Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park
4
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- sharon eSalt Lake City, Utah9 contributionsGIGANTIC DINOSAURSBefore our flight out of Rapid City after Easter weekend we stopped here with the family to take some family photos with all of the dinosaurs! they are ENORMOUS and absolutely you must stop here if you have not already. I think this is the only place on the country with something like this.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 2, 2024
- KarmV_707116 contributionsSPECTACULAR VIEW!!!Great popular spot for visitors. Some construction are ongoing, but you're still able to take great pics next to the dinasour, rhinosaurus, etc. Just be safe and wear good traction sneakers. The view of Rapid City is fantastic! Worth seeing this place. The houses you pass looked very special for this area. Great drive uphill!!!Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 20, 2024
- AngelaMB12Hanover, Pennsylvania335 contributionsspectacular viewsA nice place to walk around and see five dinosaur statues. It has stairs and a ramp to the top. The views were spectacular. The visitor center is a big selection of souvenirs, a food cafe, and restrooms.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 10, 2024
- Sashya C3 contributionsHome town touch to a tourist attractionThe views were amazing, the cement dinosaurs are very cool 😎 🦕 We have visited so many businesses in the past 4i hours, that what stands out to me is the excellent service. The Manager offered to install complimentary batteries in a toy my son bought there (she had the right tiny screwdriver handy!) AND don't bother buying your badlands merchandise anywhere else. The prices here are very reasonable (for the exact same shirt!) Also, the 100% all beef Hotdogs were very tasty. All of my boys said it was one of the best they had ever had.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.0
1,146 reviews
Excellent
374
Very good
423
Average
273
Poor
53
Terrible
23
RYC88
Centreville, VA1,321 contributions
Jul 2021
We loved that there was a visitor's center and that it is such a great place for kids. Even though we were just up there to get a view of the city and walk around, it was super fun to see the huge dinosaur sculptures and to see everyone running around taking pictures and enjoying family-time. It's so cute to be able to see the dinosaur up on top of the hill when you are driving around Rapid City. It's open until 10pm, so it's a fun place to go to end out the day and get a view of the city lights.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr_Xaos
Palatine, IL1,296 contributions
Jul 2020
The Dinosaur Park sits atop a large hill that you need to drive up a windy road to get to. Once you park your vehicle, there's several staircases that you need to climb to reach the various levels/platforms upon which sit these concrete behemoths. Because the park is so far up the hill, you not only get to see the dinosaur statues, but there you get some truly beautiful views of Rapid City from almost every angle.
The statues themselves are old and somewhat dated, which is to be expected of things that were original created back in the 1930's era. However, some of the appeal is that these tributes to prehistoric times are also pieces of history. Sure, the dinosaurs aren't completely accurate to their true sizes and shapes, but you get to climb and sit on some kitschy statues. Our younger daughter loved being able to directly interact with her new dinosaur friends.
Park costs nothing to visit besides some time and energy. Not a lot to see or do while there, so probably not going to be there more than an hour or so. They do have a gift shop next to the parking lot where you can buy souvenirs or treats if interested. Wouldn't make a special trip to go here, but highly recommend stopping by if you're in the Rapid City area.
The statues themselves are old and somewhat dated, which is to be expected of things that were original created back in the 1930's era. However, some of the appeal is that these tributes to prehistoric times are also pieces of history. Sure, the dinosaurs aren't completely accurate to their true sizes and shapes, but you get to climb and sit on some kitschy statues. Our younger daughter loved being able to directly interact with her new dinosaur friends.
Park costs nothing to visit besides some time and energy. Not a lot to see or do while there, so probably not going to be there more than an hour or so. They do have a gift shop next to the parking lot where you can buy souvenirs or treats if interested. Wouldn't make a special trip to go here, but highly recommend stopping by if you're in the Rapid City area.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill C.
18 contributions
Jan 2020
When I am in a new area, i like to get up high and take a look from above. Rapid city's Dinosaur Park is perfectly situated in the center of the city. As one of the highest points in the city, you can easily view a panorama of the city's east side and west side and easily see how the city is divided by the "gap" formed by two ridges.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nate080411
Nashua, NH1,077 contributions
May 2021
This was interesting. We saw it on our first trip to Rapid City and thought on our second time we should go and visit. So on our second trip we have visited it and overall it was worth a quick stop, but really is good for kids and the view of Rapid City and the surrounding area. It was a nice view and there are some good dinosaur replicas, but really it isn't that educational if you are just looking at the sculptures and the view is just of the city area. I would say if you are in the area you should go and take the photo but don't spend a lot of time.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha S
Fayetteville, AR49 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
So we kept seeing signs for this in rapid city and we finally decided to visit one afternoon. I must say this was a disappointment. It is literally 5 dinosaur statues and a few benches to sit down and enjoy the view. It is free but now I know why.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gunnerpa V
Harker Heights, TX59 contributions
Aug 2020
This is not only a great old park, those concrete dinosaurs are getting near 100 years old. They are quite the mascots for Rapid City.
I wanted to take my Grandkids but never got that opportunity. However, I didn't miss it! I thought I was just going to walk my typical miles around a city sidewalk and partake in the 87 step ascent for some intense cardio. However, I was pleasantly surprised with miles of wonderful, well groomed trails on the backside of the park. They are not extremely strenuous but you can always pick up the pace or do more distance. I even got delightfully surprised with a large deer fuzzy antlers walking down Skyline Drive. And the vistas are beautiful to behold!
The drive to the park is very nice as well. There are numerous bronze statues on the multiple street corners, many of them presidents...go figure, when you are so near Mount Rushmore.
When you're finished hiking and admiring the grand dinosaurs, take the drive up Skyline Dr. Plenty of more vista to admire, especially if your spouse didn't join you on the hike!
I wanted to take my Grandkids but never got that opportunity. However, I didn't miss it! I thought I was just going to walk my typical miles around a city sidewalk and partake in the 87 step ascent for some intense cardio. However, I was pleasantly surprised with miles of wonderful, well groomed trails on the backside of the park. They are not extremely strenuous but you can always pick up the pace or do more distance. I even got delightfully surprised with a large deer fuzzy antlers walking down Skyline Drive. And the vistas are beautiful to behold!
The drive to the park is very nice as well. There are numerous bronze statues on the multiple street corners, many of them presidents...go figure, when you are so near Mount Rushmore.
When you're finished hiking and admiring the grand dinosaurs, take the drive up Skyline Dr. Plenty of more vista to admire, especially if your spouse didn't join you on the hike!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikecingb
224 contributions
Jun 2021
In a world of expensive tourist traps, how refreshing to find something...free! It may not be the most exciting thing in the world but still kinda neat! I'm 39 and love dinos so wanted to stop in. I imagine it might be way more fun for kids.
I try to write reviews for real-world travelers. So I say this: forget the road signs! Coming down the main highway from Mt. Rushmore to Rapid City, signs indicate the dinos are just a few turns away. I actually got lost a bit, but ended up on the very scenic drive through some crazy fancy residential neighborhoods. But it's not just a left at the water tower!
You end up driving a few miles up a twisty-turny, highly elevated road to reach the dinos. Watch for some great houses along the way. Finally, the dinos are there. We did not go into the center but it advertised all-beef hot dogs and a drink for $2.49. I was very much wanting to try that.
So sure, there are steps to climb. The dinos are a bit beat up by time. Frankly, there's nothing all that great about them as an adult. But, again, kids might find it exciting. But I say this: I got some decent pics of the place and that makes it worth it as a photographer. But the coolest part was driving out of town the next morning and looking up the hill and seeing the big dino. That really put the size of that thing into perspective and my car load of people from 15 to 65....I think we were all glad to have found it the night before.
I try to write reviews for real-world travelers. So I say this: forget the road signs! Coming down the main highway from Mt. Rushmore to Rapid City, signs indicate the dinos are just a few turns away. I actually got lost a bit, but ended up on the very scenic drive through some crazy fancy residential neighborhoods. But it's not just a left at the water tower!
You end up driving a few miles up a twisty-turny, highly elevated road to reach the dinos. Watch for some great houses along the way. Finally, the dinos are there. We did not go into the center but it advertised all-beef hot dogs and a drink for $2.49. I was very much wanting to try that.
So sure, there are steps to climb. The dinos are a bit beat up by time. Frankly, there's nothing all that great about them as an adult. But, again, kids might find it exciting. But I say this: I got some decent pics of the place and that makes it worth it as a photographer. But the coolest part was driving out of town the next morning and looking up the hill and seeing the big dino. That really put the size of that thing into perspective and my car load of people from 15 to 65....I think we were all glad to have found it the night before.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael P
Mason, OH498 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
My wife harassed me for wanting to stop here, but sometimes you got let your inner child have its way! It’s a free stop and listed on the National Register. It’s amazing that these dinos have been around so long. The largest stands guarding / overlooking the city keeping watch. There is a small gift shop on site (of course) but it was closed by the time we arrived. Kids will enjoy getting to runoff some steam climbing the steps to visit the dinosaurs.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SANDRA C
Topeka23 contributions
Sep 2020
All people in our large group loved this. The 4 year old's in the group have always like dinosaurs so they really liked this place. They have a mirror maize which wasn't to big but it was nice and the kids really loved it.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas S
Deerfield, Illinois, United States31 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Five dinosaur statues that look like they were designed from watching Flintstones. I guess this was fine for a WPA project in 1930s but disappointing in light of any Dino museum you can go to. View is ok but nothing special.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes you should be able to do that, but if you want to 'eat with the dinos' you will lug your supplies up some steps. Also, I assume your planning to do that next spring or beyond - picnic season is done there now.
Written December 15, 2020
Probably.....a doggy bag would be helpful...just in case
Written November 25, 2019
how long dose it take to see the dinos and gift shop and also how long is the walk
Written November 2, 2017
I agree with the others. I would also add there is a fun geocache up there if you are into geocaching!
Written February 20, 2018
Can you walk from downtown Rapid City or is it only accesible by car?
Written February 7, 2017
That steep winding road everyone is mentioning also really doesn't have a shoulder. I have walked it before, but you need to be careful. The steep turns mean cars can't always see you coming.
Written February 8, 2017
What are the hours of operation?
Written February 15, 2015
It is like a regular city park. You park in the parking lot of the gift shop, walk across the street and up the hill to see the dinosaurs. You can probably go when you like but I would think it would be "closed" when the other city parks are. I am not sure of the lighting for night
Written February 16, 2015
IS there room in the parking lot to park our 30' Fifth wheel while we visit.
Written January 25, 2015
My concern would be the narrow winding road going to the park. The parking lot is large, it is the road coming and going I would be concerned about.
Written January 27, 2015
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