Owned and managed by Liv Hospitality, this 143-room property has welcomed travelers from around the world, including celebrities, dignitaries and families for over 75 years. The Hotel Alex Johnson has also long been known as one of the most haunted hotels in South Dakota, making it a popular local attraction. Guests can enjoy the traditional and authentic Native American décor coupled with modern conveniences including free Wi-Fi, digital cable and valet service. Each guest gets exclusive access to the Vertex Sky Bar on the rooftop during their stay, giving a breathtaking view of the entire Rapid City area.
- 143 guest rooms
- Vertex Sky Bar
- Paddy O’Neill’s Pub & Casino
- Alex Johnson Mercantile
- Starbucks Coffee
- High-speed internet
Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza
Filled with plants, the Rushmore Plaza’s eight-story atrium features a sparkling 60-foot waterfall and glass elevators. Surrounded by Memorial Park and located just a few blocks away from The Journey Museum & Learning Center, the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn is only two blocks from downtown Rapid City, offering unique restaurants, shops, art galleries, entertainment, and other local attractions. For events at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, you can’t beat the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn’s directly adjacent location. Take advantage of all the great amenities, such as the indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, fitness center and sun deck. When it’s time to dine, find your favorite dish at the Gold Bison Grill or enjoy a drink at the Fountain Court Lounge. Kids ages 19 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids ages 12 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn on-site restaurant. The Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn also provides a complimentary local area shuttle. Guests can shuttle to or from any location in Rapid City, surrounding area, and the Rapid City Regional Airport with a shuttle van.
- 205 guest rooms
- High-speed internet
- Ample parking
- Indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room & sauna
- Complimentary airport transportation
- Adjacent to Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites is a part of the independent boutique hotels of the world. The Rushmore boasts commitment to nature by being eco-friendly and sustainable. Much care was given to incorporate the beauty of the natural surroundings of the area into the hotel. Guests will discover the grandeur of the area and this property. Mount Rushmore is recreated with 75 different natural stones within a 60 foot Medallion in the lobby. The rooms have 34 different themed posters of the area depicting the beauty of Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park and the Black Hills. The Rushmore is ideally located in Rapid City’s historic downtown district, just steps away from popular entertainment options, local attractions, shopping areas and just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Guests can enjoy a host of amenities and complimentary services, from the 3 Diamond Enigma Restaurant to the exuberant 445 Martini Lounge. Guests will find exceptional service as a cornerstone of the Rushmore Hotel and Suites’ culture.
- 176 elegantly appointed rooms & suites
- High-speed internet
- Business Center
- Fine dining restaurant, martini bar & lounge
- Free parking
- Complimentary airport transportation
The Journey Museum and Learning Center regularly adds new events, exhibits, and features to the expansive museum, covering American history, Black Hills history, and Native American culture.
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