Dinosaur Park
A quirky, free park featuring 1930s cement dinosaurs with breathtaking panoramic views of Rapid City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Dinosaur Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky, free park featuring 1930s cement dinosaurs with breathtaking panoramic views of Rapid City.
"This kitschy local park brings out the inner child with fun dinosaur statues and a spectacular view."
🎯 Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this unique attraction without an entry fee! Parking is available but can be limited during busy times .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While there are paved ramps, some areas involve inclines and stairs. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Cement Dinosaurs
Throughout the park
Kitschy, 1930s cement dinosaur sculptures offer a unique and fun photo opportunity for all ages.
Panoramic City Views
Hilltop overlook
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Rapid City and the surrounding prairie from the park's elevated location.
Educational Kiosks
Near each dinosaur sculpture
Learn about different dinosaur species through informative plaques and updated signs detailing the park's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Kitschy Charm
Timing is Key for Views & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this unique attraction without an entry fee! Parking is available but can be limited during busy times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While there are paved ramps, some areas involve inclines and stairs. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The life-size dinosaurs and city views make for fantastic, memorable photos, especially with kids.
💡 Educational Fun
Take advantage of the informative plaques to learn about the dinosaurs and the park's history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this unique attraction without an entry fee! Parking is available but can be limited during busy times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While there are paved ramps, some areas involve inclines and stairs. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The life-size dinosaurs and city views make for fantastic, memorable photos, especially with kids.
💡 Educational Fun
Take advantage of the informative plaques to learn about the dinosaurs and the park's history.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Grab a snack, ice cream, or a fun souvenir at the visitor center's gift shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dinosaur Park for its free admission, stunning panoramic views of Rapid City, and the unique charm of its vintage cement dinosaurs. It's considered a fun, accessible pit stop for families and a great photo opportunity. Some reviewers noted that while accessibility has improved, certain areas might still be challenging for those with significant mobility issues, and it's not a playground with extensive climbing structures.
"Free entrance, five minutes drive up the skyline from downtown for 360• view of Rapid City. Visitor centre with food and deck in the back. Accessible for all ages, there’s stairs and paved ramp to make it an easy trek up. Informative plaques, makes for a great pit stop."
Lisa Chan
"I love this kitschy local park because it brings out the inner child in all. This a free park that guides you to an overlook of Rapid City with fun statues of various dinosaurs and educational kiosks at each species. Recently updated with a handicap accessible path, beautiful metal handrails, & additional informative signs along the walk explaining the start of the park, a popular tourist spot. The gift shop has snacks and fun trinkets for kids and adults alike. Great photo opportunity & rest stop for all. Limited parking but easily accessible. Trail map kiosk also found here."
Susan Simonson
"The park was cute, and it has a GREAT view of the city! Fun for some pictures with kids.
I will say, if you have mobility issues, it's not very accessible. Which is unfortunate. The path to get up to the top is kind of steep in places and far out of the way. And there are some that just aren't reachable with wheels, or if you're unable to do stairs."
Bailey Rouse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dinosaur Park is located on a hill just a five-minute drive from downtown Rapid City, South Dakota. It's easily accessible by car, with limited parking available at the site.
The park has been updated with a handicap-accessible path and beautiful metal handrails, making it easier to navigate. However, some visitors note that certain areas might still be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
From downtown Rapid City, head towards the skyline. The park is situated on a hill, and signs will guide you to the entrance. The drive offers scenic views as you ascend.
Information on public transportation directly to Dinosaur Park is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the attraction.
While it's a short drive, walking from downtown might be a steep and lengthy trek. It's generally recommended to drive or use other transportation methods to reach the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Dinosaur Park offers free admission, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction for families and travelers.
The park is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check local listings or visitor information for the most up-to-date hours.
No, tickets are not required as Dinosaur Park has free admission. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Parking at Dinosaur Park is typically free. However, the parking lot can become full during peak times.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the park, especially for a picnic with a view.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photos of the dinosaurs and the city skyline. Mornings can also be great for fewer crowds and softer light.
While most are static cement sculptures, some of the larger dinosaurs are realistic and might have moving parts or sounds in other dinosaur parks.
Besides admiring the dinosaur sculptures, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Rapid City, read educational plaques, and visit the gift shop for snacks and souvenirs.
Yes, children often love the novelty of the dinosaur sculptures and the opportunity for fun photos. Some smaller dinosaurs are climbable.
You'll get a spectacular 360-degree view of Rapid City and the surrounding prairie landscape from the park's elevated position.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of Cement Dinosaurs
but rather charming, retro sculptures that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Created decades ago, they offer a distinct visual appeal that many visitors find endearingly kitschy.These sculptures are strategically placed around the hilltop, offering a fun backdrop for photos. While some visitors might expect a more playground-like experience with climbable structures,
Panoramic Views and Visitor Experience
Recent upgrades have enhanced accessibility, with paved ramps and sturdy handrails making the trek to the top easier for a wider range of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit