- The list below includes 51 free or cheap things to do in or near Rapid City, South Dakota, including 53 different types of inexpensive activities like Specialty Museums, Mini Golf, Caverns & Caves and Nature & Wildlife Areas.
- From Downtown Rapid City to George S. Mickelson Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Rapid City and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Nemo.
Showing 61-70 of
120
28.2 Miles
Custer, South Dakota's Black Hills National Forest is a spruce forest managed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It runs a popular Christmas tree permit program that allows permit holders to source their own Christmas tree from designated areas within the forest.
28.3 Miles
Considered to be part of the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Native American Educational & Cultural Center tries to enhance the experience of visitors at the memorial. Several hands-on activities are available at the center, including 'make and take' tables where crafts can be created and then taken home.
28.3 Miles
The Orientation & Communications Center serves as an educational experience for visitors to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Several exhibits are on display which tell the story of Native American history in the area and the stories of tribe members.
28.4 Miles
Custer State Park's Legion Lake is a campground with running water. Its eponymous lake is a popular boat launching spot, and is frequently visited by the park's wildlife, who rely on it as a vital source of water.
28.4 Miles
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail. This three-mile, out and back trail is rated as moderate difficulty and offers serene, scenic views. Dogs are allowed.
28.5 Miles
92%
61 votes
411 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD
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Hosting exhibitions with memorabilia from the 1880s, the Custer County 1881 Court House Museum highlights the history from the gold rush era of Custer. They have 3 floors and even the original jail and courtroom for visitors to explore.
28.7 Miles
The road that encircles Custer State Park is called Wildlife Loop Road. It is open to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Animals species frequently observed from Wildlife Loop Road include bison, bighorn sheep, deer, eagles and other birds.
31.2 Miles
Seasonal outdoor activities are common along the George S. Mickelson Trail. Visitors are able to bike, hike, go horseback riding, ski, or ride snowmobiles along the trail depending on the season, or they can simply enjoy the scenic setting.
31.5 Miles
Four Mile Old West Town contains over 50 buildings from an old west town including a bank, schoolhouse, and hotels, and some are available to be peeked inside. During certain times, the town has a melodrama, and the town is also available for weddings and commercial photography.
31.7 Miles
Consisting primarily of the work of a Dr. Niblack, the National Museum of Wood Carving maintains a large collection of carvings from throughout his career. The museum also features a gift shop.