Reptile Gardens

Reptile Gardens is exactly as the name describes it! I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the gardens were. I am not a reptile fan, but M sure is. He is all about snakes which give me the heebs. I prefer tarantulas over snakes any day. The main dome of the gardens is one of the first things we did, and there was a point where I felt like I was in a bad horror movie where someone might release the snakes and crocodiles at any moment. EZ shook his head at me when I relayed that story later on. The first trip to Reptile Gardens could be pricey for a tourist, but you can get a season pass with the price of admission by snapping a photo with their designated signs throughout the park. We had a playdate here with a mom and her two boys that I met at a park. It was a great place to spend the whole morning with friends and there is a good mix of indoor/outdoor activities. It was crowded by 11AM, so I am glad we started our morning there at 8AM. The prairie dogs were my favorite...probably because they are so cute and not a reptile, but the giant tortoises were incredible too. Each section of the park had its own guides and I was so impressed with how knowledgeable they were. Mainly because they were high school/college age students. I love seeing young people with a love for nature!
















Location: Reptile Gardens, 8955 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA

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