Today’s Minot Monday post–all about a road trip from Minot to Rapid City–is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and loving our town. For more getaway ideas see here.
For this edition of Minot Monday we are headed on a road trip! If you live in Minot you simply must put a trip to Rapid City and the Black Hills on your to-see list.
Last week I needed to go down to Rapid City to do some maintenance on our rental property. I thought it would be fun to give you some inside tips for if/when you decide to take a road trip from Minot to Rapid City. Because, let’s be honest. If you are living in Minot you are in the perfect location to explore the Black Hills region over a long weekend. The drive down is a reasonably short. The scenery is beautiful. There are so many things to do you’ll leave wanting to come back. And you’ll head back to Minot refreshed and exhilarated.
If you have recently relocated to North Dakota, take advantage of your new location. Explore what this region of the country has to offer. Previously when we lived in Minot, coming down to the Black Hills was our favorite quick trip. I’m convinced it can be your favorite trip too!
Now–let’s all keep in mind that I am not advising anyone to hop in their cars and take a vacation at this moment. Please use common sense, adhere to the latest CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and most importantly, do what you think is right for you and your family. These ideas can be kept for the future.
Where is Rapid City?
Rapid City and the Black Hills are in western South Dakota. From Minot its about a 6.5 hour drive. Yes, to an outsider that might seem like a long drive. But in North Dakota it’s not too far at all. I typically allow 7 hours for driving and a meal and gas stop.
Tips for a Road Trip From Minot to Rapid City
When we road trip from Minot to Rapid City, we prefer this route. Usually we stop at the Powderhorn Restaurant in Lemmon, SD. It’s quirky, basically half way and the food is always good.
If you’ve taken shorter drives in North Dakota, you know that there aren’t many amenities outside of towns. On a longer road trip like this be sure to fuel up before leaving Minot. Then take advantage of gas stations (and food/toilets) along the way. Proper stops are few and far between.
Cell service and data become spotty on the drive. Take a back up map or copy screen shots of your route, just in case signal drops off.
Things to See in Rapid City and The Black Hills
If I listed all the things to do and see in this region, this post could go on forever. Instead I’ll give you some links from the official visitor guides and a list of my favorite things. This is a family friendly area and there are tons of things for all travelers to do.
Hiking
No trip would be complete without taking in the Black Hills via hiking. Trails are everywhere and range from easy (I just took a great hike with a three year old) to strenuous multi-day journeys. Below are a few of my favorite places to hike. Here are 10 more great hikes. And here is an abundance of information on Black Hills trails.
Walks In Town
Attractions in Rapid City
Below are my favorite places to pop into in town. Here is a full list of Rapid City attractions.
Attractions in the Hills
Below are a few of my favorites. Here is a link to all Black Hills attractions.
- Mount Rushmore (the museum is fascinating–and if you go, you better get a scoop of Jefferson Vanilla. If you don’t you’ll be missing out your whole life.)
- Custer Wildlife Loop (Take carrots to give the resident mules)
- Jewel Cave
- Bear Country
My Favorite Things to Eat in Rapid City and the Black Hills
Good food is everywhere. One thing I love about this region is that there is so much to do, your trip won’t be centered around food. But you’ve gotta eat sometime, so you might as well make it good. Here’s a full list of Rapid City eats and Black Hills eats.
In Rapid City
- Ron’s Cafe (the best breakfast in town)
- Tally’s Silver Spoon (a tourist must)
- Harriet and Oak (coffee and coffee shop food)
- Lintz Bros Pizza (Ok, it’s technically in Hermosa, SD)
- Jambonz Deux
- Silver Linings Creamery
In and Around the Black Hills
- Prairie Berry Winery (my favorite lunch spot)
- Powder House
- Leon’s (best ice cream in Spearfish)
- Black Hills Burger and Bun
Enjoy Your Road Trip From Minot to Rapid City
Like I said, if you find yourself living in Minot take advantage of your proximity to this scenic and historic region. If you are living in Minot for only a short time, you may never get a chance to explore this region with such ease. For other road trips remember to check out these ideas from BeLOCAL. Great getaways within an easy drive are just another reason to love life in Minot.
For more Minot Monday posts see here. If you would like more encouragement, and to join a community of people aiming to live intentionally and see the good–I hope you’ll join us on Facebook and Instagram.
