Reptile Gardens

Reptile Gardens For hours and rates, check our website or give us a call. www.reptilegardens.com
(8901)

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.

The Sky Dome really does make the best backdrop. ✨
06/09/2026

The Sky Dome really does make the best backdrop. ✨

You think you go to Reptile Gardens to watch the animals, but at Reptile Gardens, the animals watch you. 👀
06/08/2026

You think you go to Reptile Gardens to watch the animals, but at Reptile Gardens, the animals watch you. 👀

Get up close to some incredible avian species from around the world down on Avian Avenue! 🪶From the largest species of o...
06/07/2026

Get up close to some incredible avian species from around the world down on Avian Avenue! 🪶

From the largest species of owl to the smartest bird to the fastest animal in the world, stroll on down to Avian Avenue and meet our amazing feathered co-workers. 🦅 🦜 🦉

You never know what you’re going to find in our Gift Shop! From Go-Wrestle shirts to amethyst towers to Papua New Guinea...
06/06/2026

You never know what you’re going to find in our Gift Shop!

From Go-Wrestle shirts to amethyst towers to Papua New Guinea masks, there really is something for everyone!

Wanting to wish Orville a very Happy 121st Birthday, but unable to attend the festivities on June 30th? 🎉 You can send h...
06/05/2026

Wanting to wish Orville a very Happy 121st Birthday, but unable to attend the festivities on June 30th?

🎉 You can send him a Birthday Card! 🎉

Birthday cards can be addressed to:

Orville the Aldabra Tortoise
Reptile Gardens
P.O. Box 620
Rapid City, SD 57709

We’ll read them to him, since even after 121 years he hasn’t learned yet. 😂

Whether in person or in spirit, we’re so excited to celebrate Orville’s Birthday with you! 🥳

❤️ Thank you to Karen London for the wonderful idea! ❤️ 🐢

06/05/2026

Found in the rainforests of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Gaboon Viper has the longest fangs of any venomous snake- up to 2 inches in length!

06/04/2026

Our Curator sits down with Rapid City Fire Department to discuss increased rattlesnake activity as we move into the summer months, how to maintain your home to help reduce snake activity, and what to do if you come across a rattlesnake.

👀 Keep an eye out in our Sky Dome for this beauty!  With her vibrant leaves and beautiful pink and white clustered flowe...
06/04/2026

👀 Keep an eye out in our Sky Dome for this beauty! With her vibrant leaves and beautiful pink and white clustered flowers, the Variegated Shell Ginger definitely catches the eye. ✨

Native to East Asia and parts of Southeast Asia, Shell Gingers thrive in warm temperatures and moist environments. Though not used as culinary ginger (their more-famous relative), this species’ leaves are valued in cuisine and traditional medicine.

You can find our Variegated Shell Ginger on the Mezzanine Level of the Sky Dome. 🌿

📣 It's that time of the year again!! Nominations for "The Best of the Black Hills" are open now through June 24th. Visit...
06/03/2026

📣 It's that time of the year again!!

Nominations for "The Best of the Black Hills" are open now through June 24th.

Visit the link below and select the "Community" group to help nominate Reptile Gardens for:

🌸 Best "Customer Service"
🐢 Best "Place to Take the Kids"
🐊 Best "Tourist Attraction" in the Black Hills

We appreciate you, our wonderful guests, helping nominate us for these categories! ❤️
Scan the QR Code or visit this link to nominate >>

https://rapidcityjournal2.secondstreetapp.com/Rapid-City-Best-of-the-Black-Hills---2026-Nominations

It's Reptile Gardens 89th Anniversary! 🥳 🎉It started with a dream and grew into something incredible! In 1937, Earl Broc...
06/03/2026

It's Reptile Gardens 89th Anniversary! 🥳 🎉

It started with a dream and grew into something incredible! In 1937, Earl Brockelsby began with tours and a rattlesnake under his hat, and now we've created 89 years’ worth of memories.

Thank you to our wonderful guests, past, present, and future! We couldn't do it without you, and we’re so excited to create more memories with you!! ❤️ 🐢 🌸

Share your favorite memory or photo of Reptile Gardens in the comments below!

Address

8955 South Highway 16
Rapid City, SD
57702

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