Rapid City:
Rapid City, South Dakota, has everything you could want in a travel nursing contract: easy access to nature, a welcoming community, a great hospital system, and the perfect blend of small-town charm with the amenities of a city.
Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” Rapid City lives up to its name. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find jaw-dropping hikes, caves, mountain lakes, historic landmarks, and plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife. On your days off, you’ll never run out of places to explore.
Must-See Attractions for Rapid City Travel Nurses:
Custer State Park: Custer State Park is one of the crown jewels of South Dakota. The scenic Wildlife Loop Road offers incredible viewing opportunities of bison, elk, pronghorn, and burros, while hiking trails lead to granite spires, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic views from peaks. Whether you’re driving Needles Highway, kayaking, or simply enjoying a sunset over the prairie, Custer delivers endless ways to recharge between shifts. A few of the best hikes in the area are Cathedral Spires, Sunday Gulch, Black Elk Peak, and Lovers Leap Trail.
Badlands National Park: Just about an hour from Rapid City, the Badlands feel like stepping onto another planet. The jagged cliffs, striped rock formations, and prairie make it one of the most unique landscapes in the U.S. In the Badlands, you can watch bighorn sheep climb along the ridges in the morning, hike through colorful canyons by day, and enjoy a sunset that paints the whole horizon in pink and gold by night.
Wind Cave National Park: When summer temps start to rise, head underground! Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. Take a ranger-led tour and explore fascinating formations like boxwork and frostwork. It is the perfect place to cool off in the summer.
Nearby Lakes: There are several lakes within an hours drive from Rapid City. If you are looking for a place to swim, paddleboard, or fish, check out Pactola Lake, Sheridan Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Center Lake, just to name a few.
Spearfish Canyon: Only about 45 min from Rapid City, this limestone canyon is filled with lush greenery, waterfalls such as Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and hikes like Devil’s Bathtub and Iron Creek Trail. The drive is absolutely stunning, but if you want to explore a little deeper into the canyon, you can rent UTVs at Spearfish Lodge to take the road less traveled.
Historic Landmarks:
Only 30 minutes from Rapid City, Mt. Rushmore features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. You can also enjoy nearby trails, a museum, and evening lighting ceremonies. Not far from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is still in progress. It honors the Lakota leader and Native American heritage, with a cultural center and museum that add meaning to the visit.
Explore Nearby Towns:
Hot Springs is the perfect low-key day trip. Soak in the Moccasin Hot Springs mineral pools, explore the charming downtown, and cool off at Cascade Falls, a natural swimming hole surrounded by greenery.
Known as the “Heart of the Hills,” Hill City is a cute little town with great access to the Mickelson Trail, a scenic 100-mile trail perfect for biking or walking. Rent a bike, grab a coffee, and spend the day cruising through the pines.
Devils Tower National Monument: Just a couple of hours from Rapid City, Devils Tower rises straight out of the prairie and is something you have to see in person. It’s a sacred place, a climber’s challenge, and a great spot for a day trip hike.
Downtown Rapid City: Rapid City might not be the largest city, but it is packed full with activity and life. There are always local events throughout the week in the square, including live music, movie nights, and plenty of great restaurants and shops. A few restaurant recommendations downtown are Kathmunda Bistro, Toastique, The Sour, and Independent Ale House. If you want to try some local coffee shops, check out Ridgeline Roasters, Essence of Coffee, and Dixon Coffee.
For travel nurses, Rapid City really does have the best of both worlds and the perfect balance of work and play. With weekend adventures filled with hiking, wildlife, and iconic landmarks, it is easy to see why this destination leaves a lasting impression.
Ready for your next adventure? Rapid City is more than a stop on the map; it’s a chance to grow in your career while exploring some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. If you’re looking for a contract that blends rewarding work with endless adventures, Rapid City should be at the top of your list.
