Discover Amazing Things To Do in Rapid City: Caverns, Bald Eagles and Western Fun
From underground caverns to Wild West shows, this gateway city offers unforgettable experiences
Key Takeaways
- Rapid City offers Mount Rushmore access plus caverns, wildlife and Wild West shows.
- Spot majestic bald eagles and explore the stunning Badlands National Park nearby.
- Bring Rapid City home with a delicious spinach artichoke dip and virtual tour.
Experience awe in the “City of Presidents!” Located east of Black Hills National Forest, this charming small town is most famously known as the gateway to the iconic Mount Rushmore. But that’s not all—you’ll also find bronze statues of presidents proudly displayed downtown, fascinating museums, train rides, reptile gardens and so much more.
Explore the Black Hills Caverns
As your trip begins, embark on a tour through the marvelous Black Hills Caverns. A knowledgeable guide will walk you through all three levels while sharing local history, folklore and details on the geology of the caverns. You can also upgrade your ticket to include a gem-panning experience that will result in a sparkling souvenir.
Enjoy a night of western entertainment
In the evening, kick back and relax at the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show. This popular spot serves up a hearty meat-and-potato meal and plenty of entertainment in the form of a Wild West-themed extravaganza.
Spy stunning bald eagles
The impressive birds of prey are most commonly seen around waterways. Fish are their main diet, so you may catch an eagle swooping down with its talons out to catch one for lunch.
Take a day trip to explore the Badlands National Park
Located an hour away, this sprawling 244,000-acre park is known for its rich fossil beds. But there’s plenty of wildlife to see too; look for prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, bison and bighorn sheep.
Bonus: Experience the city at home!
Get whisked away to Rapid City with an appetizer inspired by the Firehouse Brewing Co. and a wonderful video walking tour.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 14 oz. can chopped, drained artichoke hearts
- 10 oz. baby spinach
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian-blend cheese
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Serve with crudités or tortilla chips.
Video Walking Tour
Explore the downtown area—including the famous presidential statues—with a 4K walking tour posted by “WanderingWalksofWonder” on YouTube.com.
This story first appeared in the June 29, 2026 issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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