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Black Hills Caverns

2600 Cavern Rd · Rapid City, SD

Why you should go…

Black Hills Caverns has offered underground tours near Rapid City, South Dakota since 1939, in a cave discovered by gold miners in 1882. The cave formed in Paha Sapa limestone and features stalactites, stalagmites, boxwork, calcite crystals and an underground stream across three levels. Visitors can take the 30-minute Crystal Tour of the upper level or the hour-long Adventure Tour through all three floors.

  • #cave
  • #tour
  • #history
  • #family
  • #geology

Good to know

General attractions guidance

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

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

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

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Storybook Island

    Free

    Free 8.5-acre children's park in Rapid City with storybook-themed play sculptures, a train ride and a carousel.

    4.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Dinosaur Park

    Free

    Free hilltop park with seven WPA-era concrete dinosaur sculptures overlooking Rapid City.

    5.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Flags & Wheels Indoor Racing

    $25–$50

    Indoor family entertainment center in Rapid City with race karts, go-karts, bumper cars and laser tag.

    6.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Mount Rushmore Black Hills Gold

    Free

    A jewelry factory outside Rapid City offering a free tour of Black Hills Gold jewelry-making.

    6.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Gold Diggers Black Hills Gold

    Free

    Factory-direct retail shop for genuine Black Hills Gold jewelry near Mount Rushmore.

    6.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Stagecoach West Tours

    $50+

    Guided bus tours through the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and a chuckwagon dinner show.

    6.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours