Best City Views at Dinosaur Park

Since the 1930s, an 80-foot-long Apatosaurus has straddled the city skyline on Dakota Hogback Ridge, which extends south straight into the Black Hills. Generations have come to visit our quirky long neck named Dino (pronounced "Dean-oh") and six other dinosaur friends. You can spot the Apatosaurus from different spots around town and get the best views of the city from the top. On a clear day, you can see the Badlands formations in the east and sweeping views of Black Elk Peak the Black Hills to the west.

Apatosaurus or Brontosaurus?

For generations, Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus have shared a complicated story. The first Apatosaurus fossils were described in 1877 after discovery in Colorado, and two years later, another massive long-necked dinosaur was named Brontosaurus. In 1903, scientists determined the two were closely related enough to be classified under one name. Since Apatosaurus came first, Brontosaurus stepped out of the scientific spotlight for more than a century.

But science keeps digging. In 2015, new research helped bring Brontosaurus back, finding enough differences to recognize it as its own distinct giant once again.

When Rapid City’s Dinosaur Park was built in the 1930s, this skyline icon reflected the science, imagination, and storytelling of its time. Today, Rapid City Parks and Recreation continues to honor the name tied to the dinosaur’s original identity at the park, with signage noting the name Apatosaurus.

Know Before You Go:

Cost

• FREE

Best Time to Visit

• A sunrise or sunset visit boasts colorful views that might actually knock your socks off! This location also offers a perfect view of the city’s fireworks during Independence Day celebrations.

Don’t Miss This

• The Dinosaur Park Gift Shop & Visitors Center, open May through September, features unique gifts and souvenirs. You’ll find your fair share of dinosaur memorabilia, but they also carry items reflecting the region. Food items and ice cream are also available at pocket-change prices.

Want To Know More?

• Find out what's up there and why they're up there in the first place.