Downtown Rapid City

Anchored by Main Street, Downtown Rapid City is roughly 13 square blocks of historic buildings, the oldest dating back to 1876. Today, visitors strolling the storefronts will spot breweries, gift shops, art galleries, escape rooms, breakfast joints, cocktail bars, you name it. The area is also known for its public art—you won’t miss them, but good luck trying to count the 43 life-sized bronze statues of US presidents lining downtown’s streets.

Many tours into the Black Hills (think Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more) start in Rapid City, making it a fabulous home base for exploring the area—in addition to the attractions of downtown.

• Public restrooms can be found on Main Street Square and across various city parks.
• Street meters are typically enforced until 5 or 6pm, depending on the day.
• Hit up Main Street Square for waterfalls and a splash pad, city concerts, festivals, and more.

Most visitors will explore Downtown Rapid City in their own vehicles, utilizing paid parking garages or street-metered parking. If you are staying nearby, consider riding the City View Trolley, which tours around 15 different attractions, including downtown, and provides commentary.

There’s no bad time to explore Downtown Rapid City, though from spring through fall you’ll find events on Main Street Square and the fountains running full-blast. In the shoulder seasons, temperatures will be mild—summers can be quite hot, and winters can be quite cold, so prepare accordingly.

As you’re exploring, keep an eye out for Art Alley on Main St., between 6th and 7th streets. Local artists have taken over this spot, splashing the walls with free-form graffiti murals. It’s totally sanctioned, and quickly changes—there may be artists there at the moment you arrive. Consider it an open-air gallery demonstration.