Rainy days might seem like a downer when you’re visiting a beautiful place like Rapid City, but don’t let a little precipitation dampen your spirit. This lively city is filled with indoor attractions and experiences that ensure a memorable day, even when the skies are gray.
From family-friendly adventure parks to cultural museums and exciting dining spots, Rapid City has plenty to offer when the weather takes a turn. There are also plenty of options, from seeking thrilling activities for the kids or looking for a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Rapid City has options for all ages and interests.
Rain or shine, there’s always something fun to do in Rapid City. The following takes a look at some of the many options.
The Journey Museum & Learning Center
If you’re in the mood for a cultural experience, the Journey Museum & Learning Center is a fantastic choice. It takes you on an educational journey through the history of the Black Hills, from ancient geology to Native American heritage and the pioneering Wild West era. Interactive exhibits and storytelling presentations make this museum a fun, informative way to spend a rainy day.
- Hours and seasonal schedule. Summer hours (May 1 – Sept 30): Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Winter hours (Oct 1–Apr 30): Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
- Exhibits and scope. The museum covers geology, paleontology, Native American culture, pioneer history, ecology, and astronomy.
- Admission and pricing. Children (five and under) are free, children 6 to 17 are $9, and adults are $14.
- Programs and events. The museum hosts STEAM Saturday sessions, special exhibitions, and public programs that may be free during certain events.
- Year-round operations. Open most of the year but closed on major holidays (Easter, Christmas, New Year’s) and sometimes temporarily for maintenance.
Reptile Gardens
While it might sound like an outdoor attraction, Reptile Gardens has expansive indoor areas that allow visitors to explore one of the world’s most extensive collections of reptiles. Meet exotic snakes, alligators, and fascinating amphibians, and walk through the tropical Sky Dome, which houses beautiful birds, plants, and vibrant flowers. It’s an incredible way to stay dry and be amazed by the wonders of the animal kingdom.
- Indoor Sky Dome and tropical exhibits. The Sky Dome is an indoor jungle environment with tropical plants, birds, and climate control, letting you explore regardless of the weather.
- Wide species mix and shows. You’ll find snakes, alligators, Komodo dragons, tortoises, birds, and live reptile or bird shows scheduled throughout the day.
- Prairie Dog Town and outdoor/indoor mix. There’s a prairie dog village and portions of the park are outdoors, but many key exhibits are sheltered or inside, so you can stay dry when needed.
- Seasonal operation and hours. The park runs seasonally from early March through November.
- Heritage and unique status. Reptile Gardens holds records as one of the world’s largest reptile zoos and has been a staple attraction in the Black Hills since 1937.
Jump N Slide Adventure Park
Perfect for family fun, Jump N Slide Adventure Park is Rapid City’s newest indoor inflatable park. With giant slides, obstacle courses, and a dedicated toddler zone, it provides an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike. Parents can relax while their little ones bounce and explore, and group events or birthday parties are also made easy with customizable packages.
- Indoor inflatable attractions. Includes giant slides, obstacle courses, bounce zones, and a toddler zone.
- All-ages appeal. Designed for both younger children (toddler area) and older kids/adults (more challenging inflatables) in a controlled indoor space.
- Birthday and group packages. The facility offers party and event packages, making it ideal during rainy days for celebrations.
- Opening and seasonal schedule. Has set hours.
- Relaxation and supervision areas. For parents and guardians, there are comfortable areas where they can watch children play.
Dahl Arts Center
Art lovers can explore the Dahl Arts Center, which features an array of galleries with contemporary art exhibits, a vibrant events calendar, and community workshops. The Dahl is also home to a unique Cyclorama Mural of American History. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in art and creativity.
- Multiple galleries and rotating exhibits. The Dahl houses galleries showing contemporary visual arts, regional artists, and themed exhibitions.
- Children’s/interactive gallery. There’s a space within the Dahl designed for kids to engage hands-on with art or interactive installations.
- Cyclorama mural and historic art features. Visit the notable Cyclorama Mural of American History as part of the gallery experience.
- Classes, workshops, and events. The center hosts art classes, workshops, community art events, and sometimes artist talks or receptions.
- Admission and hours. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Presidential Pawn
This is the world’s only pawnseum, right in downtown Rapid City. Visitors will discover a wide array of interesting items, including Michael Jackson’s concert glove and Pawnzi, the world’s smallest dog that was stuffed in 1862 and stands just over three inches tall. There are also authentic Native American antiques and jewelry, as well as rare chocolate. This museum lives up to its slogan: “You’ve never seen this stuff before.”
- Unique, quirky museum. The attraction markets itself as the world’s only pawnseum.
- Indoor and compact. Because it’s an indoor collection, it’s great for rainy weather.
- Wide range of artifacts. Includes pop culture items, Native American antiques and jewelry, and odd collectibles (rare chocolate, etc.).
- Downtown location advantage. Being in downtown Rapid City, it’s easy to pair this stop with other indoor venues (shops, galleries, cafés) during a rainy day outing.
Explore a Cave
Get out of the rain and explore a cave in the Rapid City area. There are plenty of choices, including the Black Hills Caverns, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. You might need an umbrella to get from your car to the cave, but once inside, the weather outside won’t matter.
- Guided tours with shelter from the weather. Each cave offers guided tours (various lengths and difficulty) that let you explore underground, where rain is irrelevant.
- Temperature stability. Caves generally maintain a cooler, consistent temperature, which can feel refreshing on a rainy, humid day.
- Advance booking recommended. Rainy days can increase attendance at caves, so booking in advance or arriving early helps secure spots.
- Levels of difficulty and accessibility. Some cave tours are easy walking, others are more strenuous or with narrow passages; check which is right for your group.
- Nearby attractions included in the cave stops. Some cave tours are part of packages that include visitor centers, fossil labs, or surface exhibits you can visit before/after your tour.
Rapid City has something for everyone, even when Mother Nature decides to bring rain. Whether you’re sliding and bouncing at Jump N Slide Adventure Park or exploring museums and caves, there’s no shortage of fun to be had indoors. Rain or shine, Rapid City is ready to entertain!
