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5 Best Things to Do in Rapid City, SD

Rapid City offers great fun for the whole family.

By Taylor Croteau on January 18, 2016

Rapid City / wikipedia.org
Rapid City skyline

Talk with residents of Rapid City, SD and they’ll quickly explain how amazing their community is, though many want to keep that a secret. What makes this a great place to spend time? For starters, famous and thriving breweries make it a beer connoisseur’s paradise. And families can enjoy great theme parks and outdoor parks that educate and get kids active. Its unique popular culture has much to offer travelers and those looking to relocate.

The Great 8: Eight Reasons to Move to Rapid City, SD. 

Independent Ale House

Independent Ale House isn’t your standard pub. From its 40 rotating taps to its impressive wine selection, Independent Ale House stands out. New beer is always on tap, and Independent’s bottled beer selection is the largest in the region. Stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy handcrafted pizza. 

MORE SOUTH DAKOTA: Learn about more of the most livable cities in South Dakota.

Mount Rushmore Tours

There’s no better way to see the giant stone faces of presidents Lincoln, Roosevelt, Jefferson and Washington than with Mount Rushmore Tours. Its daily trip includes the 1880 Train, Mount Rushmore, Pig Tail Bridges, Custer State Park, Needles Eye Tunnel, Sylvan Lake, Crazy Horse. The company also offers tours of Fort Hays Old West Town. You’ll get to visit the set of the movie Dances with Wolves, but also take a step back into the Old West with scenes the whole family will enjoy. Another popular family activity is the famous Buffalo Roundup, where cowboys herd more than 1,500 bison each year. 

Frühlingsfest

At Frühlingsfest, every May in Rapid City’s Main Street Square, the Rapid City community joins with beer enthusiasts from around the country to enjoy German culture, try new beers — more than 30 in 2015 — and celebrate local breweries. The festival is in conjunction with the Main Street Square’s Spring Market, which offers local foods, crafts and specialty goods, and performances by the Six Mile Road bluegrass band. 

Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park is a unique attraction that will entertain children of all ages. Kids love climbing on the dinosaur-themed jungle gyms, and adultscan enjoy a spectacular view from the top of Rapid City. The park, which has an interesting history, is on the National Register of Historic Places and today is a fun place to explore walking trails and learn a little about dinosaurs. 

Storybook Island

Storybook Island is a free children’s theme park founded by the Rapid City community in 1959. The park aims to educate and entertain the community’s children through its focus on storybook characters. Storybook Island Children’s Theater, an integral part of the park, puts on shows by kids all summer long. The park prides itself on being an important part of the Rapid City community and continuing to entertain kids for more than 55 years.

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