Playing Rapid City Golf Courses?
Tee off at Boulder Canyon Golf Club. Then, explore the area’s best options for dining, adventure, and entertainment.
Maybe you’re staying in Rapid City for business or using it as a home base while vacationing in the Black Hills. If you’re a golfer, you’re looking for a local course that will inspire you. Challenge you. Leave you with stories to tell and give you the best experience of your trip.
You’re one beautiful drive away.
Golf at Boulder Canyon — Where Everybody Plays
Boulder Canyon offers players the most welcoming experience and entertaining golf course in the Black Hills. Open to the public, it has an 18-hole, par-72 championship design… with some unique features.
While the front nine holes are a more traditional and forgiving layout, the back nine’s design can be a challenge even to experienced golfers. You’ll see this most clearly at the signature hole No. 12 and its island green. As one player said, “Some people just get up there on the tee box at twelve and freeze.”
On the plus side, you won’t find a more beautiful view when teeing off during your entire trip. The course provides stunning panoramic vistas with immaculate greens, wild grass meadows, and mature ponderosa pines.
Even with these qualities, Boulder Canyon offers rates more affordable than most Rapid City golf courses. So, come for a round. Spend the day in the area. See why the best of the Black Hills is right here.
Choose Your Road
The experience starts with the ride. Pick your path from Rapid City to Deadwood, Sturgis, and Boulder Canyon Golf Club.
I-90 (Most Direct)
Head straight to Sturgis along a path of rolling hills and broad landscapes. Boulder Canyon is minutes away.
Vanocker Canyon (Sights All Around)
Well-known by locals and the rally crowd, Vanocker Canyon is plain fun to drive with its twists, turns, and sweeping views.
Nemo Road Ride (Stops Along the Way)
Another route favored by residents and riders, it passes the resort town of Nemo and the mining “Ghost Town” of Roubaix.
When You Finish Your Round, You’re Just Getting Started
You’re ready to see what’s beyond the Rapid City golf courses. Play Boulder Canyon, and you’ll have the freedom to explore Deadwood, Sturgis, and everything in between. Here are our recommendations for the best of the area.
Deadwood Social Club (Deadwood)
Enjoy steaks, pastas, and entrees with a spin on the traditional, all located in historic Saloon 10.
Jacob’s Brewhouse and Grocer (Deadwood)
Jacob’s is one of our favorites. You can’t go wrong with its smoked selections, seafood options, and creative sandwiches.
Loud American Roadhouse (Sturgis)
A restaurant, bar, and concert venue all in one, stop by the roadhouse for belly-filling favorites.
Legends Steakhouse (Deadwood)
Legends is a high-end restaurant recognized for its steaks, chops, and seafood.
Some of Our Favorites in Rapid City
Delmonico Grill (Rapid City)
This fine dining steakhouse offers a seasonal menu, fresh seafood selections, and a curated wine list.
El Nevado (Rapid City)
El Nevado boasts authentic Mexican food with a menu that includes freshly prepared enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, and chiles rellenos.
Murphy’s Pub & Grill (Rapid City)
A landmark watering hole in Rapid City, the menu at Murphy’s focuses on burgers, sandwiches, and sides.
Black Hills National Forest
Directly accessible from Boulder Canyon Golf Club, the Black Hills National Forest provides a well-established trail system that covers 1.2 million acres. Hiking or biking the trail will give you a true sense of the area’s natural beauty. You’ll also find 416 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the winter and over 700 miles of designated off-road vehicle trails in the summer.
George S. Mickelson Trail
If you’re looking for something less rigorous after playing the Rapid City golf courses, the Mickelson Trail balances scenic views with a wide and gentle pathway. It’s ideal for walkers, cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders. The trail traverses over 100 miles through the Black Hills from Deadwood in the north all the way down to Edgemont in the south.
Some of Our Favorites in Rapid City
Pactola Lake (Rapid City)
The largest, deepest reservoir in the Black Hills National Forest, Pactola Lake is known for its kayaking, SCUBA diving, and record-setting fishing.
Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service (Rapid City)
A favorite of ours, Sylvan Rocks leads climbing adventures for newcomers, experienced climbers, groups, and families.
Akela Spa (Deadwood)
We recommend Akela Spa for carefully cultivated natural treatments. This includes traditional services like massage and facials as well as non-traditional wellness and healing treatments. The spa provides individual and package services for women, men, and couples.
Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort (Deadwood)
This large upscale casino offers sports betting, table games, and slots. The gaming floor is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Jacobs Gallery (Deadwood)
Explore the work of world-famous photo realist Scott Jacobs, whose gallery sells officially licensed Harley-Davidson artwork as well as paintings, photographs, and other unique goods.
Hickocks Tavern at Rocksino (Deadwood)
In the summer of 2023, Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos opened an upscale casino in the former Hickok’s Hotel with its signature brand of rock n’ roll-themed fun and excitement.
Saloon 10 (Deadwood)
Check out historical reenactments, nightly live music, and gambling. The American Whiskey Bar at Saloon 10 boasts South Dakota’s largest selection.
The Lodge at Deadwood (Deadwood)
One of the most popular gaming floors in Deadwood, the casino at The Lodge includes hundreds of slot machines and the largest table games area in town.
We Also Recommend…
The Firehouse (Rapid City)
South Dakota’s oldest operating brewery boasts a full restaurant menu, a family-friendly environment, and live music performances.
Kool Deadwood Nights
If you love classic cars, classic music, and 50’s and 60’s culture, attend and enjoy the parade, car show, and music concerts.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts come to the Black Hills for 10 days of riding, food, and music.
When to Visit Boulder Canyon and the Rapid City Golf Courses
The best time to plan a trip is between April and October. Throughout the spring and into the summer, temperatures range from brisk to comfortable. (Even on Independence Day, averages are right in the mid-seventies.)
Summertime is also a great opportunity for a family trip, guys’ getaway, or couples’ weekend. You can stay in Rapid City, make daytime visits to the surrounding sights, and enjoy the most popular events in the Black Hills.
Still have questions? Contact our team for advice on making your visit even more memorable.
