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Food Tours · South Dakota, South Dakota

Rapid City Craft Beer & Bison Burger Tour

  • CuisineAmerican craft beer, bison burgers, pub food
  • Duration3 hours
  • Price range$65–85 USD
  • Price$65–85 USD per person (includes tasting samples; full drinks extra)
  • Rating★ 4.6
  • Best seasonMay–October

Black Hills Brew Tours has operated the Rapid City Craft Beer & Bison Burger Tour in Rapid City, South Dakota since the mid-2010s, building a reputation as one of the premier guides to the city's thriving craft-beer scene along downtown Main Street. The tour departs from Firehouse Brewing Co. at 610 Main St and winds through three breweries within walking distance, giving participants a front-row view of how the Black Hills region inspired a distinctive regional brewing culture.

Rapid City Craft Beer & Bison Burger Tour

Black Hills Brew Tours has operated the Rapid City Craft Beer & Bison Burger Tour in Rapid City, South Dakota since the mid-2010s, building a reputation as one of the premier guides to the city's thriving craft-beer scene along downtown Main Street. The tour departs from Firehouse Brewing Co. at 610 Main St and winds through three breweries within walking distance, giving participants a front-row view of how the Black Hills region inspired a distinctive regional brewing culture. Over three hours, guests receive a beer flight at each stop — typically three to four small-pour samples chosen by the brewing staff — covering a range of styles from crisp lagers to dark stouts. The centerpiece of the experience is the bison burger tasting at Firehouse Brewing, a nod to the region's deep-rooted ranching heritage and South Dakota's position as one of the leading bison-producing states in the country. Local snack samples round out the savoury lineup at each venue, creating a meal-like experience without requiring a separate dinner reservation. The tour is conducted on foot and covers roughly one mile of flat downtown terrain, keeping the pace relaxed and allowing lingering conversation with brewers when available. Groups are capped at around fifteen participants to maintain an intimate feel, and the guide narrates the history of craft brewing in the Black Hills alongside information on sourcing ingredients locally. The price of $65–85 USD per person includes all tasting samples; additional full-pour drinks are available for purchase at each stop. Dietary substitutions for the food components can usually be arranged with advance notice, though gluten-free options for the beer portion are limited. The tour runs May through October, aligning with Rapid City's peak visitor season and the best outdoor dining weather in western South Dakota.

What is included

  • Guided walking tour of 3 breweries
  • Beer flight tastings at each stop
  • Bison burger tasting at Firehouse Brewing
  • Local snack samples
  • Tour narrative on Black Hills food culture

Good to know

Operator
Black Hills Brew Tours

Location

Departs from Firehouse Brewing Co., 610 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701

44.0803, -103.2293 View on map

Highlights

  • Walking tour of three downtown Rapid City craft breweries with guided beer flights at each stop
  • Bison burger tasting at Firehouse Brewing Co., celebrating South Dakota's ranching heritage
  • Guide narrates Black Hills craft-beer history and local ingredient sourcing
  • Relaxed one-mile flat route along Main St, suitable for most fitness levels
  • Intimate group cap of approximately 15 participants for a personal experience

Tips for visiting

  • Arrive having eaten a light meal; the tastings are generous but do not replace a full dinner
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the one-mile flat downtown route
  • The $85 upper price applies when adding optional full pours beyond the included flight samples
  • Book at least a week ahead in July and August as groups fill quickly during peak season
  • Dietary restrictions for food samples should be flagged at the time of booking

Frequently asked questions

Is the tour suitable for non-beer drinkers?

The tour is primarily beer-focused. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the bison burger tasting and food samples, but most of the experience centres on craft beer. Contact Black Hills Brew Tours in advance to discuss options.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

Participants must be 21 or older to take part in the beer tastings. The tour is designed for adults only and valid photo ID is required.

How far do participants walk?

The route covers approximately one mile along flat downtown Rapid City streets, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

Is the tour weather-dependent?

The walking portions take place outdoors, so clothing suited to the weather is advised. The tour generally runs unless conditions are severe; check with the operator for cancellation and refund policies.