Check out an Australian saltwater crocodile at the Reptile Gardens

Rapid City’s Reptile Gardens is a zoo and botanical garden with the largest collection of reptiles in the world according to the 2018 Guinness Book of World Records. You can see giant tortoises, prairie dogs, bald eagles, snakes, and frogs. Stroll through the massive indoor three-level Sky Dome to view a tropical oasis with exotic birds, a Komodo dragon, Australian saltwater crocodile called Maniac, fossils, and a Safari Room filled with tropical plants including orchids, bromeliads, and caladiums. Kids will love gold panning and gemstone sluicing at the Rattlesnake Gulch exhibit, or seeing snake, alligator, and bird shows which run throughout the day.

Credit: South Dakota Tourism