As spring blooms in the Black Hills, it’s time to plan an unforgettable family vacation. With WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark Resort as your hub, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the natural wonders and exciting attractions of Rapid City and beyond. When planning your Black Hills vacation, consider making WaTiki® your home base!
Splash into Fun at WaTiki®
Start your adventure at WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark, where it’s always 84 degrees. Race down the Seahorse Slide, Turtle Shell, and Parrots Plunge. Let the little ones explore Koko’s Kingdom, challenge friends in the Activity Pool, or relax in the Lazy River or Oasis Hot Tub. The best part? Waterpark access is included when you stay at any of our five hotels! Whether you’re staying at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Fairfield by Marriott, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Residence Inn by Marriott or Courtyard by Marriott you’ll have access to all the Black Hills has to offer!
Explore the Great Outdoors
Just a quick drive from your hotel, Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of natural beauty and wildlife. Hike the Cathedral Spires Trail for breathtaking views or take a leisurely stroll around Sylvan Lake. Don’t miss the famous Wildlife Loop Trail, where you might spot bison roaming free, elk, pronghorn, and even the playful prairie dogs. This area awakens in the spring, offering the beauty of the hills. Custer State Park is definitely one of the best Black Hills things to do to enjoy nature at its finest.
Step back in time at Rapid City’s Dinosaur Park. This unique attraction lets you stand next to life-sized dinosaur replicas and enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the beautiful rolling hills in the distance. It’s a perfect spot for family photos and igniting young imaginations, especially as the weather warms and allows for outdoor exploration.
Just a short 30-mile drive will have you in the hills to experience the buffalo safari tour that will take you where only the tour can go! Off-road to the private, interior dirt roads of the park. Trek through the park in an open-air Jeep in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo. Along the way, guides will share historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife—and help you spot the critters. Don’t forget to add this unforgettable expedition to your itinerary!
In less than an hour, you and your family can discover the magic of Jewel Cave National Monument, the third-longest cave in the world. Above ground, explore 1,274 acres of Black Hills Forest and open prairie, perfect for spotting wildflowers and birds. Enjoy a stroll along the 1/4-mile Roof Trail or the 3.5-mile Canyons Trail. Reservations are recommended for cave tours, which range from the accessible 20-minute Discovery Talk to the intense Wild Caving Tour.
Take a beautiful hour drive to explore Wind Cave National Park, where you can discover unique boxwork formations. Cave tours are a must-do, and there are also ranger-led programs available. Above ground, enjoy over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Keep an eye out for bison, pronghorn, elk, and other wildlife. Drive the Wind Cave Geology Tour, a 20-mile gravel road that winds through the heart of the park, offering beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Local Attractions
Rapid City and the surrounding area offer plenty of springtime fun. Stroll downtown Rapid City and discover the City of Presidents statues, where life-sized bronze figures of U.S. presidents line the streets. Visit Rush Mountain Adventure Park or Reptile Gardens. Bear Country USA as animals emerge from hibernation. Early season hiking on the George S. Mickelson Trail can be a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the awakening landscape. There are so many things to do. After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of your hotel and unwind with more water park fun. With our five hotels, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for your family.
Spring in the Black Hills is a magical time. Book your stay at WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark Resort and make it your base camp for an adventure-filled Black Hills vacation that combines natural wonders, historical sites, and endless water fun. Your perfect spring getaway awaits!