rapid city
Jul 28th, 2000 | 07:08 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Fran,
In Aug 97, my boyfriend and I also stayed in Rapid City for 2 nights and we were able to see alot. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument is only miles from the city. (I'm from Philly so to me Rapid City was more like a town than a city but nice and the people are friendly.) The Black Hills are very scenic and just to drive through it was worth it for me. I can't remember the exact dates we were there but it was dumb luck that we hit town during the annual Sturgis bike rally. I'm not a biker but it was very cool and the people are friendly and fun. Also, not sure if your driving into town but Badlands NP is East of Rapid (not sure of mileage) and the landscape is very unique and nothing like I've seen before. Deadwood and Spearfish also advertise for tourist stuff but we did not have time to check them out. Two days in and around Rapid City is plenty of time to see the area.
In Aug 97, my boyfriend and I also stayed in Rapid City for 2 nights and we were able to see alot. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument is only miles from the city. (I'm from Philly so to me Rapid City was more like a town than a city but nice and the people are friendly.) The Black Hills are very scenic and just to drive through it was worth it for me. I can't remember the exact dates we were there but it was dumb luck that we hit town during the annual Sturgis bike rally. I'm not a biker but it was very cool and the people are friendly and fun. Also, not sure if your driving into town but Badlands NP is East of Rapid (not sure of mileage) and the landscape is very unique and nothing like I've seen before. Deadwood and Spearfish also advertise for tourist stuff but we did not have time to check them out. Two days in and around Rapid City is plenty of time to see the area.
Jul 28th, 2000 | 11:15 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Fran,
I have to disagree with Lisa--two days won't begin to scratch the surface of the Black Hills area. By all means make Rapid City your base camp but branch out during the day into the Black Hills. Be prepared to pay high hotel rates--Rapid City in the summer is expensive. There's a nice Radisson downtown plus all the usual chains. The Firehouse downtown is a fun place to have dinner. There's also a fabulous Italian place downtown but the name is escaping me. Have you considered staying in Custer or somewhere closer to the Hills? Mount Rushmore at night is awesome--there's also a program every night (don't know times) that is well worth seeing--very patriotic and not at all corny. The visitors' center is interactive and worth a visit. Crazy Horse monument is impressive (yeah, I know, some people think it's a crime to carve up rock, but I'm just giving my opinion). BY ALL MEANS, take a driving tour through Custer State Park. This could take most of the day but it's just the neatest thing. At one point, wild burros will come up to your car and nuzzle your shoulders through the window--my kids still talk about "the donkeys." You can take your swimsuits and swim in the little lake by Sylvan Lake Lodge in the park. Believe they also have paddle boats, etc. there.
There are many places in the hills to pan for gold. Total tourist trap type deal, but amazingly fun. (You get to keep the gold)
Have a great trip!
I have to disagree with Lisa--two days won't begin to scratch the surface of the Black Hills area. By all means make Rapid City your base camp but branch out during the day into the Black Hills. Be prepared to pay high hotel rates--Rapid City in the summer is expensive. There's a nice Radisson downtown plus all the usual chains. The Firehouse downtown is a fun place to have dinner. There's also a fabulous Italian place downtown but the name is escaping me. Have you considered staying in Custer or somewhere closer to the Hills? Mount Rushmore at night is awesome--there's also a program every night (don't know times) that is well worth seeing--very patriotic and not at all corny. The visitors' center is interactive and worth a visit. Crazy Horse monument is impressive (yeah, I know, some people think it's a crime to carve up rock, but I'm just giving my opinion). BY ALL MEANS, take a driving tour through Custer State Park. This could take most of the day but it's just the neatest thing. At one point, wild burros will come up to your car and nuzzle your shoulders through the window--my kids still talk about "the donkeys." You can take your swimsuits and swim in the little lake by Sylvan Lake Lodge in the park. Believe they also have paddle boats, etc. there.
There are many places in the hills to pan for gold. Total tourist trap type deal, but amazingly fun. (You get to keep the gold)
Have a great trip!
Feb 2nd, 2001 | 09:21 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
I also disagree you will not even begin to see the surrounding areas in rapid city.the sturgis ralley starts aug 6th this year so be prepared to pay high prices for hotels we do have alot of new hotels here in rapid city but most of them are probably booked by now.
if you ahve any questions about anything you can email me and i will be glad to help if i can.
if you ahve any questions about anything you can email me and i will be glad to help if i can.
