Drenched in prehistoric history and culture, Rapid City lies in the foothills of the gorgeous Black Hills mountains. With its eclectic collection of museums, art attractions, and architectural gems, the South Dakota city serves as a dream destination for explorers.
Famed as the ‘City of Presidents’, Rapid City also houses Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a massive sculpture featuring four U.S. presidents.
Explore Reptile Gardens, and you’ll come across an impressive range of lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and Komodo dragons. Visit the Chapel in the Hills and get inspired by ancient Nordic architecture.
Discover unique geological and paleontological exhibits at world-class museums. Stroll through Art Alley to witness multi-genre artwork, from captivating graffiti to colorful murals. Head downtown for fine dining, live entertainment, and plentiful shopping opportunities.
With so many things to see and do in Rapid City, you’ll need an awesome place to stay. From quirky boutiques to modern and trendy, here are the top cool and unusual hotels in Rapid City, South Dakota (in no particular order)...
1. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites; BW Premier Collection – a quirky, pet-friendly and funky hotel where guests can experience exquisite on-site dining
Situated along Highway 16, The Rushmore Hotelwelcomes history buffs to a grand lobby boasting a marble inlay of Mount Rushmore.
Streamlined rooms at the hotel are adorned with natural colors and modern furnishings. Each room is outfitted with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While some rooms are carpeted, some come with American-inspired wall art.
An airport shuttle service and parking are complimentary for all guests. While staying here, you’ll also enjoy access to a meeting space, a classy bar with a terrace, and an elegant eatery.
Address: 445 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
2. Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd – a hip, fun and modern accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Tru by Hilton Rapid City Rushmoreserves as a perfect base for art enthusiasts due to its proximity to the graffiti-filled Art Alley.
The 2-star hotel offers accommodation in genteel rooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Guests also enjoy complimentary parking and a breakfast buffet.
Onsite amenities include an indoor pool with a waterslide, a patio with a fire pit, a fitness center, and a 24-hour snack shop.
Address: 825 Eglin St Bldg B, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
3. Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton – a quaint, unique and creative hotel within walking distance of downtown and Main Street Square
Reflecting the cultural heritage of Rapid City, Hotel Alexdates from the 1920s and sits about a mile from Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Rooms and suites feature classic decor with traditional furnishings and a minimalist vibe. 32-inch flat-screen TVs, pillow-top bedding, luxe roves, and iPod docks are some of the many in-room amenities available at this landmark hotel.
Guests can savor delectable Southern classics at the rooftop restaurant. There’s also an Irish pub with a vintage jukebox, occasional live music, and a copper-topped bar.
Address: 523 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
4. Black Forest Inn Bed & Breakfast – a traditional, idyllic and beautiful accommodation located in the heart of Black Hills
Offering a scenic retreat a few miles from Mt. Rushmore, Black Forest Inn Bed & Breakfast effortlessly combines country charm with urban amenities. This rustic-chic B&B in the heart of Black Hills is a perfect pick for those who are visiting Rapid City for its natural beauty.
Each of the seven unique rooms at the B&B is designed with the needs of finicky vacationers in mind. While some rooms have hardwood floors, some come carpeted with plush rugs on top.
Other amenities include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, work desks with comfortable chairs, private decks with outdoor hot tubs, one-person jetted tubs or standalone tubs in bathrooms, and separate sitting areas. All guests have access to a communal dining room and a game room with a pool table.
Address: 23191 US-385, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
5. Summer Creek Inn – an elegant, classic and upscale B&B featuring rooms with spa baths and hot tubs
One of the most luxurious B&Bs in Rapid City, Summer Creek Inn offers accommodation in lavishly appointed units with high-end amenities.
All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, fireplaces, premium bedding, and spacious wardrobes. Selected rooms offer hot tubs or spa baths. While some rooms offer garden views, some feature floor-to-ceiling windows with vast mountain views.
The B&B is located less than two miles from Black Hills National Forest, with Major Lake Park accessible within a 15-minute drive.
Address: 23204 Summer Creek Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
6. Modern Black Hills Cabin with Loft and Wraparound Deck – a bright, spacious and rustic holiday home ideal for a family or group vacation
An amazing property nestled amidst towering trees in Black Hills National Forest, with Major Lake Park accessible within a 12-minute drive.
The secluded holiday home comes with three gorgeously appointed bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms having designer toiletries, a spacious living room with a fireplace, an adjoining game room, and a furnished deck.
From walls to floors to furnishings, the entire house is made of wood. Each of the three bedrooms has a large double bed and can sleep up to two people. With a sofa bed in the living room and one bedroom, the property can overall accommodate ten adults.
7. Cabin 5 at Bearded Buffalo Resort – a cozy, trendy and bright accommodation surrounded by Instagrammable scenery
Surrounded by lush gardens with towering trees, Cabin 5 at Bearded Buffalo Resort serves as a base for hikers exploring the vast Black Hills National Forest.
The one-bedroom holiday home can sleep up to two adults. It also consists of a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a furnished deck.
There are many great restaurants within a short drive from the property.
Address: 23570 US-385, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
8. Cabin 3 at Bearded Buffalo Resort – a petite and modern accommodation perfect for a couples romantic getaway
Sleeping up to two people, Cabin 3 at Bearded Buffalo Resortoffers comfortable accommodation away from the downtown commotion. Crazy Horse Monument is within a 20-minute drive from the property.
The one-bedroom property is ideal for both solo travelers and couples looking for a romantic retreat amidst the woods. The bedroom features a large double bed, two plush sofas, and a flat-screen TV. There’s also a kitchenette and a bathroom.
Address: 23570 US-385, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
9. Thunderhead Falls Lodge – a unique, rustic and log cabin-style accommodation steps away from an array of hiking trails
Thunderhead Falls Lodgeoffers an idyllic retreat amid luxuriant gardens about five miles from Cliffside Park.
The mahogany interior, wooden furnishings, and traditional decor give an unparalleled allure to this property. From the moment you step inside, you’ll instantly fall in love with the place.
The three-bedroom holiday home features a spacious living room with a fireplace, a game room with a pool table, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area with seating for nine, three bathrooms, and a patio with a whirlpool tub. Each of the three bedrooms can sleep up to two people.
10. Historic Log Cabin #14 at Bearded Buffalo Resort – a newly renovated, cozy and relaxing accommodation providing a home-away-from-home stay
Located about five miles from Black Hills National Forest, this wooden cabinoffers a perfect home away from home with two air-conditioned bedrooms, a bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen.
You won’t find a property as simplistic as this cabin elsewhere in Rapid City. The austerity of this place will remind you of your home and keep you from being homesick no matter how long your vacation is.
Address: 23570 US-385, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/
