A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rapid City vs. Vernon for Attractions, Families, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Rapid City or Vernon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rapid City and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a friendly, fascinating, and activity-filled city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Rapid City travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Rapid City and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rapid City or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rapid City. Although Rapid City and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Rapid City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rapid City is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. It is also home to Mount Rushmore. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Rapid City different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon and Rapid City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rapid City or Vernon?

Rapid City is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rapid City on the map. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Rapid City or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Rapid City and Vernon can be an enjoyable experience.

Rapid City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vernon area. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Rapid City or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Rapid City and Vernon.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Rapid City. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Vernon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Rapid City or Vernon Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Rapid City and Vernon.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Rapid City or Vernon?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Rapid City and Vernon.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rapid City. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Rapid City or Vernon Better for Families?

Rapid City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rapid City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Rapid City or Vernon Better for Couples?

Rapid City is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Rapid City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Rapid City or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rapid City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Rapid City or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Rapid City and Vernon.

Public transit is mostly limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Public transit is generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Rapid City or Vernon a more walkable city?

Rapid City and Vernon are decent when it comes to walkability.

Rapid City is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

Vernon is generally not very walkable. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Rapid City Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Rapid City?

How long in Rapid City or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rapid City and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rapid City than in Vernon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Rapid City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Rapid City than Vernon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rapid City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rapid City than Vernon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rapid City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City than Vernon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rapid City.

One day in Rapid City or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Rapid City. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the peaceful town of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Rapid City or Vernon?

Rapid City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Rapid City or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rapid City. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Rapid City or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Rapid City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rapid City and Vernon, we can see that Rapid City is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rapid City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rapid City than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rapid City Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rapid City or Vernon?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Rapid City and Vernon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.