FREE ATTRACTIONS
1301 Sheridan Lake Rd. Rapid City, SD 57702
Out of the pages and into real life. Kids of all ages can play with characters from their favorite fables at Storybook Island. Fictional characters aren’t the only thing you will find here. This stellar park includes a snack bar, train ride, bounce house, and also a new carousel. Additionally, parents can rent the birthday house to make their little ones day extra magical. Come enjoy a free, safe, educational environment for those young in years, or young at heart! Experience the power of imagination. The park relies on donations, so anything you can give is appreciated. *Rides, snacks, and bounces require payment.
www.storybookisland.org – 605-342-6357
DINOSAUR PARK
940 Skyline Dr. Rapid City, SD 57701
Towering life-size dinosaurs and spectacular views. This free attraction is sure to be a hit with the whole family. After spending the day with giants, you are sure to have a monster appetite. Venture down the hill at the visitor center. Here you will not only find snacks, but also gifts and souvenirs. Open daily in May – October.
www.dinosaurparkblackhills.com – 605-343-8687
DC BOOTH FISH HATCHERY
423 Hatchery Cir. Spearfish, SD 57783
D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives was constructed to propagate, stock, and establish trout populations in the Black Hills. After a successful production history, the hatchery shutdown in the 80s. Later it reopened as a archive to preserve the historic and cultural heritage of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Visitors can stroll the hatchery grounds from sunup to sunset 365 days a year. Feed the fish, visit the museum and railcar, and take in the stunning natural beauty of the hatchery grounds.
www.dcboothfishhatchery.org – 605-642-7730
WALL DRUG
“What the heck is Wall Drug?” Well that is a little difficult to answer. Part drug store, part museum, part mall, and part arcade. And that is just the beginning. What started as a pharmacy offering “free ice water” to weary travelers has grown into one of the states top tourist destinations. The ice water still free to this day. And so is the experience. There is no charge to get into Wall Drug. However the same cannot be said for their awesome gifts, souvenirs, and delicious homemade doughnuts. Whether you make a purchase or not, a day at Wall Drug is an experience your family won’t forget.
www.walldrug.com – 605-279-2175
SANFORD LAB HOMESTAKE VISITOR CENTER
160 West Main Street Lead, SD 57754
Homestake was once the largest mine in the western hemisphere. Today it serve as a research facility. The visitor center offers free exhibits. Here you will learn about Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab), the city of Lead, and the history of Homestake. The exhibits include historic photographs, videos, science and mining artifacts, and a 3-D model of the underground—from the surface down to the 8,000-foot level! Take in the stunning view of the Hills and the 1,250 foot deep open cut. Those that are interested may take a tour of the facility for a small fee. Tours run from May to September.
www.sanfordlabhomestake.com – 605-584-3110
MAIN STREET SHOOTOUTS
715 Main St. Deadwood, SD 57732
Deadwood is one of those towns that inspired stories of the wild west. Gunslingers, outlaws, gamblers, and lawmen all roamed its streets. And while the days of the old west are gone, their spirit is still alive and well. During the summer months, you can catch shootouts along Deadwood’s Main Street. These historically accurate re-enactments take place 3 times daily and are free to the public. The re-enactors also recreate the Shooting of Wild Bill Hickok; a well known gambler whom was shot and killed in Deadwood. Deadwood Alive sponsors the events which are all free to the public. Visit their website for shootout times and locations. Experience the true American Wild West!
www.deadwoodalive.com – 800-344-8826
FORT HAYS
2255 Fort Hayes Drive Rapid City, SD 57702
Stroll the boardwalk of the Fort Hays old west town square. Take a free self guided tour of the “Dances with Wolves” movie set. Here you will also find the South Dakota movie museum. Watch craftsmen making handmade tools, ropes, bricks, tin plates, and knives. These handcrafted items can be purchased. Browse through the shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. After taking in the sights, make sure you stop by the chuckwagon. In the morning they offer All-you-can-eat 99 cent pancakes! In the evening take in dinner and a show. The Chuckwagon Supper & Music Variety Show features a hearty chuckwagon menu and the most entertaining show in the Black Hills! Fort Hays even offers Black Hills tour packages. Pricing and booking information available here.
www.mountrushmoretours.com – 605-343-3113
CITY OF PRESIDENTS INFORMATION CENTER
631 Main St. Rapid City, SD 57701
Visitors to historic downtown Rapid City are greeted by the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze statues of our nation’s past presidents along the city’s streets and sidewalks. Whether you’re enjoying downtown shopping, dining or other attractions, you can enjoy these sculptures free. Click here for the City of Presidents map or view the Interactive Walking Guide.
www.visitrapidcity.com – 800-487-3223
PRAIRIE EDGE
606 Main Street Rapid City, SD 57701
Dedicated to Preserving the Past. Prairie Edge may be a store, but their high quality products will make you think you are in a museum. Browse the beautiful Native American art, dress pieces, weaponry, and more. The great thing about this place is that if you like something, you can buy it. Since 1957, Prairie Edge has built a for reputation for excellence, both in providing craft supplies and collecting Native American art. Today they pass along generations of knowledge and tradition in their unique products.
www.prairieedge.com – 800-541-2388
MAIN STREET SQUARE
512 Main St. Rapid City, SD 57701
Located in the heart of Downtown Rapid City, Main Street Square is a fun-filled public space that features special events, arts and culture, live concerts, seasonal ice skating and interactive fountains. Surrounded by the City of Presidents, boutiques, eateries and galleries, Main Street Square is a destination the whole family can enjoy.
www.mainstreetsquarerc.com – 605-716-7979
TEDDY BEAR TOWN
108 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745
Home of the “World’s Largest Teddy Bear Collection”. All shapes, colors, sizes & origins imaginable! In addition to being featured in the Guinness Book of World Records, Teddy Bear Town is also listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Thus it continues to hold the record for the largest collection of teddy bears. This free attraction is a must see for all ages! Donations are greatly appreciated.
605-574-2266
SOUTH DAKOTA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
2890 Rushmore Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
The SD Air & Space Museum is filled with amazing one of a kind artifacts and strives to instill the passion of learning and a lifelong love of observation and creativity. Experience the SD Air & Space Museum for free! Located just outside the main gate at Ellsworth Air Force Base in the beautiful Black Hills of SD. Bus tours of the bus are also available for a fee.
www.sdairandspacemuseum.com – 605-385-5189
PAWNSEUM
629 St. Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701
The World’s Only Pawnseum. Incase you are wondering what a pawnseum is, it is part pawn shop, part museum. Chocolate so rare is was thought to be extinct for over 100 years. A gorgeous Colt .44 Rimfire in pristine condition. Michael Jackson’s early concert glove. Authentic Native American antiques and jewelry. This free museum is sure to peak your interests no matter what they may be. See something you like? Make us an offer! Everything is for sale.
www.presidentialpawnshop.com – 605-342-7296
KEYSTONE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
410 3rd St. Keystone, South Dakota 57751
The Keystone Historical Museum is housed in the old Keystone Schoolhouse building of early Victorian architecture. Built in 1899, it served as Keystone’s full-time school until 1988. The Museum houses early day mining tools, historic pictures and photo collections, rock and mineral collections, and historic displays including Carrie Ingalls memorabilia.
www.keystonehistory.com – 605-666-4494
DAHL’S CHAINSAW ART
Keystone, Hill City, & Deadwood
Bears, eagles, and sasquatch? You can find all of these and more at Dahl’s Chainsaw Art. These outdoor exhibits display some of the best wood carvings in the Hills. Watch as ordinary logs are turned into amazing works of art. With locations in Hill City, Keystone, and Deadwood, you are never far from this cool attraction. Want to take one home? Well you are in luck! These awesome art pieces are all for sale. They even make custom pieces.
MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY
501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701
The Museum has been collecting and displaying new specimens since 1885. Come and see our fascinating mounted skeletons of dinosaurs, mammals, marine reptiles, and fish! Dozens of rare fossils from the White River Badlands are arranged in time-specific dioramas. Our mineral displays include the Hall of South Dakota Minerals, meteorites, and a fluorescent mineral room that’s sure to fascinate. Free Attraction!
www.sdsmt.com – 605-394-2467
SPEARFISH CANYON SCENIC BYWAY
Highway 14A
This scenic drive offers stunning views, beautiful waterfalls, and hiking trails of varying difficulties. The 22 mile road begins in Spearfish and ends just outside of Lead. Whether you are on a bike, motorcycle, or comfortable family vehicle, you’ll enjoy this relaxing cruise.
MEMORIAL PARK
600-684 Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Memorial Park is located north of Omaha Street near the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The park is bounded on the west by Mt. Rushmore Road and on the east by Fifth Street. The park serves as an urban link to the downtown area, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City Central High School and the Journey Museum. Memorial Park is 27.5 acres in size and includes MemorialPond, Flood Memorial Fountain, picnic areas, Formal Rose Garden, Legacy Statue, Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, restrooms, Berlin Wall Memorial, Veterans Memorial and band shell.
www.downtownrapidcity.com – 605-394-9300
CLEGHORN SPRINGS FISH HATCHERY
4725 Jackson Blvd. Rapid City, SD 57702
Cleghorn Springs Hatchery has been in operation since 1928. The hatchery and the spring received their names from the original homestead founded there circa 1889. Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery provides trout and salmon for stocking throughout the state of South Dakota. Since trout and salmon are not native to the area, have a low natural reproduction rate and there are limited food supplies available, it creates the need for stocking. Interpretive signs on the hatchery grounds allow for self-guided tours.
www.gfp.sd.gov – 605-394-4100
FARMERS MARKETS
Spearfish, Rapid City, and Custer
Although it costs to buy, it is free to browse the aisles of South Dakota’s farmers markets. Fresh local produce and homemade goodies are just a couple of the things you will find here.
GAME, FISH, AND PARKS OUTDOOR CAMPUS WEST
4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, SD 57702
The Outdoor Campus-West in Rapid City provides hands-on experiences in hunting, fishing and other outdoor skills. Free educational classes for youth, adults and families are held throughout the year. Visitors can explore indoor exhibits showcasing a variety of western South Dakota habitats and wildlife. As well as a 4,600 gallon freshwater aquarium. The Campus also boasts over 1.5 miles of nature trails for your everyday use.
www.gfp.sd.gov – 605-394-2310
Black Hills Attractions 