Dinosaur Park. The name says it all. It’s a park with dinosaurs—seven dinosaurs, to be exact. Seven life-size cement dinosaurs. Is it worth stopping at this kitschy Rapid City, South Dakota, roadside attraction? Absolutely. Here are six reasons why:
1. You can measure yourself up to the dinosaurs.
We know that dinosaurs were huge beasts, but getting up close you realize exactly how big they were. Just the leg of a brontosaurus was more than twice my height. While you’re measuring up, it’s a perfect time for a …
2. Photo op.
A vacation isn’t complete without having a photo of you at a quirky roadside attraction.
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3. Get a history lesson—times two.
Besides checking out the massive reptiles that roamed the area in prehistoric times, you get a bit of 20th century history, as well. Dinosaur Park was a 1936 WPA Project. The WPA (Works Progress Administration, later changed to Works Projects Administration) was a program established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide jobs to the unemployed during the Great Depression.
The five original sculptures (the five on the hill; two others, added later, flank the gift shop door) were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
4. Gorgeous views of the city.
The park sits atop a hill along Skyline Drive, a scenic road that follows the hogback ridge that divides the city.
5. Buy a souvenir for your favorite little dinosaur lover.
The gift shop (open seasonally) is filled with dinosaurs of many species, materials and sizes.
![Toy dinosaurs at Dinosaur Park, Rapid City SD](https://midwestwanderer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/140921_SD_Dinosaur_Park-0367-1024x742.jpg)
6. It’s free
There is no admission fee, so there is no excuse NOT to stop.
If you visit Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park is a city park located at 940 Skyline Drive, about a mile and a half west (and a tad south) of downtown Rapid City, South Dakota. You’ll see the brontosaurus up on the hill from quite a distance away. Check the web site for further details.
Accommodations
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Disclosures: My visit to the Dinosaur Park was hosted by the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau and the South Dakota Department of Tourism.
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My dad grew up in Rapid City and I have such lovely memories of visiting this when I was little! Thanks for sharing these photos 🙂
You’re lucky to have gotten to visit the Dinosaur Park and other Rapid City attractions as a kid. I wish I could have taken my grandsons there when they were young, but I only discovered it a few years ago–and I was on a press trip.