Take a Wildlife Safari in Rapid City, South Dakota

Morning: Bear Country USA

Bear Country USA is a drive-thru wild animal park open May through late November. Here you can take a leisurely three-mile drive through the forest to view North American mammals. Encounter black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, dall sheep and buffalo. Don’t forget to stop by Babyland where you can see black bear cubs and other tiny tots.

Mid-Morning Afternoon: Reptile Gardens

After viewing warm-blooded species drive a short distance to Reptile Gardens. Here you’ll see one of the world’s largest collections of reptiles including giant tortoises and a huge crocodile named “Maniac.” Also, enjoy animal shows and a botanical garden filled with exotic plants, flowers and animals.

Afternoon: Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

See where the buffalo roam in Custer State Park, approximately 50 miles from Rapid City. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road winds around the southern edge of the park and offers close-up views of the park’s 1,500 roaming buffalo, elk, big horn sheep, mountain goats, prairie dogs and curious burros. After wildlife viewing head back to Rapid City, via Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. This National Scenic Byway winds through the granite spires of the Needles, twists along pig-tail bridges and through granite tunnels with view of Mount Rushmore.