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SightseeingOutdoor Adventure

Black Hills & Badlands

1851 Discovery Cir · Rapid City, SD

Why you should go…

The Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association is a private nonprofit that has promoted the region as an all season travel destination since 1939. It publishes and distributes visitor literature and operates the Black Hills Visitor Information Center in Rapid City. The association represents member businesses across the Black Hills and Badlands of western South Dakota.

  • #tourism board
  • #black hills
  • #badlands
  • #travel guide
  • #south dakota

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Black Hills & Badlands, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Museum of Geology

    Free

    A free campus museum showcasing Black Hills dinosaur fossils, Badlands mammal remains and minerals.

    3.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Sioux Indian Museum

    Under $25

    Federal museum of historic and contemporary Lakota art, housed within the Journey Museum complex.

    3.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Prairie Edge Galleries

    Free

    A downtown Rapid City trading post and gallery of Native American art, crafts and jewelry.

    3.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Rapid City

    Free

    Gateway city to South Dakota's Black Hills, home to the City of Presidents statues, Main Street Square and Rapid City Trolleys.

    3.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

    Free

    Sturgis, South Dakota's visitor bureau for trip planning around the Black Hills and the annual motorcycle rally.

    27 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Deadwood

    Free

    Historic Black Hills gold-rush town with gaming halls, museums and Wild West heritage sites.

    34 mi awayMore like this