RAPID CITY ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Face to Face with the Black Hills: A Drive-Through Wildlife Encounter at Bear Country USA
Drive two miles across 200 acres of enclosures south of Rapid City to see black bears, elk, bighorn and more from the safety of your car — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Face to Face with the Black Hills: A Drive-Through Wildlife Encounter at Bear Country USA.
Nestled about eight miles south of Rapid City, Bear Country USA spreads across roughly 200 acres of pine and meadow, where a leisurely two-mile drive threads through a series of enclosures and delivers close-up views of North American mammals — black bears, elk, reindeer, bighorn sheep, buffalo and more — all observed from inside your vehicle.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Menagerie of North American Mammals
Bear Country USA concentrates many species of North American mammals across its grounds — black bears, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, Rocky Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and buffalo — providing repeated opportunities to spot them during the drive.
200 Acres of Pines and Meadow
Set amid towering pines and rolling meadows, the park’s roughly 200 acres frame the two-mile driving route and give animals space to climb, frolic in pools and amble across the road in front of vehicles.
Up-Close Views from Your Car
Visitors remain in their vehicles and often find themselves having intimate, close-up encounters — a black bear at a window or an elk crossing directly ahead — all from the protection and vantage point of a car.
What the day feels like
What the Visit Feels Like
The outing is a relaxed, vehicle-based loop: you enter the park and proceed along a two-mile route through several enclosures, watching animals as they move through pine- and meadow-dotted terrain — often close enough to feel the scale of a bear or elk — while following park rules that keep people and animals separated for safety.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Keep all doors and sunroofs closed and windows shut while in the drive area; do not feed the animals; follow CDC recommendations and practice social distancing; note that selfie sticks are not allowed in the Wildlife Walk area and should not be extended into animal pens.
All persons enter the wildlife park at their own risk and must remain in their vehicle while in the driving enclosures. If you develop car trouble, do not exit the vehicle — turn on hazard lights and sound your horn to summon assistance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How much does general admission cost?
Admission prices are: Adults (ages 13–61) $25; Children (ages 5–12) $20; Seniors (62+) $22; Young children (age 4 and under) free.
Do bus groups have to do anything special?
Yes — guests or groups arriving in buses must purchase entry tickets at the front gate upon arrival.
Is there special pricing for military?
Military pricing is available, but those guests must purchase entry tickets at the front gate upon arrival.
Can I feed the animals or open my window for a better view?
No — feeding of animals is strictly prohibited, and all visitors must remain in their vehicle with windows closed at all times while in the driving enclosures.
Are selfie sticks allowed?
Selfie sticks are not allowed in the Wildlife Walk area, and visitors must not reach selfie sticks into animal pens.
What should I do if my car has trouble in the park?
Do not attempt to exit your vehicle; instead turn on your hazard lights and sound your horn to summon assistance.
Who owns the commercial rights to photographs taken on site?
Commercial rights to all photographs remain the property of Bear Country USA.