Reptile Gardens, Rapid City, SD

Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota. It is nestled in the eastern side of the Black Hills, which are quite famous for Mount Rushmore, the Battle of Little Big Horn, and Custer's Last Stand. In the city attractions, such as Bear Country USA, Journey Museum and Reptile Gardens exist. Reptile Gardens opened in 1937. Earl Brockelsby decided to open the gardens due to his interest in the reptiles and it soon became a large attraction for people in nearby cities. Though Earl has passed on the gardens are still held in the family. Earl's nephew took over the running of the park completely in 1993.

The park is filled with more than just reptiles. One of the displays is the Sky Dome. The Sky Dome was opened in 1965 to allow sun to reach the jungle and desert plants housed in the building. Inside the plants and sculptures of the exhibit are lizards and frogs. These animals and finches are able to move around the enclosure. Large snakes, parrots, and macaws are located in the Safari room of the dome, but they are naturally behind glass.

Cactus, Orchids, caladiums, and other flowers are found in the Sky Dome. Also, a replica of the largest turtle fossil ever found is inside the dome. The Archelon Turtle Fossil is the biggest turtle found by paleontologists in 1970 near the museum's location. The Dome also houses the Rough Scaled Pythons, which are the rarest snake and only found in the wilds of Australia. Mambas, Cobras, venomous lizards, and rattlesnakes are part of the exhibit of Reptile Gardens.

During the winter months in the Sky Dome 1,500 poinsettias and orchids are added to the inside of the building in honor of the Christmas season. The exhibit is called Jingle in the Jungle. There are also three shows held daily for visitors. There is a bird show showing many native birds to North America including the Bald Eagle. The Crocodilian Show features 57 crocodiles, alligators, and caiman. The third show is all about snakes, allowing visitors to have up close experiences with a variety of snakes.

The park is open based on the four seasons of the year. For the spring season the park opens at 9am to 4pm. Spring time is considered April to May. The summer season begins on May 22nd and goes through Labor Day where the park is open from 8am to 7pm. During the fall from Labor Day to October 31st the park is open again from 9am to 4pm. The winter hours are subject to change, but generally the park is open 10am to 5pm.

Admission into the Reptile Gardens is between $9 and $14 depending on the age of the visitor. Children four and under are able to get in for free. There are also season passes available.

Reptile Gardens is about learning. The park is open to school groups and other groups who want to learn more about the variety of the earth's reptiles.