When you’re visiting Rapid City, South Dakota, there are many places to see and things to do. Some of the best attractions include Mt. Rushmore, which is a massive sculpture of the 4 U.S. presidents. The city’s downtown is also home to the “City of Presidents” which is a series of life-size statues of American presidents. You can also explore the history of the area at the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There’s also a reptile zoo, which lets you see snakes.
Reptile Gardens
If you love reptiles, you’ll want to visit Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota. Located just off the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this animal park is open from the first Saturday in March until November 30. The park has been recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest reptile zoo in the world.
The Reptile Gardens, which are about six miles from Rapid City, feature hundreds of different reptiles. The garden includes a botanical garden, three stage shows, and free-roaming animals from around the world. In addition to reptiles, the garden also features giant tortoises and colorful birds.
The Reptile Gardens also features a gift shop. The reptiles here are a favorite among visitors. The reptiles can be seen in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. There’s also an interactive bird show. Whether you’re looking for something to do for free or are visiting with the family, you’ll find a variety of places to go in Rapid City that offer fun activities for everyone.
Reptile Gardens also features a vast variety of Native American and Oceanic art. The CEO of the Reptile Gardens is an avid collector of Oceanic art and offers a diverse selection of original works for sale. The gift shop at the Reptile Gardens is one of the largest in the Black Hills, and is sure to have something for everyone.
During the warmer months, the Reptile Gardens are open daily. During the summer, the park offers musical performances and special events. Visitors can take a stroll in the park and check out the statues of the prehistoric creatures.
Storybook Island
Storybook Island is a beautiful park with many children’s book-themed playground attractions. The park is located on the west side of Rapid City. It is a popular destination for families with children of all ages. The park offers plenty of activities for children, including crafts, balloon animals, and other fun activities.
Storybook Island is a free children’s theme park that has been in operation since 1959. The park is populated with colorful characters and scenes from children’s stories. During the warmer months, the park hosts theater productions and magic shows. The park is open daily from 9am to 7pm. In the event of inclement weather, the park may close.
The park features more than 100 playsets featuring characters from Dr. Seuss, including the Bippity Boppity Bounce House. Visitors can also enjoy the Storybook Island Train, which operates from May to September. During the summer, the park is open to the public and hosts events like the “Once Upon a Festival.” The park also features a replica of Norway’s Borgund Stave Church. This wooden structure features pegged construction and intricate wood carving.
The park is free to enter, though there are ticketed attractions. Visitors can ride the Storybook Island Train, or ride the classic carousel. It also hosts events throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting Rapid City for a family reunion or just a fun day out, Storybook Island is an ideal spot for visiting with children.
Another popular attraction in Rapid City is the Museum of Motoring. Featuring rare classic cars, it’s worth the trip. The museum also offers guided tours and an onsite restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy a laser light show.
Dinosaur Park
If you’re looking for a fun day out in Rapid City, the Dinosaur Park is one of your best options. This park, located near Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, is home to seven life-size dinosaur replicas. There are also unique gifts and lunch options for dino-lovers.
Dinosaur Park is a popular tourist attraction that has been drawing crowds since the 1930s. The Brontosaurus, a giant dinosaur, captures the attention of most visitors. The giant fossil, set in concrete, represents an early tourism promotion and roadside art for South Dakota.
Dinosaur Park is on the National Register of Historic Places and has a visitor center, gift shop, and concession stand. Located in the heart of Rapid City, it is a popular attraction for people of all ages. The park is open to the public May 31 through September 6.
The park was founded in 1936 and was funded by the Works Progress Administration, a government agency in response to the Great Depression. It has several prehistoric dinosaur statues that are 80 feet long and weigh more than 42 tons. The park is also home to a statue of a Brontosaurus, which stands over 28 feet tall.
Rapid City is home to many family-friendly parks and activities. There’s something for everyone, so whether you’re looking for a day trip or a long weekend, this city is worth exploring. The Rapid City downtown area is a great place to start your trip. Main Street Square is a popular gathering spot with playgrounds for kids and outdoor space for families. You’ll also find plenty of shopping opportunities here and enjoy a chuckwagon dinner show.
The downtown area is full of art. You can explore the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the carving process. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the city. Several statues have stories and you can even view an ongoing project on the Crazy Horse Monument. The monument will celebrate the Native American Indian heritage of the area.
Watiki Water Park
In a 30,000 square foot indoor space, Watiki Water Park features slides, pools, and more. You can also enjoy arcade games and restaurant fare while you’re here. There are hotel rooms available for visitors who want to stay close to the park.
The park offers a unique outdoor experience for families and children of all ages. There are also several free activities to keep everyone busy and happy. For younger children, try the toddler time, discovery expeditions for children of all ages, and the rotating planetarium.
Another fun activity for children is the reptile garden. It is located in the downtown area of Rapid City and is free to enter. You can see both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and shop for souvenirs. In the winter, visit the ice rink.
If you want to spend an afternoon or evening with the whole family, the Cosmos Mystery Area is another great destination for a day of fun. This attraction has been around since 1952. There are several attractions to enjoy in this place, including a geode mine and cosmic force demonstrations. Tour guides at this attraction combine science and humor to make it entertaining for the entire family.
The Watiki Indoor Water Park is one of the best places to go for a family vacation in Rapid City. It is a great water park for young children and offers great off-season admission rates. Aside from the slides and water features, the water park also has an arcade, restrooms, and a café and bar.
Watiki Indoor Water Park is South Dakota’s largest indoor water park. It is located near Exit 61 of Interstate 90 and is close to Mount Rushmore, The Monument, and Crazy Horse Memorial. If you want to stay close to the action, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Rapid City has rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions, DVD players, and gaming systems. It also offers a complimentary breakfast each morning. You can also enjoy contemporary American cuisine at Perkins, Marco’s Pizza, and Sliders Bar & Grill.
