Reptiles, snakes, giant tortoises and many more critters inspire countless 'wows.'


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bear Country USA

1.67 MILES

Oodles of bears big and small in this drive-through park live off the land and hope you'll do something forbidden like offering them a Big Mac, or your…

2. Museum of Geology

6.59 MILES

All that drama underground has produced some spectacular rocks. See these plus dinosaur bones and some stellar fossils here at the South Dakota School of…

3. Statues of Presidents

6.6 MILES

From a shifty-eyed Nixon in repose to a triumphant Harry Truman, lifelike statues dot corners throughout the center of Rapid City. Collect all 42. Maps…

4. Journey Museum & Learning Center

7.13 MILES

This impressive downtown facility is four museums in one, looking at the history of the region from prehistoric times until today. Collections come from…

5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

12.11 MILES

Visitors can't help but be impressed by the sheer scale and massive physical effort of the team behind Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota…

6. Custer State Park

16.51 MILES

Mt Rushmore may lure travelers to the Black Hills, but it's nearby Custer State Park that often creates the most lasting memories. Not only does it boast…

7. Crazy Horse Memorial

21.22 MILES

The world's largest monument is this 563ft-tall work-in-progress (with a lot of work to go). When finished it will depict the Sioux leader astride his…