Buffalo Hunt Coaster Thrills in Rapid City, SD - Rapid City

Buffalo Hunt Coaster Thrills in Rapid City, SD

Rapid Citymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

30–45 minutes

Fitness Level

Riders should be in general good health, able to sit upright and hold steady during sudden coaster movements.

Overview

Experience the adrenaline rush of the Buffalo Hunt Coaster in Rapid City! Shoot targets and race through buffalo herds in this thrilling outdoor adventure.

Details

The Buffalo Hunt Coaster in Rapid City, South Dakota offers a truly unique outdoor adventure for thrill-seekers and competitive riders alike. Combining the excitement of a high-speed roller coaster with the challenge of a shooting gallery, this ride puts you in the heart of an exhilarating buffalo chase. As you twist and turn through realistic buffalo herds, your goal is to hit over 40 targets, scoring points to earn your place on the All Time Leader Board. Perfectly blending speed, skill, and strategy, this experience encourages friendly competition and makes every ride a fresh challenge. Ideal for families, groups, and anyone looking for an engaging way to experience South Dakota’s adventurous spirit, the Buffalo Hunt Coaster is run by Mount Rushmore Tours, a trusted local company known for delivering memorable outdoor experiences. Located just minutes from the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial and downtown Rapid City, the coaster offers an adventure close to key tourist spots. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or a first-timer, this combination of roller coaster thrills and interactive gameplay is designed to keep your adrenaline pumping and your eyes sharp. Get ready to aim, shoot, and race your way through one of the most distinctive coaster rides in the country!

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable, secure shoes

Closed-toe shoes with good grip keep your feet safe and stable during the fast-paced ride.

Use the provided safety harness correctly

Ensure your safety harness is properly fastened before the ride for a secure and enjoyable experience.

Focus on your aim before the ride starts

Practice aiming on stationary targets to improve your score on the moving course.

Avoid loose clothing or accessories

Secure hats, glasses, and loose items to prevent loss during the coaster’s twists and turns.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Chapel in the Hills - a peaceful Scandinavian chapel nearby
  • The Journey Museum for regional history and culture

Wildlife

  • Bison (American buffalo)
  • Prairie dogs

History

The region around Rapid City is steeped in Native American history and was once prime buffalo hunting grounds for tribes like the Lakota.

Conservation

Local efforts focus on preserving native prairie ecosystems and protecting the historic buffalo herds pivotal to the area's heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Base of the coaster for action shots
  • Nearby hillside overlooking the buffalo herds
  • Rapid City skyline at sunset

What to Photograph

Action shots of riders
Buffalo-themed scenery
Mount Rushmore in the distance

Recommended Gear

Sunglasses

Essential

Protect your eyes from glare and improve visibility on sunny days during the ride.

summer specific

Light jacket

Helps keep you warm during cooler spring mornings or breezy afternoons.

spring specific

Closed-toe shoes

Essential

Provide safety and grip during the coaster ride’s fast movements.

Gloves with grip

Useful for better control while aiming, especially in cooler fall weather.

fall specific

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