Zoos & Aquariums in South Dakota

Discover South Dakota's diverse collection of zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal parks. From AZA-accredited facilities in Sioux Falls and Watertown to drive-through wildlife experiences in the Black Hills, South Dakota offers exceptional opportunities to connect with animals from around the world and North American species in their natural habitats.

10+

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

2

AZA Accredited Zoos

4

Wildlife Sanctuaries

600+

Wild Mustangs

Featured Zoos & Aquariums

Great Plains Zoo AZA Accredited

805 S Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD
AZA Member Since 1991

Home to over 1,000 animals from seven continents on a 45-acre campus. Features include African Savannah, Asian Cat Habitat, Bear Canyon, and the popular Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm where visitors interact with goats, alpacas, and sheep.

Hours: May-Sept: 9am-5pm (last entry 4pm) | Oct-April: 10am-5pm

Admission: Adults $15.50, Youth (2-12) $11.50, Seniors/Military $14.50 (online pricing)

Conservation: Participates in AZA Species Survival Plans for endangered species

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Butterfly House & Aquarium

4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sertoma Park, Sioux Falls, SD
Open Year-Round

South Dakota's only tropical butterfly conservatory and largest public saltwater aquarium. Features 800+ live butterflies in a 3,600 sq ft flight room with waterfall and koi pond, plus 10,000+ gallons of saltwater exhibits including the only stingray and shark touch tank within 600 miles.

Hours: Year-round 10am-4pm (last admission 3:30pm)

Highlights: Marine Cove with coral reefs, Moon Jellyfish Life Cycle display, Discovery Den

Note: Merged with Great Plains Zoo in 2023, now operates as second campus

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Bramble Park Zoo

800 10th St NW, Watertown, SD
(605) 882-6269

South Dakota's second-largest zoo, established in 1912. Home to 500+ animals representing 130 species on 15 acres. Features Jaguar Junction with regular and melanistic jaguars, Siberian tigers, snow leopards, seven primate species, and Birds of Prey Plaza.

Hours: Daily 10am-4pm year-round (Saturdays until 7pm in summer)

Admission: Adults (13+) $14.67, Youth (3-12) $11.96, Under 2 free

Special Features: Terry Redlin Environmental Center with aquariums, Children's Zoo

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Black Hills Wildlife Parks

Bear Country USA Drive-Through

13820 S Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57702
8 miles south of Rapid City

Experience North America's largest collection of privately owned black bears across 250 acres of pine forests and meadows. Three-mile drive-through route features black bears, elk, reindeer, cougars, bobcats, Rocky Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, Dall sheep, buffalo, and wolves.

Hours: Spring through late November, 9am (last entry 3pm Oct-Nov)

Admission: Adults $20, Seniors/Military $18, Maximum per vehicle $65

Plan: Allow minimum 2 hours for visit

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Reptile Gardens Guinness Record

Rapid City, SD 57709
Between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore

Guinness World Record holder as World's Largest Reptile Zoo. Features one of the largest collections of reptile species and subspecies globally, including the world's deadliest snakes. Set in beautiful botanical gardens with lush tropical plants, Tortuga Falls, and Living Wall displays.

Hours: Open first Saturday of March through November 30

Special: Free season pass with full admission (take photo with Shelly mascot)

Features: Prairie Dog Town with underground viewing bubble

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Old MacDonald's Farm

23691 Busted Five Ct, Rapid City, SD 57702
Highway 16 between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore

Family-friendly petting zoo featuring 100+ farm animals including sheep, goats, chickens, horses, pigs, alpacas, llamas, emus, longhorns, and draft horses in a clean, safe environment.

Hours: Daily 9am-7pm (May-October)

Activities: Pony rides, bottle-feed baby animals, Billy Goat bridge, pig races, tractor train tours

Special: Admission good for 3 consecutive days, picnic area and playground on-site

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Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

12815 Highland Dr, Hot Springs, SD
13 miles south of Hot Springs off Highway 71

Home to 600+ wild mustangs and 150 domestic breeds roaming freely across 11,000 acres. Established in 1988 to provide sanctuary for America's wild horses that lost their freedom.

Guided Tours: Monday-Friday 8am or 9am, $350/person (ages 18+)

Tour Duration: 3 hours in SUV or feed truck with private guide

Free Viewing: Drive 3-mile entrance road to Visitor Center & Gift Shop

Reservations Required: Call (605) 745-5955

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Wildlife Sanctuaries & Refuges

Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

500 N Tinton Rd, Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-2907

Non-profit rescue and permanent home for unwanted, abused, orphaned, and neglected animals. Provides sanctuary for animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

Tours: May 1 through Labor Day, 8:30am tour recommended

Duration: Guided walking tours 1.5-2 hours

Note: School and group tours by appointment. Pets and strollers not permitted.

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Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

Bennett County, southwestern South Dakota
Established 1935

Federal refuge serving as breeding ground for migratory birds and critical staging area for waterfowl, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, and grassland-dependent species. Primary goal: provide critical wintering habitat for High Plains trumpeter swan population.

Wildlife: Trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, waterfowl, shorebirds

Mission: Refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and wildlife

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Black Hills Raptor Center

Black Hills, South Dakota

Conserves native wildlife and habitat in South Dakota through education, rehabilitation, and study. Provides 125-150 educational programs annually featuring rehabilitated birds of prey.

Focus: Raptor rehabilitation and conservation education

Programs: Educational presentations with live birds of prey

McCook County Pro Pheasants

McCook County, South Dakota

Wildlife sanctuary and refuge dedicated to pheasant conservation and habitat preservation. Supports native pheasant populations through habitat management and conservation programs.

Mission: Pheasant conservation and habitat protection

Aquariums & Educational Centers

Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium FREE

4 miles west of Yankton, SD off Highway 52
Adjacent to Missouri River

Federal fish hatchery operating since 1961 with 13,000-gallon aquarium featuring 40+ species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Showcases species from the Missouri River basin including pallid sturgeon, American paddlefish, walleye, rainbow trout, and more.

Hours: May 1 through Labor Day, daily 10am-5pm

Admission: FREE

Features: 13 indoor tanks, fossils from local area, educational displays on endangered species

Tours: Small-group summer tours available (book 2+ days in advance)

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Outdoor Campus - Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota
Free Educational Programs

Provides hands-on experiences in hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills through free educational classes for youth, adults, and families year-round. Part of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Programs: Youth classes, adult workshops, family activities

Topics: Hunting safety, fishing techniques, outdoor survival skills

Admission: FREE programs throughout the year

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By Region

Sioux Falls Area

  • Great Plains Zoo
    AZA 45-acre zoo, 1,000+ animals
  • Butterfly House & Aquarium
    800+ butterflies, saltwater aquarium

Black Hills Region

  • Bear Country USA (Rapid City)
    Drive-through wildlife park
  • Reptile Gardens (Rapid City)
    Guinness Record World's largest
  • Old MacDonald's Farm (Rapid City)
    Petting zoo, 100+ animals
  • Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary (Hot Springs)
    600+ mustangs, 11,000 acres
  • Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary (Spearfish)
    Rescue animals
  • Outdoor Campus (Rapid City)
    FREE Education center

Eastern South Dakota

  • Bramble Park Zoo (Watertown)
    130 species, 500+ animals
  • Gavins Point Fish Hatchery (Yankton)
    FREE 13,000-gal aquarium
  • Lacreek Wildlife Refuge (Bennett County)
    Trumpeter swans, migratory birds

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

  • Summer (May-September): All facilities open, extended hours, best weather
  • Fall (October-November): Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, some facilities seasonal
  • Winter (December-April): Year-round zoos open but some animals may be off-display
  • Spring (March-April): Baby animal season begins, facilities reopen for season
  • Avoid: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends (busiest at Black Hills parks)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Free Admission: Gavins Point Fish Hatchery, Outdoor Campus programs
  • Discounts: Military/veteran discounts at most facilities
  • Season Passes: Great Plains Zoo offers annual memberships, Reptile Gardens free pass with admission
  • SNAP Benefits: Great Plains Zoo offers reduced rates for SNAP/TANF/WIC participants
  • Online Savings: Purchase tickets online to save $2/person at Great Plains Zoo
  • Multi-Day Value: Old MacDonald's Farm admission valid 3 consecutive days

Conservation Programs

South Dakota zoos actively participate in global conservation efforts and Species Survival Plans (SSP) to protect endangered species:

Great Plains Zoo Conservation
  • AZA Species Survival Plans for red wolves, lions, rhinos, snow leopards
  • Education programs serving 50,000+ students annually
  • On-site conservation messaging and habitat protection initiatives
  • Partnership with Association of Zoos & Aquariums on SAFE programs
Regional Conservation Impact
  • Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary protects 600+ wild mustangs
  • Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge preserves trumpeter swan habitat
  • Spirit of the Hills provides permanent home for rescued animals
  • Gavins Point Hatchery produces fish for restoration and sport fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls is South Dakota's only currently AZA-accredited zoo, holding accreditation continuously since 1991. AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accreditation represents the highest standards in animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, and education. Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown was AZA-accredited from 1993 to 2024 but was denied reaccreditation in September 2024. AZA-accredited facilities participate in Species Survival Plans and must meet rigorous standards reviewed every five years.

Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls is South Dakota's largest zoo, spanning 45 acres with over 1,000 animals from seven continents. The zoo features major exhibits including African Savannah with giraffes, lions, zebras and rhinos, Asian Cat Habitat with tigers and snow leopards, Bear Canyon, and the Delbridge Museum of Natural History with 100+ preserved animals. The Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm allows hands-on interaction with goats, alpacas, and sheep. Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown is the second-largest at 15 acres with 500+ animals representing 130 species.

Yes, Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium near Yankton offers completely free admission to its 13,000-gallon aquarium featuring 40+ species of Missouri River basin fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The facility is open May 1 through Labor Day, daily 10am-5pm. Additionally, the Outdoor Campus in Rapid City provides free hands-on educational programs year-round for youth, adults, and families covering hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills. Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary allows free viewing of wild mustangs from the 3-mile entrance road to their visitor center (guided tours require paid reservations).

Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls is excellent for young children with its Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm where kids can pet and feed goats, alpacas, and sheep. Old MacDonald's Farm near Rapid City is specifically designed for young children with 100+ farm animals to pet and feed, pony rides for children under 100 pounds, bottle-feeding opportunities, and pig races. Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown features a dedicated Children's Zoo with goats, donkeys, and domestic rabbits, plus pony rides during special events. Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls captivates children with 800+ free-flying butterflies and the Discovery Den interactive experiences including a stingray touch tank.

Great Plains Zoo (Sioux Falls), Butterfly House & Aquarium (Sioux Falls), and Bramble Park Zoo (Watertown) are open year-round with daily hours. Great Plains Zoo operates 10am-5pm October through April and 9am-5pm May through September. Butterfly House is open 10am-4pm daily throughout the year. Bramble Park Zoo maintains 10am-4pm hours daily (extended to 7pm Saturdays in summer). Note that some animals may be off-display during winter months due to weather. Seasonal facilities include Bear Country USA (spring through late November), Reptile Gardens (March through November), Old MacDonald's Farm (May-October), and Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (May through Labor Day).

Reptile Gardens holds the Guinness World Record as the World's Largest Reptile Zoo, featuring one of the most extensive collections of reptile species and subspecies globally. The facility houses some of the world's deadliest snakes and maintains more species of venomous reptiles than any other zoo or wildlife park. Beyond reptiles, the attraction features beautiful botanical gardens with lush tropical plants, Tortuga Falls waterfall, and a Living Wall display. Prairie Dog Town offers a unique underground bubble where visitors can observe prairie dogs at eye level. Anyone paying full admission receives a free season pass by taking a photo with Shelly the mascot.

Yes, Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary near Hot Springs is home to over 600 wild mustangs and 150 domestic breeds roaming freely across 11,000 acres of private land. Established in 1988 by Dayton O. Hyde, the sanctuary provides permanent refuge for America's wild horses. Visitors can see horses for free by driving the 3-mile entrance road to the visitor center. For an immersive experience, guided 3-hour tours are available Monday-Friday at 8am or 9am for $350 per person (ages 18+), traveling by SUV or feed truck to multiple mustang herds. Tours include Native American ceremonial sites, petroglyphs, movie set locations, and opportunities to see hundreds of horses up close. Reservations required: call (605) 745-5955.

Bear Country USA is a drive-through wildlife park located 8 miles south of Rapid City on Highway 16, featuring North America's largest collection of privately owned black bears across 250 acres of pine forests and meadows. Visitors remain in their vehicles for a leisurely 3-mile drive through multiple enclosures, encountering black bears, elk, reindeer, cougars, bobcats, Rocky Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, Dall sheep, buffalo, and timber wolves in naturalistic habitats. The park is open spring through late November, with hours 9am until last entry at 3pm (October-November). Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors/military, with a maximum of $65 per vehicle. Allow minimum 2 hours for your visit. Busiest periods are Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends.

Yes, Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery near Yankton features a 13,000-gallon aquarium with 13 indoor tanks displaying 40+ species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles from the Missouri River basin, including pallid sturgeon, American paddlefish, bluegill, walleye, rainbow trout, and flathead chubs. Admission is free and the facility is open May 1 through Labor Day, daily 10am-5pm. Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown includes aquariums in the Terry Redlin Environmental Center featuring various aquatic species donated by Terry Redlin's son. The Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls remains South Dakota's largest public saltwater aquarium with 10,000+ gallons of exhibits including the only stingray and shark touch tank within 600 miles, coral reef displays, and Moon Jellyfish Life Cycle exhibit.

South Dakota is home to four major wildlife sanctuaries and refuges. Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Spearfish is a non-profit rescue providing permanent homes for unwanted, abused, orphaned, and neglected animals, offering guided walking tours May through Labor Day. Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary near Hot Springs protects 600+ wild mustangs across 11,000 acres. Black Hills Raptor Center focuses on raptor rehabilitation and conservation education with 125-150 annual programs featuring live birds of prey. Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge in Bennett County (established 1935) serves as critical habitat for trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and grassland-dependent migratory birds. McCook County Pro Pheasants operates as a sanctuary dedicated to pheasant conservation and habitat preservation.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025