The Couple's Guide to Big Adventure

When it comes to romantic getaways, Rapid City serves up some serious relationship goals. Check out our favorite built-for-couples adventures for an unforgettable, Rapid City romance (you can thank us later).

Room for 2: Where to Stay

Whether you prefer local inns or show-stopping suites, Rapid City promises a couples retreat that’s just your style.

Cuddle Up In A Cottage

Rapid City's Lake Park Cottages promise a cozy, peaceful retreat minutes from the beautiful Black Hills. Perfect for that intimate, sweetheart vacation, they offer a variety of cottage options each with their own unique feel! Along with an attractive list of amenities, like a cozy fireplace to cuddle in front of, guests can enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds these rustic cottages, and the convenient access to many of the great parks and attractions in the area.

The Sweet Suite Life

If you’re looking for that all-the-stops accommodation, treat your special someone to The Rushmore Hotel – specifically, the honeymoon suite. From stellar service and amenities to impressive, vibrant design, this boutique hotel promises a luxurious couples’ getaway. The Rushmore’s Jacuzzi Loft Suite is a showstopper guaranteed to elevate any Rapid City getaway. The bi-level suite features a state-of-the art Jacuzzi and spa, and a loft-style master bedroom and study. Oh, and it’s all connected by a spiral staircase for that extra dose of romantic appeal.

Make a Move: What to Do

Set the scene for romance and explore these incredible Black Hills landscapes on your Rapid City getaway.

All-Natural Beauty

Share spectacular sights and tackle the trails at Custer State Park to discover a series of summit-views and overlooks showcasing the Black Hills’ all-natural beauty.

Lovers Leap: Make your way through forests of Ponderosa Pine and across sparkling mountain streams to the top of Lovers Leap Trail for a stunning view of the Black Hills landscape. Perfect for that mountaintop picnic, Lovers Leap is a scenic, 4.2-mile loop featuring one of Custer State Park’s most romantic overlooks.

Little Devils Tower: Here’s some solid, Rapid City relationship advice: hike the Little Devils Tower Trailhead. Enjoy a 3.6-mile journey featuring multiple granite overlooks and one of the most incredible views in the Black Hills. At the summit of Little Devils Tower, you’ll find the best (in our opinion), most breathtaking view of the Black Hills’ iconic Cathedral Spires.

Lighter Than Air

Take your adventure to new heights and explore the Black Hills from above the clouds! Known as the country’s oldest hot air balloon company and the only adventure of its kind in the region, Black Hills Balloons offers a wonderful experience to share on your Rapid City getaway. Hosting a limited number of private flights (from May through October), couples will want to reserve this one-of-a-kind adventure ahead of time.

New Love Language: Learning Something New

Nothing brings you closer than learning something new together. Rapid area businesses have just the classes you need to accomplish something new with the one you love.

Couples In The Wild

Hosted at Outdoor Campus-West, these classes teach couples practical skill sets for enjoying the beautiful outdoors in South Dakota. From kayaking and canoeing to cooking outdoors, and even wilderness survival skills, all knowledge that’s great to know and fun to learn with your partner.

Made With Love

Other hands-on classes in Rapid City allow couples to create something new together. Sign up for a cooking class at Sabatino’s Italian Ristorante to learn how to cook, and then enjoy, your favorite Italian cuisine. Create something beautiful during a class at Prouty Pottery. They offer classes in clay, canvas painting, mixed media, and making your own wood signs. Or you can enjoy time together painting pieces of premade pottery while sipping on beverages from Dakota Point Brewing, which is located in the same building.

Treat Yourself: Where to Eat

From candlelit dinners to fine-dining flare, Rapid City brings that bold, do-big-things flavor you need to spice up your stay.

The Perfect Pair

Get a little closer on your vacation with a trip to this intimate, neighborhood favorite. Rapid City’s Juniper at Vertex offers a small, rotating menu of big, leave-you-speechless flavor, a bold, limited-edition collection of traditional and contemporary craft wines— and the unique experience of a completely new, equally impressive selection of fresh, expertly-crafted dishes each week. A must-visit homage to great partnerships and perfect pairs, Juniper’s diverse, homegrown recipes and masterful wine recommendations make this quaint bistro an excellent place to experience unforgettable, Rapid City flavor on your retreat. With limited seating available, reservations need to be made ahead of time.

Heat Things Up

Add some spice with a romantic dinner at Sabatino's Italian Ristorante! Chef Alessio Di Sabatino pours his passion into every dish making each bite a fantastic experience. Pair the great food with a charming atmosphere, great Downtown Rapid City location, and friendly service, and it makes for an ideal date night stop.

Sweets For Your Sweetheart

Grab something sweet after dinner from a local dessert shop like hand dipped chocolates from Mostly Chocolates or a cone of premium ice cream from The Silver Lining Creamery.

Set the Mood: Entertainment & Nightlife

Ditch the day trip. Rapid City adventure doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

In Good Company

If you’re looking for laid-back, Rapid City’s Firehouse Wine Cellars is the perfect place to unwind, keep it casual and relax in the company of the one you love. Firehouse Wine Cellars offers an intimate, tasting-room-type, local hangout for an evening of good times.

Friendly Competition

Nothing brings people together like nostalgia— and a collection of over 200 arcade games. Get your game on at Rapid City’s local throwback, Press Start. Press Start combines classic arcade culture with a curated collection of craft beers and cocktails for a fun experience and unique date night out.

Get Your Groove On

Sway to the sounds of local musicians during an evening out at Aby’s Rapid City. This historic feed and seed building located in Downtown Rapid City is host to a variety of fun events throughout the year.