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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Religious Site, Historic Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
4701 Steamboat Cir, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Chapel in the Hills
Our first stop of the tour takes us to a truly unique and serene spot, the Chapel in the Hills. As we approach, you might do a double-take, because what you're about to see looks like it was plucked right out of a medieval Norwegian fjord and gently placed here in the Black Hills. This remarkable structure is an exact replica of the 12th-century Borgund Stave Church in Laerdal, Norway, a masterpiece of Scandinavian craftsmanship built around 1150 AD.

The Chapel was constructed in Rapid City in 1969, not initially as a traditional church, but as a broadcast studio for the popular 'Lutheran Vespers' radio program. Architect Harold Spitznagel, along with skilled Norwegian craftsmen, ensured every detail, from the intricate dragon heads adorning the roof gables to the detailed carvings on the portals, was faithfully recreated. Inside, the dark, rich wood and the simple, yet profound, altar offer a peaceful contrast to the ornate exterior, inviting quiet contemplation. It truly feels like stepping back nearly a millennium.

For first-time visitors, the sheer authenticity and the surprising presence of such a structure here in South Dakota are often a source of wonder. For our returning guests, it’s a cherished opportunity to revisit a place of profound tranquility, perhaps exploring the surrounding meditation path or the traditional Norwegian Stabbur, a grass-roofed storage building, which houses a small museum of Norwegian heritage. It’s a testament to cultural preservation and a place that offers solace and a connection to a distant past, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected treasures are found right in our own backyard.

Read More

  https://chapelinthehills.org/
Place #2
Distance: 1.15mi , Attraction : Public Recreation
Map Pin
4349 Red Clf Ter, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Canyon Lake
Please turn right on Beach Drive.

As we approach Canyon Lake, you’re entering one of Rapid City’s most peaceful and photogenic outdoor escapes. This serene, tree-lined lake has been a community favorite since the 1930s, offering calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddle-boarding, or simply watching the reflections dance across the surface. Families gather along the walking paths, anglers cast their lines for trout, and wildlife—especially ducks and geese—make regular appearances.

Right at the heart of the lake sits Gazebo Island, a charming little oasis connected by footbridge. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, and for good reason. The gazebo, framed by cottonwoods and gentle ripples on the water, feels like something out of a postcard. Weddings, picnics, and quiet morning coffees all find a perfect setting here.

Canyon Lake and Gazebo Island offer a calm pause in your journey—a reminder of how beautifully nature and community blend in Rapid City.

  https://www.rcgov.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks/canyon-lake-park.html
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Chapel in the Hills
Map Pin Place 2 Canyon Lake
Map Pin Place 3 Rapid Creek
Map Pin Place 4 Storybook Island
Map Pin Place 5 Dinosaur Park
Map Pin Place 6 Skyline View
Map Pin Place 7 Petrified Forest Trailhead
Map Pin Place 8 Rapid City History
Map Pin Place 9 Fun Facts
Map Pin Place 10 Art Alley
Map Pin Place 11 Presidential Statues Downtown
Map Pin Place 12 Rapid City's Downtown Hub
Map Pin Place 13 Historic Berlin Wall Section
Map Pin Place 14 The Monument
Map Pin Place 15 The Journey Museum
Map Pin Place 16 South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Map Pin Place 17 Museum of Geology
Map Pin Place 18 Rapid City Cuisine
Map Pin Place 19 WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort
Map Pin Place 20 Aviation History Museum



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 20 stops, covering top attractions such as Chapel in the Hills, Canyon Lake, Rapid Creek, Storybook Island, Dinosaur Park.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Chapel in the Hills (Address: 4701 Steamboat Cir, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!