Reptile Gardens

Reptile Gardens For hours and rates, check our website or give us a call. www.reptilegardens.com
(8879)

Founded in 1937, and still under ownership of the same family, the Black Hills’ Reptile Gardens has steadily grown to one of the leading tourist attractions in the Midwest. Since its beginning, Reptile Gardens has been a source of entertainment and family fun as well as an unforgettable learning experience for millions of visitors by providing them the rare opportunity to observe these exotic animals up close.

When you accidentally hit copy/ paste in the Tort Yard. 😂 🐢🐢
09/01/2026

When you accidentally hit copy/ paste in the Tort Yard. 😂 🐢🐢

Where has the time gone?! Summer is almost over! 😭☀️ There’s only one week left in our Summer Season! Make sure to catch...
08/31/2026

Where has the time gone?! Summer is almost over! 😭

☀️ There’s only one week left in our Summer Season! Make sure to catch the last Gator Shows and fly by Avian Avenue before they end for the season. 🐊 🦉

📆 Starting September 8, Reptile Gardens will be open from 9 AM – 5 PM.

08/30/2026

“What a handsome bird!” – Malachite probably 🦜

🌻 Today, Nature Meets Math!Did you know that some of the most famous mathematical concepts, like the Fibonacci Sequence ...
08/29/2026

🌻 Today, Nature Meets Math!

Did you know that some of the most famous mathematical concepts, like the Fibonacci Sequence and Golden Ratio, can be found in some of nature’s most beautiful patterns?

Take a look at the flowers around Reptile Gardens, especially our sunflowers. The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two before it: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21… Many species of flowers have petal arrangements that correspond to numbers within this sequence, such as 5, 13, or 21 petals.

Additionally, if you look closely at our sunflowers, you’ll find intersecting spirals that correspond to both the Fibonacci numbers and are closely connected to the Golden Ratio.

🤯 But why?! To put it simply, these patterns help plants maximize exposure to the sun for leaves and petals, while also allowing for an efficient layout of seeds within a small space.

So, the next time you visit, take a closer look at the flowers! You might just find a little math hiding in the nature around you! Until then, look for these patterns in your own backyard - in pinecones, flowers, and even snail shells! 🌸 🐌

Our guests often ask: How can you tell an alligator from a crocodile? 🐊The easiest clues are the shape of the snout and ...
08/28/2026

Our guests often ask: How can you tell an alligator from a crocodile? 🐊

The easiest clues are the shape of the snout and which teeth are visible.

Alligator: broad, rounded, U-shaped snout. Normally, only the upper teeth are visible when the mouth is closed.

Crocodile: longer, narrower, V-shaped snout. Both the upper and lower teeth are visible when the mouth is closed.

Want to learn more about crocodilians and their remarkable lifestyles? Join us for our daily Gator Shows before the summer season ends and put your new skills to the test! 🐊

08/27/2026

What sound does a Laughing Kookaburra make? 👀

We got some great answers from our staff! 😁 😂

Summer may be winding down in the Black Hills, but here at Reptile Gardens, our grounds have never looked better! 🌼🌸🌻 Au...
08/26/2026

Summer may be winding down in the Black Hills, but here at Reptile Gardens, our grounds have never looked better! 🌼🌸

🌻 August through September is peak season for the stunning blooms that can be found around every corner, and none of it would be possible if it wasn’t for the incredible crew behind it.

Reptile Gardens is so grateful for our amazing team of gardeners that help keep our grounds looking stunning year after year. Weeding, watering, planting, pruning, and everything else in between, your hard work pays off with the most beautiful and breathtaking results. 🌺

Thank you for all that you do! 💚

🍁 Exciting Fall News! 🍁We’re adding one more hour to our daily schedule this fall! 🍂🐢From September 8th - October 4th, R...
08/25/2026

🍁 Exciting Fall News! 🍁

We’re adding one more hour to our daily schedule this fall! 🍂🐢

From September 8th - October 4th, Reptile Gardens will be open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, so you can spend even more time exploring our beautiful grounds, watching our amazing Bird and Snake Shows, and relaxing with our Giant Tortoises.

Then, beginning October 5th through October 31st, we will resume our regular Fall Hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Enjoy the Fall Season a little bit longer at Reptile Gardens! 🍁🦎

🦈 Dive into their world and get closer than ever before to some of the ocean's most extraordinary predators in this brea...
08/24/2026

🦈 Dive into their world and get closer than ever before to some of the ocean's most extraordinary predators in this breathtaking Virtual Reality Experience!

Reptile Gardens isn’t your average Gift Shop. 👀Sure, we have the usual: postcards, keychains, adorable stuffies that loo...
08/23/2026

Reptile Gardens isn’t your average Gift Shop. 👀

Sure, we have the usual: postcards, keychains, adorable stuffies that look like Orville 🐢, T-shirts (although we think our Go-Wrestle shirts are top-notch 😎).

🔍 But look a little closer, and you’ll find so much more!

🌏 Beautiful works of art from Papua New Guinea
🦁 Bracelets that track real-life animals
🌲 Ancient petrified trees
🎨 Paintings from our very own scaled and feathered artists

Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir, a meaningful keepsake, or just something truly special, there’s always a surprise waiting to be discovered in our Gift Shop! ✨

Address

8955 South Highway 16
Rapid City, SD
57702

Telephone

+16053425873

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Reptile Gardens posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category