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Reptile Gardens

8955 S Highway 16 · Rapid City, SD

Why you should go…

Reptile Gardens is a wildlife park in the Black Hills near Rapid City, South Dakota, that has operated since 1937 and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest reptile collection. Highlights include the Sky Dome tropical atrium, giant Aldabra tortoises, a resident saltwater crocodile, daily snake and bird shows, a Prairie Dog Town viewing area, and botanical gardens with tens of thousands of flowering plants. The park also offers gold panning and gemstone sluicing along with an on-site cafe and gift shop.

  • #wildlife
  • #family
  • #reptiles
  • #gardens
  • #zoo

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 Reptile Gardens, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bear Country USA

    Under $25

    A drive-through wildlife park in the Black Hills featuring black bears and other North American animals.

    1.9 mi awayMore like this

  • 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.

    3.4 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.

    3.6 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.

    4.9 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.

    5.3 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.

    6.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours