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).

Suite room at the rushmore hotel in downtown rapid city, sd

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.

The Suite Life

If you’re looking for that all-the-stops accommodation, treat your special someone to a stay at The Rushmore Hotel – specifically, the honeymoon suite. From stellar service and amenities to its 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.

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.

person reading in a hammock in front of a lake in the black hills of south dakota

Make a Move: What to Do

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

All-Natural Beauty

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

Lovers Leap: Make your way through the Ponderosa Pines 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 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) or winter flights by special appointment, couples will want to reserve this one-of-a-kind adventure ahead of time.

New Love Language: Learning Something New

Nothing brings you closer together than learning something new. Rapid City area businesses have just the classes you need to accomplish a new skill 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 Nell's Table to learn how to cook, and then enjoy, something you create together. They are continuously rolling out new class options from Italian cuisine to sourdough. 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.

couple dining downtown rapid city, sd at tandoor bocado

Treat Yourself: Where to Eat

From candlelit dinners to fine-dining flare, Rapid City's dining scene brings bold flavors to spice up your stay.

The Perfect Pair

Get a little closer on your vacation with a trip to this intimate, neighborhood favorite, Tandoor Bocado. Offering a rotating menu of big flavors from around the world cuisine, their ever-changing menu allows your tastebuds to fall in love with something new.

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 Chubby Chipmunk or a cone of premium ice cream from The Silver Lining Creamery.

couple enjoying drinks at the bar of windsor block in downtown rapid city, sd

Settle In: Entertainment & Nightlife

Ditch the day trip - the fun in Rapid City doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

In Good Company

If you’re looking for romantically cozy, Rapid City’s Firehouse Wine Cellars is the perfect place to unwind 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.

Cocktail Hour

Sip away on an expertly crafted cocktail or whiskey on the rocks at Windsor Block Bar. This comfortable yet historic building located in Downtown Rapid City is romantic and exciting way to end a day with your partner.

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