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Bear Country USA

13820 US-16 · Rapid City, SD

Why you should go…

Bear Country USA is a 250 acre drive-through wildlife park in the Black Hills south of Rapid City, South Dakota, founded in 1972. Visitors drive a three mile route past enclosures with black bears, wolves, elk, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and bison. The park also includes Babyland, a walking area featuring young and small animals.

  • #wildlife
  • #drive-through
  • #zoo
  • #animals
  • #black hills

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Bear Country USA, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Old MacDonald's Farm

    Under $25

    A hands-on petting farm near Mount Rushmore with over 100 animals, pony rides and daily pig races.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Putz n Glo

    Under $25

    An indoor black light mini golf course in Rapid City themed around decades of rock and roll.

    1.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Reptile Gardens

    $25–$50

    The world's largest reptile collection, with snake and bird shows, a tropical Sky Dome, and botanical gardens near Rapid City.

    1.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Mount Rushmore Black Hills Gold

    Free

    A jewelry factory outside Rapid City offering a free tour of Black Hills Gold jewelry-making.

    6.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Gold Diggers Black Hills Gold

    Free

    Factory-direct retail shop for genuine Black Hills Gold jewelry near Mount Rushmore.

    6.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Stagecoach West Tours

    $50+

    Guided bus tours through the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and a chuckwagon dinner show.

    7.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours