Vacation rentals in Rapid City

Rapid City is the ultimate all-American destination with an impressive number of unique sights and attractions for visitors. The capital city is home to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which draws millions of visitors each year! There are also several wildlife parks, children’s attractions, museums, and a historic downtown district. It’s the perfect destination for couples, families, groups of friends, and nature lovers with a countless number of activities to do and sights to visit.

Rapid City offers a wide range of vacation rentals, with a little something for every type of traveler. Choose from a variety of sizes, styles, and locations, depending on your unique travel preferences. Stay close to the charming downtown district, just a short walk from shops and restaurants. Or, stay in a rental close to the park areas with a private balcony where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscapes. Oversized vacation rentals are available for families and large groups. Couples and smaller groups can select from an assortment of cozy 1- or 2-bedroom rentals. Rapid City rentals are typically equipped with high-speed internet, modern furnishings, washer/dryer, and fully functioning kitchens. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

Rapid City is served by the nearby Rapid City Regional Airport. The airport is located just 11 miles outside the city center, or about a 15-minute drive away. Taxis are available for getting from the airport to the city. Rideshare apps, such as Uber or Lyft are another popular option. It is recommended to rent a car during your time in Rapid City. Car rental companies are available at the airport as well as in downtown Rapid City.

The downtown area of Rapid City is the most walkable part of the city. Reaching any sights or attractions outside the downtown area requires a car. Many of the parks and wildlife reserves require a bit of a drive outside the city limits to be reached.

Rapid City is an excellent family-friendly destination. Families with children should visit Dinosaur Park, a sprawling green space featuring several life-sized dinosaur sculptures. Entrance is free and there is no charge to walk around the grounds. Also, pay a visit to Reptile Gardens, where children can experience up-close encounters with live reptiles, such as 500-pound tortoises, snakes, and alligators.

Rapid City is home to many iconic American sights. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial, which is an enormous sculpture of the heroic Native American, Crazy Horse. The sculpture is carved into the side of a mountain and has taken many decades to complete because of its sheer size. Also, pay a visit to the Journey Museum and Learning Center which combines several collections of prehistoric and historic artifacts together to tell the story of the Western Great Plains through the lens of the Lakota tribe.

This colossal and famous monument is hands-down the crown jewel of attractions in Rapid City. The memorial park spans 1,278-acres across a granite mountain range. The faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the mountain-side, each measuring around 60-feet in length. The massive work of art is an incredible sight to behold and a must for any traveler in Rapid City.

The 240,000-acre Badlands National Park is brimming with other-worldly rock formations and prairie lands. You can drive through the park, where you’re bound to see plenty of wildlife including wild bison, prairie dogs, antelope, and bighorn sheep. Enter the park at the easternmost entrance for the best scenery and landscape viewing.

Custer State Park is home to one of the most scenic and picturesque areas of South Dakota. Here you’ll find a variety of landscapes and wildlife including elk, buffalo, coyotes, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, river otters, and more. Drive through the park and stop at the many overlook points to take photos and enjoy the views.

Rapid City is home to a beautiful historic downtown district. Stroll around the quaint streets to discover the 33+ restaurants, cozy cafés, 70+ boutique shops, and numerous art galleries. The downtown area is also home to 43 life-sized bronze presidential statues located throughout the streets of the district.

This beautifully designed center combines an art gallery, a trading post, and a museum all in one. Here you can learn about the Native American tribes who once inhabited this part of South Dakota through a series of artworks, handicrafts, and artifacts. Spend an hour or so browsing the various indigenous items, and purchase a piece to bring back home with you.