Wildlife adventures – destinationinvestigations

By V. Lori Hedges

One of the places where I always wanted to stop when we took our annual trip to grandpa’s house was Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, S.D. Mom always replied with, “I’m not paying to go to that tourist trap!”

My 13-year-old mind looked at dozens of billboards urging us to “See Reptile Gardens.” They were illustrated with compelling photos and drawings that screamed out that there was a great adventure for all who stopped. But we never stopped.

Reptile Gardens billboards start appearing almost as soon as you enter South Dakota.

For decades I’ve been thinking about that place. It had become an obsession. I must see Reptile Gardens!

This summer, I finally walked through those gates, and yes, it was as exciting as I thought it would be.

First of all, the place was gorgeous! Not only is it a zoo of sorts, but it is also a botanical garden. Plants and flowers from all over the world line the walkways and decorate the lawns. It is breathtakingly beautiful. The gardens alone are worth the trip.

Then you get to meet the animals. The place is called Reptile Gardens, but they have way more than just reptiles. In addition to snakes, alligators, crocodiles, and lizards, they have a variety of amphibians and a very nice selection of birds.

This place is awesome for anyone, no matter their age. My favorite exhibit was the giant turtles, or Aldabra Tortoises. We were able to get up close and personal with Tank, Orville, and Samson. The three tortoises range in age from 30 years old to 116 years old. They love to have their necks scratched – who knew?!

Then, of course, there are the alligators. Seeing those mighty beasts snap up a chunk of meat reminds me of the T-Rex in the Jurassic Park movies. I wasn’t the only one impressed by their strength and power judging by the excited squeals and shouts of the kids gathered around the habitat.

After we made our way around all the outside habitats, we entered the giant dome building. In the middle of the building is a tropical forest habitat filled with beautiful orchids and other gorgeous plants. Interspersed among the plants are tropical birds, small turtles and amphibians. I also spotted a boa constrictor lounging on an overhead branch, but I don’t think many people even noticed he was there. (Don’t worry, a handler was stationed nearby to keep an eye on Mr. Snake.)

The outer hallway encircling the tropical forest room is lined with hundreds of glass habitats containing snakes of every variety, lizards, frogs, toads, and more. It is a comprehensive collection.

I’m just going to say it: Reptile Gardens is a treasure. It is worth the stop, especially if you have kids. Summer admission is $20 per adult ages 16 and over, $18 for senior citizens, active military and military spouses, $16 for youth ages 11 to 15, $14 for children ages 4 to 10, and children ages 3 and younger are free. Off season admission is even more inexpensive.

So, if your kids (or your inner child) clamors to “See Reptile Gardens” as urged by a roadside billboard, do yourself a favor and go see it. It will be a fun adventure!