Black Hawk Airbnb, Mary & Dan's guidebook

Mary
Black Hawk Airbnb, Mary & Dan's guidebook

Family Fun

Go carts, bumper cars, arcade, laser tag, arcade, batting cages all inside! A little run down, but still a fun place!
11 locals recommend
Flags & Wheels Indoor Racing
405 12th St
11 locals recommend
Go carts, bumper cars, arcade, laser tag, arcade, batting cages all inside! A little run down, but still a fun place!
See their website page, but my 8 & 10 year old love Reptile Gardens. Yes lots of reptiles like snakes, alligators etc. They also have a botanical garden with beautiful plants which houses some birds, lizards, turtle, and snakes. They usually have several shows throughout the day that are fantastically entertaining. Note it does depend on time of year when Reptile Gardens is open.
110 locals recommend
Reptile Gardens
8955 US-16
110 locals recommend
See their website page, but my 8 & 10 year old love Reptile Gardens. Yes lots of reptiles like snakes, alligators etc. They also have a botanical garden with beautiful plants which houses some birds, lizards, turtle, and snakes. They usually have several shows throughout the day that are fantastically entertaining. Note it does depend on time of year when Reptile Gardens is open.
More like Pirate's Island! Fun minature golf surrounded by amazing landscape and quirky pirate humor! I call it an island because its located in the Walmart parking lot. It's an island a beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers but surrounded by asphalt and concrete. It can busy in the summer but they can get people through there quickly. It is seasonal and is closed during school/winter season. Look for coupons in magazines in our Airbnb!
11 locals recommend
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
1500 N Lacrosse St
11 locals recommend
More like Pirate's Island! Fun minature golf surrounded by amazing landscape and quirky pirate humor! I call it an island because its located in the Walmart parking lot. It's an island a beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers but surrounded by asphalt and concrete. It can busy in the summer but they can get people through there quickly. It is seasonal and is closed during school/winter season. Look for coupons in magazines in our Airbnb!
It is a little kitschy, but kids love seeing all the storybook characters. It is also always in need of updating, but they do have a train, merry go around, and a bounce house. It is free to get in, but can't bring food or drink (I usually bring water,snack in my backpack-I know its a "no-no"). All rides cost and food/drink prices are expensive, but think of it as a donation towards the park to help fund modernizing efforts.
62 locals recommend
Storybook Island
1301 Sheridan Lake Rd
62 locals recommend
It is a little kitschy, but kids love seeing all the storybook characters. It is also always in need of updating, but they do have a train, merry go around, and a bounce house. It is free to get in, but can't bring food or drink (I usually bring water,snack in my backpack-I know its a "no-no"). All rides cost and food/drink prices are expensive, but think of it as a donation towards the park to help fund modernizing efforts.
A fun way to have something to do downtown Rapid City for free, yet explore and possibly enticed by the cool downtown stores and restaurants! See pg 68 of Traveler Magazine in our Airbnb or google, also here is a video on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdvEzC-ials
6 locals recommend
The City of Presidents Walk
631 Main St
6 locals recommend
A fun way to have something to do downtown Rapid City for free, yet explore and possibly enticed by the cool downtown stores and restaurants! See pg 68 of Traveler Magazine in our Airbnb or google, also here is a video on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdvEzC-ials
A great park to with tunnel slides and lots of fun niches for kids to play hide-n-seek. Be aware the park is open all year, but the bathrooms are only open in the summer.
Vickie Powers Memorial Park
A great park to with tunnel slides and lots of fun niches for kids to play hide-n-seek. Be aware the park is open all year, but the bathrooms are only open in the summer.
SD game fish and parks outdoor center is free and fun! Short, exploratory Hiking trails around the facility showing off marsh land, pond life and meadows. Also a two story fort! Great place for the kids to run around and burn off energy! Inside they have posed animals in natural habitat and interactive play for kids and adults!
10 locals recommend
The Outdoor Campus - West
Adventure Trail
10 locals recommend
SD game fish and parks outdoor center is free and fun! Short, exploratory Hiking trails around the facility showing off marsh land, pond life and meadows. Also a two story fort! Great place for the kids to run around and burn off energy! Inside they have posed animals in natural habitat and interactive play for kids and adults!
Free and fun! Concrete life size dinos for kids to run around, climb on and explore with a view of west side Rapid City to boot.
79 locals recommend
Dinosaur Park
940 Skyline Dr
79 locals recommend
Free and fun! Concrete life size dinos for kids to run around, climb on and explore with a view of west side Rapid City to boot.
Nice quiet small Lake to rent a paddle boat! Also playgrounds, bike/walking path, fish hatchery, picnic areas, small ditches for the kids to cool off.
6 locals recommend
Canyon Lake
6 locals recommend
Nice quiet small Lake to rent a paddle boat! Also playgrounds, bike/walking path, fish hatchery, picnic areas, small ditches for the kids to cool off.
Known for its flower garden area and Part of the Rapid City bike/walking path along Rapid City creek. Playground with balancing area, disc golf course nearby, picnic area. Big cotton wood trees provide lots of shade!
6 locals recommend
Sioux Park
733 Canyon Lake Dr
6 locals recommend
Known for its flower garden area and Part of the Rapid City bike/walking path along Rapid City creek. Playground with balancing area, disc golf course nearby, picnic area. Big cotton wood trees provide lots of shade!
Still water lake surrounded by boulders in Custer State Park; Nearby hikes are Sunday Gulch, Black Elk Peak, Little Devil's Tower
66 locals recommend
Sylvan Lake
66 locals recommend
Still water lake surrounded by boulders in Custer State Park; Nearby hikes are Sunday Gulch, Black Elk Peak, Little Devil's Tower
Near Spearfish Park and nice stop for kids to run around and feed the fish. Beautiful architecture and landscaping.
40 locals recommend
D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives
423 Hatchery Cir
40 locals recommend
Near Spearfish Park and nice stop for kids to run around and feed the fish. Beautiful architecture and landscaping.
Fun family event for younger kids. It is very touristy, but fun. Check out their website.
8 locals recommend
Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show
2255 Fort Hayes Dr
8 locals recommend
Fun family event for younger kids. It is very touristy, but fun. Check out their website.

Food

If you like a simple dinner menu of filet mignon, 1/2 head of lettuce, toast and potato, then a fancy dessert this place is for you. No credit cards accepted, so be sure to bring cash. Be prepared to wait in line to get your name in, then wait in line till your name is called. But this restaurant is in Hill City with touristy stores to visit!
Alpine Inn located in tourist town Hill City is unique that it does not take Credit cards, but it does have ATM machine. You'll need to be there at 4 or 430 to put your name on the wait list, then they open the dining area at 5, and start calling people in. They do have a simple menu of lettuce wedge with great tasting ranch dressing, 3 oz or 6 oz Filet Mignon a piece of toast, baked potato and save room for unique and delicious desserts!
135 locals recommend
Alpine Inn
133 Main Street
135 locals recommend
Alpine Inn located in tourist town Hill City is unique that it does not take Credit cards, but it does have ATM machine. You'll need to be there at 4 or 430 to put your name on the wait list, then they open the dining area at 5, and start calling people in. They do have a simple menu of lettuce wedge with great tasting ranch dressing, 3 oz or 6 oz Filet Mignon a piece of toast, baked potato and save room for unique and delicious desserts!
Located in the city of Custer, it is on the expensive side and would recommend for adults only. It has unique menu and excellent food. Most of the food is not friendly to kids' palates. It is not a chain restaurant, expect slower service. *Note, many restaurants close in the late fall and winter in the smaller towns. Check to see if open before arriving.
12 locals recommend
Sage Creek Grille
611 Mt Rushmore Rd
12 locals recommend
Located in the city of Custer, it is on the expensive side and would recommend for adults only. It has unique menu and excellent food. Most of the food is not friendly to kids' palates. It is not a chain restaurant, expect slower service. *Note, many restaurants close in the late fall and winter in the smaller towns. Check to see if open before arriving.
Free wine tasting! Gotta love that! And atmosphere of modern rustic and classy. They have gourmet sandwich deli and gift shop. Lots of outdoor sitting. Near Hill City.
83 locals recommend
Prairie Berry Winery
23837 US-385
83 locals recommend
Free wine tasting! Gotta love that! And atmosphere of modern rustic and classy. They have gourmet sandwich deli and gift shop. Lots of outdoor sitting. Near Hill City.
Great food and drink, good for families too. I particularly like their fire roasted pizza.
74 locals recommend
Independent Ale House
625 St Joseph St
74 locals recommend
Great food and drink, good for families too. I particularly like their fire roasted pizza.
Great and unique Menu! It's not Perkins style restaurant. It is small and fills up fast. If you go, I suggest on a weekday morning. Their dinner is more for adults with the wine bar open and the prices are $$$
119 locals recommend
Tally's Silver Spoon
530 6th St
119 locals recommend
Great and unique Menu! It's not Perkins style restaurant. It is small and fills up fast. If you go, I suggest on a weekday morning. Their dinner is more for adults with the wine bar open and the prices are $$$
Very large restaurant and great for families since it is so large! Typical breakfast foods like Perkins, but local and a tad bit better.
46 locals recommend
Colonial House Restaurant and Bar
2315 Mt Rushmore Rd
46 locals recommend
Very large restaurant and great for families since it is so large! Typical breakfast foods like Perkins, but local and a tad bit better.
Although a chair restaurant, its a great place for families since parents do not have to worry too much of their kids having to be quiet. It's loud in there with music and the hustle and bustle. Typical steakhouse food, we're addicted to their rolls!
Texas Roadhouse
2106 N Maple Ave
Although a chair restaurant, its a great place for families since parents do not have to worry too much of their kids having to be quiet. It's loud in there with music and the hustle and bustle. Typical steakhouse food, we're addicted to their rolls!
Great service and excellent Indian cousine. They do share style where the rice comes in one big pot and the entrees come on separate dishes. Old style decorating, but great food.
17 locals recommend
Himalayan Kitchen
1720 Mt Rushmore Rd
17 locals recommend
Great service and excellent Indian cousine. They do share style where the rice comes in one big pot and the entrees come on separate dishes. Old style decorating, but great food.
2 locates one on Eglin and one off Hwy 16. Excellent authentic greek food from a greek family that moved here.
10 locals recommend
The Gyro Hub
1745 Eglin Street
10 locals recommend
2 locates one on Eglin and one off Hwy 16. Excellent authentic greek food from a greek family that moved here.
Buffet style Indian cousine locally owned by an Indian family. Excellent food, please see website for days they are open.
20 locals recommend
Everest Cuisine
2328 W Main St
20 locals recommend
Buffet style Indian cousine locally owned by an Indian family. Excellent food, please see website for days they are open.
We have not been here, but we've heard wonderful things about it. It is more on the expensive side, but unique and specialty menu items. See website for days/times it is open.
32 locals recommend
Kathmandu Bistro
727 Main St
32 locals recommend
We have not been here, but we've heard wonderful things about it. It is more on the expensive side, but unique and specialty menu items. See website for days/times it is open.
Very expensive high end, typically not for kids. We have not eaten here, but we've heard the menu and the food is amazing. More of date night or anniversary type restaurant.
50 locals recommend
Delmonico Grill
609 Main St
50 locals recommend
Very expensive high end, typically not for kids. We have not eaten here, but we've heard the menu and the food is amazing. More of date night or anniversary type restaurant.
New Ramen house opened in 2023. All kinds of Ramen bowls available.
Sasuke Ramen House
New Ramen house opened in 2023. All kinds of Ramen bowls available.
Little hole in the wall, italian, pizza restuarant. Love their pizza and calzone! Located on the West side of Rapid City, near Canyon Lake Park.
14 locals recommend
Piesano's Pacchia
3618 Canyon Lake Dr
14 locals recommend
Little hole in the wall, italian, pizza restuarant. Love their pizza and calzone! Located on the West side of Rapid City, near Canyon Lake Park.
Little Deli, coffee shop located near downtown Rapid.
The Bestro
333 Omaha St
Little Deli, coffee shop located near downtown Rapid.

Hiking

Directions are listed in the "Trail" small magazine in our Airbnb. Not too strenuous, creek side hike, then boulders. Just down the road from our place. My kids love playing in the creek! It does connect to the Centennial Trail too.
8 locals recommend
Little Elk Creek Trailhead
Little Elk Creek Road
8 locals recommend
Directions are listed in the "Trail" small magazine in our Airbnb. Not too strenuous, creek side hike, then boulders. Just down the road from our place. My kids love playing in the creek! It does connect to the Centennial Trail too.
It is like another world landscape, full of small to long hikes. All the boardwalk hikes are easy and our favorite medium level hike is the Notch trail. In the summer it can be 10-20 degrees hotter so bring lots of water and snacks and sun care items.
163 locals recommend
Badlands National Park
163 locals recommend
It is like another world landscape, full of small to long hikes. All the boardwalk hikes are easy and our favorite medium level hike is the Notch trail. In the summer it can be 10-20 degrees hotter so bring lots of water and snacks and sun care items.
Great hike with an overlook. See trail book. It is moderate level hike.
20 locals recommend
Buzzard's Roost
South Dakota 44
20 locals recommend
Great hike with an overlook. See trail book. It is moderate level hike.
Great trail where you have to cross the creek several times. Must have good balance! Doable for kids who do not have any fear.
Spring Creek Trailhead
Great trail where you have to cross the creek several times. Must have good balance! Doable for kids who do not have any fear.

Sightseeing

One of the many National Parks in SD and is a must see!
288 locals recommend
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 South Dakota 244
288 locals recommend
One of the many National Parks in SD and is a must see!
There are so many awesome areas in Custer State park. Drive the wildlife loop to see the free roaming buffalo, prairie dogs, antelope, and wild donkeys. Or drive up to Sylvan lake and take an adventure on the Sunday Gulch trail (moderate to hard level due to the bouldering you will need to do).
184 locals recommend
Custer State Park
13438 US Highway 16A
184 locals recommend
There are so many awesome areas in Custer State park. Drive the wildlife loop to see the free roaming buffalo, prairie dogs, antelope, and wild donkeys. Or drive up to Sylvan lake and take an adventure on the Sunday Gulch trail (moderate to hard level due to the bouldering you will need to do).
A little bit of a drive, but its this humongous butte in the middle of nowhere. There is a asphalt walking path around the butte for great scenic pictures! I've seen climbers on it, so if your an avid climber check out the website to get permission.
61 locals recommend
Devils Tower
61 locals recommend
A little bit of a drive, but its this humongous butte in the middle of nowhere. There is a asphalt walking path around the butte for great scenic pictures! I've seen climbers on it, so if your an avid climber check out the website to get permission.
Unique are of an active paleontology dig of several mammoths trapped in a sink hole. Also has an attached museum and if you can, try and sign up for the Junior Dig. Just call ahead and place your kids name on the list. The Junior dig has the kids in large dirt area digging for replica bones. They use special tools to dig and finally identify which part of the Mammoth they found. Only in the summer here is the site: https://www.mammothsite.org/what-we-do/education/summer-classes.html
59 locals recommend
The Mammoth Site
1800 US-18 BYP
59 locals recommend
Unique are of an active paleontology dig of several mammoths trapped in a sink hole. Also has an attached museum and if you can, try and sign up for the Junior Dig. Just call ahead and place your kids name on the list. The Junior dig has the kids in large dirt area digging for replica bones. They use special tools to dig and finally identify which part of the Mammoth they found. Only in the summer here is the site: https://www.mammothsite.org/what-we-do/education/summer-classes.html
https://issuu.com/3ppubs/docs/southern_hills_vacation_guide_2020 check out link for all of Southern Hills: Hot Springs, Keystone, Hill City, Custer.
34 locals recommend
Custer
34 locals recommend
https://issuu.com/3ppubs/docs/southern_hills_vacation_guide_2020 check out link for all of Southern Hills: Hot Springs, Keystone, Hill City, Custer.
Check the website because buying tickets online in advance is recommended. Give yourself about 1.5 hrs to get there due to busy summer tourist traffic and road construction. Plus you want to be there at least 15 minutes before the tour starts. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes!
65 locals recommend
Wind Cave National Park
65 locals recommend
Check the website because buying tickets online in advance is recommended. Give yourself about 1.5 hrs to get there due to busy summer tourist traffic and road construction. Plus you want to be there at least 15 minutes before the tour starts. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes!
Be sure to check website, buying tickets online in advance is preferred method. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes, and give yourself about 1.5 hrs to get there due to busy summer traffic and road construction.
58 locals recommend
Jewel Cave National Monument
11149 US-16
58 locals recommend
Be sure to check website, buying tickets online in advance is preferred method. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes, and give yourself about 1.5 hrs to get there due to busy summer traffic and road construction.
Check online for tours of the missile site
7 locals recommend
Minuteman Missile Visitors Center
24545 CottonWood Rd
7 locals recommend
Check online for tours of the missile site

Food scene

Has great reviews on google! Sorry I've never had the chance to eat there. It looks more family friendly and not as costly yet good food.
50 locals recommend
Skogen Kitchen
29 N 5th St
50 locals recommend
Has great reviews on google! Sorry I've never had the chance to eat there. It looks more family friendly and not as costly yet good food.

Neighborhoods

You can easily take West Boulevard from start to end and see all the historic houses. Although, "Visit Rapid City" has a tour available to show all the historic district area of Rapid City; see this: https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/historic-district
8 locals recommend
West Boulevard
West Boulevard
8 locals recommend
You can easily take West Boulevard from start to end and see all the historic houses. Although, "Visit Rapid City" has a tour available to show all the historic district area of Rapid City; see this: https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/historic-district

Beer and Wine

Great place for beers on tap, but not a restaurant.
64 locals recommend
Lost Cabin Beer Co.
1401 W Omaha St
64 locals recommend
Great place for beers on tap, but not a restaurant.
Great atmosphere and great drinks/food off of Hwy 16. More for adults.
BIN 605 Wine Beer & Tapas Bar
Great atmosphere and great drinks/food off of Hwy 16. More for adults.