Rapid City has once again landed in the national spotlight. Lonely Planet recently recognized our city as “Best for National Treasures” in its list of top U.S. destinations to visit during shoulder season. With iconic landmarks close by and local gems in town, Rapid City offers visitors a unique way to experience history, culture and natural beauty, especially in the fall when the crowds thin and the scenery shines. 

 

In its article, 10 Best Shoulder Season Destinations in the USA, Lonely Planet highlighted Rapid City’s unbeatable location near America’s most iconic sites. From Mount Rushmore National Memorial, marking its 100th anniversary in 2025, to the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, the city serves as a launchpad for unforgettable adventures. The guide also emphasized how early fall brings cooler weather and lighter traffic, making it one of the best times to explore.

 

Mount Rushmore with four presidential faces carved into the granite, backed by a clear blue sky. Vibrant yellow autumn foliage in the foreground.

 

Why Rapid City Stood Out 

 

Lonely Planet celebrated Rapid City for its blend of national treasures and local character. Just beyond the city limits, visitors can: 

  • Take in the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, framed by vibrant fall colors. 

  • Drive the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park, home to roaming bison, pronghorn and the park’s famous wild burros. 

  • Navigate the Needles Highway, where granite spires and narrow tunnels make for a stunning Black Hills drive. 

  • Explore the Badlands Loop Road, with sweeping overlooks like Burns Basin and Pinnacles that showcase the park’s rugged beauty. 

 

Historic brick building with autumn leaves in foreground. A statue of a President James Moore tipping his hat, creating a warm, nostalgic scene.

 

In town, Rapid City itself offers treasures that feel just as timeless

 

  • City of Presidents, featuring life-size bronze statues of past presidents throughout downtown 

  • Art Alley, where graffiti-style murals bring downtown to life. 

  • Dinosaur Park, a hillside icon with seven giant concrete dinosaurs, including an 80-foot brontosaurus. 

Together, these experiences prove why Rapid City earned recognition as the best place to explore national treasures during shoulder season. 

 

Being named “Best for National Treasures” by Lonely Planet underscores what makes Rapid City extraordinary. From legendary landmarks to creative local culture, the city is the perfect basecamp for fall adventures in the Black Hills. 

 

See why Lonely Planet named Rapid City “Best for National Treasures” in it’s full article here. 

Plan Fall Trip