Reptile Gardens facts for kids
Sky Dome
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| Date opened | June 3, 1937 |
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| Location | Rapid City, South Dakota, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°59′25″N 103°16′18″W / 43.9903599°N 103.2716882°W |
Reptile Gardens is an amazing zoo in Rapid City, South Dakota, famous for its incredible collection of reptiles! It's located on the way to the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This special park is open every year from the first Saturday of March until November 30. Did you know that Reptile Gardens is so big and has so many reptiles that it was named the world's largest reptile zoo by Guinness World Records in both 2014 and 2018?
Contents
Discovering Reptile Gardens' History
Reptile Gardens was started by a young man named Earl Brockelsby. He was only 21 years old when it first opened on June 3, 1937. Earl loved reptiles and noticed how people were both scared and fascinated by snakes.
He decided to set up a small display of snakes. People paid money to see them, and it was a success! The zoo faced tough times in the 1940s when Earl served in the Army. After World War II, more people visited the Black Hills area.
In 1965, the zoo moved to a new spot and grew much bigger. They even built the amazing Sky Dome then. Even though Earl passed away in 1993, his family still runs Reptile Gardens today. It has more types of reptiles than any other zoo in the world!
Exploring the Sky Dome
The Sky Dome is a giant indoor jungle at Reptile Gardens. It first opened in 1965, giving visitors a unique experience. In 1976, a fire sadly destroyed most of the Sky Dome.
However, the main Ponderosa Pine tree inside survived! The Sky Dome was quickly rebuilt and reopened in 1977. Today, this huge indoor area is still a highlight for visitors.
Exciting Exhibits and Animals
Reptile Gardens has many cool exhibits and shows for you to enjoy. Here are some of the popular ones:
- Prairie Dog Town: Watch these busy little animals.
- Snake Program: Learn all about different snakes.
- Bird Program: See amazing birds in action.
- Alligator/Crocodile Show: Get up close with these powerful reptiles.
- Bald Eagle Exhibit: See America's national bird.
- Sky Dome: Explore an indoor jungle.
- Safari Room: Discover more animals and plants.
- Komodo Dragon: Meet one of the largest lizards on Earth.
- Tortuga Falls Meditative Garden: A peaceful place with waterfalls.
- Living Wall: A wall covered in plants.
- Giant Tortoise Yard: See huge, ancient tortoises.
Helping Wildlife: Conservation Efforts
Reptile Gardens cares a lot about protecting animals and their homes. They give money to different groups that work to save nature. For example, they support the Charles Darwin Center in the Galapagos Islands. This money helps protect wild animals and their natural environments around the world.
Fun and Educational Programs
During the summer, Reptile Gardens offers awesome shows that teach you about animals. You can watch a bird program, an alligator/crocodile show, and a snake program. During these shows, the animal keepers share interesting facts. They also talk about how to stay safe around animals and what people are doing to help different species survive.
Awards and Recognition
Reptile Gardens has won many awards over the years! These awards come from local groups, the state, and even national organizations. Some of their awards include:
- USA Today Readers Choice Award, Best Attraction in South Dakota - 2017
- Heritage Award, Prairie Family Business Assn. - 2017
- SBA Family-Owned Business of the Year for South Dakota - 2010
- Prairie Family Business Assn. Family Business of the Year – 2009
- Tom Didier Excellence in Family Business Award – 2008
- USA Today Top 10 Roadside Attractions In The Country – 2001
- South Dakota Governors Service Award for Outstanding Commitment to Hospitality and Education in the Visitor Industry – 2003-2011
- Midwest Travel Writers Association Gemmy Award – 1995
- George S. Mickelson Award for Great Service to South Dakota Visitors - 1994
- AAA GEM Designation Attraction
The founder, Earl Brockelsby, won an award in 1982 for promoting tourism in South Dakota. His son, John Brockelsby, who works in Public Relations, received the same award in 2015!
See also
- The Reptile Zoo
