I'm an adult and I LOVE this place! So fun to talk to the kookaburras, pet the humongous turtles, or watch a fascinating Alligator/Crocodile show. Love the little "rainforest" that is in the dome. I'm a local and go every year.
Maria B.
My husband and I had the best time here today. So many different reptiles and amphibians to see, as well as some birds. A lot of rarer snakes and monitor lizards that we'd never seen before, plus two Komodo dragons. The Galapagos tortoises were great and one was 118 years old! Another named Sampson was 35 years old. The staff were great too.
Violeta J.
This place is amazing i have teenagers and they love it. It looks small but the place is really big there's a snack area that was closed at the time i think it was like off season! I loved the snake presentation and the alligator's den and all the snakes that are hard to find. I loved the small gift shop. this is a must if you are going to keystone SD.
Aimee W.
In the words of my husband "this place is AWESOME!" His excitement was the best. Everyone in our crew actually enjoyed this stop. They have special pricing for kids and then you get teens and seniors. 3 and under are free so that was a perk! We only watched the Birds of Prey show (loved it!) and didn't stay for the Snake Show just because we were starving by then and since they don't have a cafe or snack place we needed to go somewhere to eat. That honestly was the only downfall to our stop. But it did save us some money lol! We enjoyed all the reptiles and the Maniac crocodile. It. Was. HUGE. all the enclosures were very well tended to and the animals were active and all healthy. The dome was cool! They had free roaming lizards and some birds in there as well as a snake and skink too! The tortoise exhibit was great. It was pretty large and you could just go in and they all roamed freely as well. They had a whole bunch of baby babies and then teenage tortoises too! Those were in an enclosed area to grow safely. The bald eagle was one of the most beautiful we have seen at a zoo. And the last thing exhibits wise we loved was the prairie dogs. So cute! The botanical gardens throughout the entire place were so beautiful and someone was out there watering basically the whole time we were there. The gift shop was the last thing you walk through before you exit. The prices were so fair. I couldn't believe it. We found a few great finds for memories so the kids were all super happy about that. This place did not let you down.
Megan T.
Their alligators have enclosures that are way too small. One large alligator can't swim or move around in his pool - since he takes up the entire length. If you are going to have animals, you need to make sure you provide them adequate space. Disappointed to see the alligator enclosures.
Jacci V.
The "best time ever" was had today at the Reptile Gardens. We didn't expect to run out of time but, we did! The best trip is already being planned. If you haven't visited this place yet,, we highly recommend it. Be sure you catch the live animal shows while you're there. Each show is packed with info and humor. Super family friendly! We watched the snake and croc demos. Both were led by "Connor" who did a great job engaging the audience, cracking jokes and sharing his in depth knowledge of so many species.
Peggy M.
We are from California and we throughly enjoyed this Reptile Garden! It was Beautiful & Clean! They had a really big assortment of reptiles in clean environments and enjoyed the gardens and birds as well. Loved your gift shop also, so much for kids and adults. The staff was wonderful! Our granddaughter thought it was better than Mt Rushmore can you believe it! If you have a chance to go, Go! You won't regret it.
Emily D.
My family loves Reptile Gardens! The animals are all properly cared for. The animals are happy and you can see that! My favorite part about Reptile Gardens is the little rainforest you can walk around. I love love getting up close to the small lizzards and different types of turtles. The beautiful rainforest trees, vines and flowers smell fresh and just amazing. The boa that slithers above you just wants a hug. ;) I love that they have added on a bird sanctuary. Absolutely stunning creatures. Beautiful parrots and owls. The staff answer any and all questions and just love their birds. I do hope they add more that can roam freely in the bird area.. i'm sure they can make it happen! Being able to touch turtles that have been alive for 100 yrs is incredible. Obviously you can't ride them but you can pet them and interact with them. They let the turtles out every single day and the turtles roam and snack on grass all day. The turtles love the attention they receive. It was really cool seeing so many baby turtles. The chunky little prairie dogs are well fed and taken cared of. These little guys have serious attitude problems and aren't very friendly BUT still cute to watch. The babies are super cute too. All and all Reptile Gardens is worth the 20 bucks to get into. Your kids will LOVE it! Free snake shows and gator shows and bird shows now too. The food is spendy but that's the only expensive thing about this place! Reptile Gardens does amazing things for their reptiles! Please help them by going to their amazing zoo!!!
Brad C.
This is a very professional setup, nicely laid out for a visit that can take a couple of hours to get through. It is clear that they take very good care of their critters and want them to be comfortable. I stopped by out if interest when I read about the large variety of inhabitants kept here and I can say they did not disappoint me. I'm well-traveled and like to wander through unique animal experiences when given the opportunity. The offer of some very rare snakes, combined with a few big bugs and their variety of other animals brought me through the door. Funny to think that I had to come to South Dakota to see some of the the world's deadliest snakes, but so glad that I did! I also made certain to catch the alligator and snake shows they have to learn some fun things and see a few critters out in the open. Lots of visitors had young kids and they all were enjoying themselves so very family friendly. It's also important not to overlook the incredible landscaping and plants they have bordering the walkways throughout the area. Beautiful and very well maintained. Highly recommend this side trip if in the area.
Stephan S.
An Unforgettable Experience at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City!!I recently had the pleasure of visiting Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. From the stunning gardens to the incredible array of animals, this place truly exceeded my expectations.The first thing that caught my attention was the beautifully maintained gardens. They were a vibrant and captivating sight, filled with a wide variety of plants and flowers. It was evident that great care and creativity went into designing and maintaining these gardens. I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility and wonder as I strolled through the lush pathways.The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the amazing assortment of animals. The sheer number and diversity of species were astounding. From reptiles to birds and mammals, there was something fascinating to see at every turn. The gator show and snake show were definite crowd-pleasers. The skilled handler not only entertained us but also educated us about these incredible creatures.One particular favorite of mine was the prairie dogs. These adorable little creatures captured my heart with their playful antics and curious nature. I couldn't resist spending some extra time observing them and taking photos. It was a joy to see them in their natural habitat within the gardens.I appreciated the convenience of the parking arrangements at Reptile Gardens. Finding a spot was easy, making the start of my visit hassle-free. However, it's worth noting that on the way out, visitors are required to pass through the gift shop. If you're visiting with children, be prepared for the enticing array of souvenirs and items that might catch their attention.Reptile Gardens in Rapid City is a must-visit destination for nature and animal lovers alike. The well-maintained gardens, combined with the vast collection of animals, create a unique and immersive experience. Whether you're captivated by reptiles, mesmerized by birds, or charmed by prairie dogs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend taking the time to explore this gem of a place and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
I have not been here in over 30 years and it was such a fun place to bring my family to for the first time. My kid loved interacting with the tortoises (I got to ride them when I was a kid) and going underground and seeing through the eyes of a prairie dogs. The eagle was beautiful and maybe my kid's favorite animal there. There were tons of pressed penny machines which my kid loved. We all had fun!
Eric L.
As a family of reptile lovers, we were very happy to see well kept animals and clean environments.
Aimee R.
Enjoyed our visit even on a rainy day. You enter the gift shop building where you pay and then go outside to the other buildings you then go into to see everything. We watched the snake show with cheesy jokes and all and then headed over to watch the same guy wrestle a crocodile. I personally love listening to the tortoises snore. You can even pet them! The dome building houses reptiles and insects along the walls on the outside and beautiful flowers take up the middle with a few unique birds. They say that there are free roaming lizards and frogs but we didn't see any. Upstairs you can look down into the flowers and birds but there are also more reptiles for viewing. Unfortunately, we didn't get to enjoy much else but we did swing by to see the Eagle!Throughout the Gardens are piles of green, blue, and pink rocks. I got a picture of those but no snakes. Not a fame of them.
Diane N.
It was my birthday in March, and had not been there in a while. My husband took me and some friends of ours. We had a good time and look forward to going back when things warm up for the cold blooded animals. I found myself very intrigued by the variety of species, and had time to look at all their rock specimens too. Yep I highly recommend this Black Hills attraction for young and seasoned individuals. They take very good care of their animals and I look forward to seeing their shows when those are in full swing. A lot to see.
Kassidy Marlow
My husband go here at least once a year. We are from Wyoming and just have a blast every time we are here! Highly recommend! Getting to see all the danger noodles (snakes) and birds are absolutely fantastic!
I'm an adult and I LOVE this place! So fun to talk to the kookaburras, pet the humongous turtles, or watch a fascinating Alligator/Crocodile show. Love the little "rainforest" that is in the dome. I'm a local and go every year.
My husband and I had the best time here today. So many different reptiles and amphibians to see, as well as some birds. A lot of rarer snakes and monitor lizards that we'd never seen before, plus two Komodo dragons. The Galapagos tortoises were great and one was 118 years old! Another named Sampson was 35 years old. The staff were great too.
This place is amazing i have teenagers and they love it. It looks small but the place is really big there's a snack area that was closed at the time i think it was like off season! I loved the snake presentation and the alligator's den and all the snakes that are hard to find. I loved the small gift shop. this is a must if you are going to keystone SD.
In the words of my husband "this place is AWESOME!" His excitement was the best. Everyone in our crew actually enjoyed this stop. They have special pricing for kids and then you get teens and seniors. 3 and under are free so that was a perk! We only watched the Birds of Prey show (loved it!) and didn't stay for the Snake Show just because we were starving by then and since they don't have a cafe or snack place we needed to go somewhere to eat. That honestly was the only downfall to our stop. But it did save us some money lol! We enjoyed all the reptiles and the Maniac crocodile. It. Was. HUGE. all the enclosures were very well tended to and the animals were active and all healthy. The dome was cool! They had free roaming lizards and some birds in there as well as a snake and skink too! The tortoise exhibit was great. It was pretty large and you could just go in and they all roamed freely as well. They had a whole bunch of baby babies and then teenage tortoises too! Those were in an enclosed area to grow safely. The bald eagle was one of the most beautiful we have seen at a zoo. And the last thing exhibits wise we loved was the prairie dogs. So cute! The botanical gardens throughout the entire place were so beautiful and someone was out there watering basically the whole time we were there. The gift shop was the last thing you walk through before you exit. The prices were so fair. I couldn't believe it. We found a few great finds for memories so the kids were all super happy about that. This place did not let you down.
Their alligators have enclosures that are way too small. One large alligator can't swim or move around in his pool - since he takes up the entire length. If you are going to have animals, you need to make sure you provide them adequate space. Disappointed to see the alligator enclosures.
The "best time ever" was had today at the Reptile Gardens. We didn't expect to run out of time but, we did! The best trip is already being planned. If you haven't visited this place yet,, we highly recommend it. Be sure you catch the live animal shows while you're there. Each show is packed with info and humor. Super family friendly! We watched the snake and croc demos. Both were led by "Connor" who did a great job engaging the audience, cracking jokes and sharing his in depth knowledge of so many species.
We are from California and we throughly enjoyed this Reptile Garden! It was Beautiful & Clean! They had a really big assortment of reptiles in clean environments and enjoyed the gardens and birds as well. Loved your gift shop also, so much for kids and adults. The staff was wonderful! Our granddaughter thought it was better than Mt Rushmore can you believe it! If you have a chance to go, Go! You won't regret it.
My family loves Reptile Gardens! The animals are all properly cared for. The animals are happy and you can see that! My favorite part about Reptile Gardens is the little rainforest you can walk around. I love love getting up close to the small lizzards and different types of turtles. The beautiful rainforest trees, vines and flowers smell fresh and just amazing. The boa that slithers above you just wants a hug. ;) I love that they have added on a bird sanctuary. Absolutely stunning creatures. Beautiful parrots and owls. The staff answer any and all questions and just love their birds. I do hope they add more that can roam freely in the bird area.. i'm sure they can make it happen! Being able to touch turtles that have been alive for 100 yrs is incredible. Obviously you can't ride them but you can pet them and interact with them. They let the turtles out every single day and the turtles roam and snack on grass all day. The turtles love the attention they receive. It was really cool seeing so many baby turtles. The chunky little prairie dogs are well fed and taken cared of. These little guys have serious attitude problems and aren't very friendly BUT still cute to watch. The babies are super cute too. All and all Reptile Gardens is worth the 20 bucks to get into. Your kids will LOVE it! Free snake shows and gator shows and bird shows now too. The food is spendy but that's the only expensive thing about this place! Reptile Gardens does amazing things for their reptiles! Please help them by going to their amazing zoo!!!
This is a very professional setup, nicely laid out for a visit that can take a couple of hours to get through. It is clear that they take very good care of their critters and want them to be comfortable. I stopped by out if interest when I read about the large variety of inhabitants kept here and I can say they did not disappoint me. I'm well-traveled and like to wander through unique animal experiences when given the opportunity. The offer of some very rare snakes, combined with a few big bugs and their variety of other animals brought me through the door. Funny to think that I had to come to South Dakota to see some of the the world's deadliest snakes, but so glad that I did! I also made certain to catch the alligator and snake shows they have to learn some fun things and see a few critters out in the open. Lots of visitors had young kids and they all were enjoying themselves so very family friendly. It's also important not to overlook the incredible landscaping and plants they have bordering the walkways throughout the area. Beautiful and very well maintained. Highly recommend this side trip if in the area.
An Unforgettable Experience at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City!!I recently had the pleasure of visiting Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. From the stunning gardens to the incredible array of animals, this place truly exceeded my expectations.The first thing that caught my attention was the beautifully maintained gardens. They were a vibrant and captivating sight, filled with a wide variety of plants and flowers. It was evident that great care and creativity went into designing and maintaining these gardens. I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility and wonder as I strolled through the lush pathways.The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the amazing assortment of animals. The sheer number and diversity of species were astounding. From reptiles to birds and mammals, there was something fascinating to see at every turn. The gator show and snake show were definite crowd-pleasers. The skilled handler not only entertained us but also educated us about these incredible creatures.One particular favorite of mine was the prairie dogs. These adorable little creatures captured my heart with their playful antics and curious nature. I couldn't resist spending some extra time observing them and taking photos. It was a joy to see them in their natural habitat within the gardens.I appreciated the convenience of the parking arrangements at Reptile Gardens. Finding a spot was easy, making the start of my visit hassle-free. However, it's worth noting that on the way out, visitors are required to pass through the gift shop. If you're visiting with children, be prepared for the enticing array of souvenirs and items that might catch their attention.Reptile Gardens in Rapid City is a must-visit destination for nature and animal lovers alike. The well-maintained gardens, combined with the vast collection of animals, create a unique and immersive experience. Whether you're captivated by reptiles, mesmerized by birds, or charmed by prairie dogs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend taking the time to explore this gem of a place and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
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I have not been here in over 30 years and it was such a fun place to bring my family to for the first time. My kid loved interacting with the tortoises (I got to ride them when I was a kid) and going underground and seeing through the eyes of a prairie dogs. The eagle was beautiful and maybe my kid's favorite animal there. There were tons of pressed penny machines which my kid loved. We all had fun!
As a family of reptile lovers, we were very happy to see well kept animals and clean environments.
Enjoyed our visit even on a rainy day. You enter the gift shop building where you pay and then go outside to the other buildings you then go into to see everything. We watched the snake show with cheesy jokes and all and then headed over to watch the same guy wrestle a crocodile. I personally love listening to the tortoises snore. You can even pet them! The dome building houses reptiles and insects along the walls on the outside and beautiful flowers take up the middle with a few unique birds. They say that there are free roaming lizards and frogs but we didn't see any. Upstairs you can look down into the flowers and birds but there are also more reptiles for viewing. Unfortunately, we didn't get to enjoy much else but we did swing by to see the Eagle!Throughout the Gardens are piles of green, blue, and pink rocks. I got a picture of those but no snakes. Not a fame of them.
It was my birthday in March, and had not been there in a while. My husband took me and some friends of ours. We had a good time and look forward to going back when things warm up for the cold blooded animals. I found myself very intrigued by the variety of species, and had time to look at all their rock specimens too. Yep I highly recommend this Black Hills attraction for young and seasoned individuals. They take very good care of their animals and I look forward to seeing their shows when those are in full swing. A lot to see.
My husband go here at least once a year. We are from Wyoming and just have a blast every time we are here! Highly recommend! Getting to see all the danger noodles (snakes) and birds are absolutely fantastic!