A Guide To Reptile Gardens in Rapid City South Dakota
Reptile Gardens was first opened in 1937, by Earl Brockelsby. The site has gradually grown since then and in 1965, Reptile Gardens was moved to its current spot just south of Rapid City.
This place is not your average zoo. Reptile Gardens lives up to its name, by providing a bevy of sights all related to reptiles. There are performances throughout the day which range from alligator wrestling to matching wits with a chicken who plays tic-tac-toe (a mere 25 cents per match).
Other unique attractions at Reptile Gardens are found outdoors. There is a tortoise area which claims to have "South Dakota's Oldest Resident" - a giant tortoise named Methusaleh, that was born in 1881. Visitors to Reptile Gardens will also discover the Bat Cave exhibits, which are alive with nocturnal creatures.
The Sky Dome, has a gigantic geodesic skylight, which is a sight not to miss while visiting this area. It also features two floors of reptiles to entertain. Reptile Gardens boasts having two rare Komodo Dragons and also is home to vipers, geckos, and many other exotic reptiles which are kept in temperature and humidity-controlled environments.
Reptile Gardens is a very popular spot for tourists, and is a favorite family attraction. There are so many things to do and see for everyone in the family. All of the shows are included in the price of admission. Make no mistake about it, Reptile Gardens is a must see for any tourist in the Rapid City area!
Six miles S. of Rapid City on US 16
Open Apr. 1 - Oct. 31
Summer hours 8am - 7pm.
PO Box 620
Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: 605-342-5873 or 800-335-0275
Fax: 605-342-6249
This place is not your average zoo. Reptile Gardens lives up to its name, by providing a bevy of sights all related to reptiles. There are performances throughout the day which range from alligator wrestling to matching wits with a chicken who plays tic-tac-toe (a mere 25 cents per match).
Other unique attractions at Reptile Gardens are found outdoors. There is a tortoise area which claims to have "South Dakota's Oldest Resident" - a giant tortoise named Methusaleh, that was born in 1881. Visitors to Reptile Gardens will also discover the Bat Cave exhibits, which are alive with nocturnal creatures.
The Sky Dome, has a gigantic geodesic skylight, which is a sight not to miss while visiting this area. It also features two floors of reptiles to entertain. Reptile Gardens boasts having two rare Komodo Dragons and also is home to vipers, geckos, and many other exotic reptiles which are kept in temperature and humidity-controlled environments.
Reptile Gardens is a very popular spot for tourists, and is a favorite family attraction. There are so many things to do and see for everyone in the family. All of the shows are included in the price of admission. Make no mistake about it, Reptile Gardens is a must see for any tourist in the Rapid City area!
Six miles S. of Rapid City on US 16
Open Apr. 1 - Oct. 31
Summer hours 8am - 7pm.
PO Box 620
Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: 605-342-5873 or 800-335-0275
Fax: 605-342-6249
