Note: Custer State Park is located about 40 minutes south of Rapid City, but the drive is 100% worth it once you step foot in the park. Custer State Park offers a ton of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy, from kayaking in Sylvan Lake to hiking Black Elk Peak, the tallest mountain in the state, and rock-climbing the iconic Needles rock formations. Custer State Park is also home to 1,400 bison, and you have a great chance of spotting the herd as you drive along Wildlife Loop Road! Tickets are $20 per vehicle which will give you access for 7 days.

Note: Instead of heading straight home from Custer State Park, turn the drive into a scenic loop by popping over the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The memorial is only 30 minutes away from Custer State Park and is probably South Dakota’s most iconic destination. Seeing the rock carvings in person is seriously awe-inspiring, and the park offers a number of viewpoints, museums, and walking trails. Tickets are $10 per vehicle with discounts available for seniors and military personnel.

Note: After a long day of adventuring, rest your tired feet by catching a performance at the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra has been around since the 1930’s, and provides concerts for the whole Black Hills region. From well-known classical works to unique musical performances, the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra puts on some amazing shows that the whole family will love. Concert tickets range from $22 to $32 depending on which tier you choose, and the orchestra also offers student and military discounts.

Note: A trip to South Dakota wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Badlands National Park, located a little less than an hour east of Rapid City. The Badlands feature some incredibly unique terrain and rock formations, making you feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet. Whether you choose to drive through the Badlands or do some hiking, there are plenty of ways to experience this one-of-a-kind environment. $30 per vehicle entry fee.

Note: On your way back to Rapid City, make a pit stop at Wall Drug, a massive general store in the town of Wall. Wall Drug is known worldwide for its impressive size and quirky features, such as an animatronic T-rex and a massive jackrabbit statue. You can spend hours wandering through the shops at Wall Drug, but make sure to grab a fresh-baked donut and 5-cent cup of coffee before you leave!

Note: Closeout your trip to Rapid City by spending the evening in Main Street Square. Main Street Square is a great place to do some shopping and grab a bite to eat. Over the summers, you can frequently find live concerts and events being hosted in the square. During wintertime, meanwhile, the square will be transformed into a massive ice rink for visitors to enjoy.