From bears and bison to giant tortoises, trout and prairie dogs, the Black Hills offers plenty of memorable ways to experience wildlife. Visit one of the area's family-friendly animal attractions, or head into Custer State Park for the chance to see native wildlife roaming across the open prairie.
Reptile Gardens
Location: Rapid City, SD
Description: A longtime Black Hills favorite featuring an extraordinary collection of reptiles, giant tortoises, crocodilians, birds, prairie dogs and beautiful botanical gardens.
Website: https://www.reptilegardens.com/Bear Country USA
Location: Rapid City, SD
Description: A drive-through wildlife park where families can see black bears, wolves, elk, reindeer, bison, bighorn sheep and other North American animals from the comfort of their vehicle.
Website: https://www.bearcountryusa.com/Old MacDonald’s Farm
Location: Rapid City, SD
Description: A hands-on family attraction where children can meet and interact with farm animals, bottle-feed calves and goats, enjoy pony rides and explore other kid-friendly activities.
Website: https://www.oldmacdonaldsfarmrc.com/D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery
Location: Spearfish, SD
Description: A historic fish hatchery where visitors can see and feed trout, explore underwater viewing areas, stroll the grounds and learn about fish conservation and the history of the hatchery.
Website: https://dcboothfishhatchery.org/Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Location: Custer, SD
Description: An 18-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park offering opportunities to spot free-roaming bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, deer, elk and the park’s famous burros in their natural surroundings.
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Location: Custer, SD
Description: A guided open-air Jeep adventure into Custer State Park’s backcountry in search of bison, pronghorn, elk and other native wildlife while learning about the park from a local guide.
Website: https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/buffalo-safari-jeep-tour/Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Location: Hot Springs, SD
Description: A sprawling private sanctuary dedicated to providing a home for wild mustangs, offering a unique opportunity to experience horses roaming across the southern Black Hills landscape.
Website: https://www.wildmustangs.com/