Plan Your Holiday Vacation in Rapid City

Day 1: Downtown Rapid City & Holiday Fun

MORNING

Spend your morning exploring the unique shops, boutiques and galleries located in downtown Rapid City, while enjoying holiday decorations hung throughout. Find that special gift and one-of-a-kind item for that “hard-to-buy-for-person” in your life.  See the variety of places to shop in Rapid City.  

NOON

Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants, cafés and coffee shops. Enjoy warm soups, burgers, specialty items and more.  Discover the full listing of restaurants here.

EARLY AFTERNOON

Browse the City of Presidents as you make your way to Main Street Square for outdoor ice-skating and lasting memories. While downtown, enjoy a holiday movie, Santa in the Square, or awe at the 30 foot lighted Black Hills Spruce.

EVENING

After a day of shopping and skating, enjoy the display of holiday lights at Storybook Island and Wilson Park or take a warm limousine ride on a Holiday Light Tour, then rest up for Day 2 of your Rapid City holiday adventure.  A list of events can be found here.

Day 2: National Monuments & Rapid City Attractions

MORNING

Begin your day by having breakfast with the presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Explore this national treasure that’s open year-round. 

LATE MORNING

After enjoying Mount Rushmore, head south to Crazy Horse Memorial where you can see the world’s largest mountain carving still in progress. Enjoy buffalo stew at the Laughing Water Restaurant.

AFTERNOON

While out in the Black Hills, visit holiday themed shops like Mistletoe Ranch or Christmas Village. Stop by the 1880 Train for a ride on the 1880 Train’s Holiday Express.

If you prefer to head back to Rapid City, you can browse the shops in the New Rushmore Crossing shopping center or at the Rushmore Mall where you can also stop by for a visit with Santa Claus. 

Or head to the Journey Museum and learn all about the history of the Black Hills and the surrounding region.  Make sure to stop by the Stanford Adelstein Gallery, extravagantly decorated for the holidays and stop in the Museum Store to view their selection of unique gifts.

EVENING

After your day of adventure unwind with dinner and a special holiday show or event being held throughout the season. Or check out professional CHL hockey when you head to a Rapid City Rush Hockey game.