Take A Trip to Pre-Historic Times at Rapid City's Dinosaur Park
This original tourist attraction was created in 1936 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.Situated on a ridge that encircles the Black Hills, Dinosaur Park was built in an ideal location since many fossils were discovered in the Black Hill’s northern and western areas.
Dinosaurs on Display. Emmet Sullivan designed seven sculptures of these colossal vertebrates. He has also been involved in the design and establishment of dinosaur parks across the country. He used two-inch black iron pipes, wire mesh, and concrete skin to construct these sturdy sculptures.
The creatures displayed in the park are Apatosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Edmontosaurus, annectens, Dimetrodon, and Protoceratops. Six of these displays are pre-historic dinosaurs, and one sculpture is of a synapsid reptile.
Originally gray, the dinosaurs were later painted bright green with white undersides to appeal more to children. A regular fresh coat of paint preserves their vibrant outlook. Children are even encouraged to climb these massive structures and take photographs with them.
Fossils and dinosaur footprints from the Late Jurassic Era and the Early Cretaceous Era were discovered nearby Dinosaur Park, which only adds to its historic appeal.
Visiting Dinosaur Park, the park is maintained by the city of Rapid City and allows free admission to people of all ages. The park does not have complete handicap accessibility as the steep flagstone stairs can be a limitation.
You can visit their gift shop and shop for souvenirs and tokens and have a light lunch at their café. Their visitor center is open during working hours to assist you with anything you might need.
The park is operational from 8 am to 8 pm in the months from June to August, and 9 am to 5 pm during May, September, and October. So, make sure you visit Rapid City, SD, in those months!
COVID-19 Safety Measures: The park ensures its staff and visitor’s safety and security by taking precautionary measures dictated by the State. The number of patrons who are allowed to visit the store is limited and the foodservice and the ice cream menu.
They have implemented enhanced sanitization procedures by regularly disinfecting surfaces, common touchpoints, bathrooms, and countertops. The staff is required to wear masks at all times and monitor their health.
Moreover, Plexiglass shields have been installed at the counters, and the seating arrangements have been spaced out indoors and outdoors to maintain social distancing protocols.
So, whether you have an interest in Depression Era paleontology or you want to have a fun-filled day with your children, be sure to visit Dinosaur Park when you visit Rapid City, SD.