We have been to the location in Arizona that is similar to this, and we were staying in a campground about 3 miles away, so we thought we would stop in here on our way to see Mount Rushmore and other tourist attractions It cost $44 for entrance, that includes a senior discount. You have a loop that you drive and you stay in your car to see the animals and then you park go through a visitor center and have a separate area where you could walk around and see other animals, such as the younger bears. You are definitely up close in Personal with these animals, they have a ton of bears, and they are all over the place, crossing the road, walking by your car. Everyone was super respectful, stayed in their vehicles. The bears did not seem agitated at all. They also had quite a few buffalo and obviously baby buffaloes too If you like animals, this one is definitely worth a stop. They do have a concession stand in the walkable area and they had pretty reasonably priced snack food, such as uncrushable, peanut butter and jelly, chips and such read more

See all

I loved everything! The staff are amazing and did a great job of taking care of the animals and location. There were so many animals to see. My mom loved it as well! This is a great place for everyone! You drive through in your vehicle and have a nice little circle or animals to check out! read more

See all

Definitely in my top three places in the US! It's just everything to love!! Driving through the park is amazing but Oh My!, those bears. The cubs playing and climbing will just steal your heart. It's fun for animal lovers of all ages. I always leave wanting a bear! read more

This was such a great experience at around $25 per person. The big bear experience is a drive through that gets you within a few feet of the bears. There are no fences that separate you, so if that gives you anxiety, this is not for you. We went through at feeding time, which made this even better. At the end of the drive through there was a small walk through zoo, which was also impressive. The highlight of the walk through was the bear cubs exhibit, they played and wrestled the entire time. The location is on the way from the airport to Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park. Convenient and recommended! read more

See all

We tried to see Mount Rushmore in the morning but it was rainy and foggy and you couldn't see a thing so we decided to give Bear Country a try. It was well worth the $ and time. So fun, we saw so many neat animals but the star of the whole place was the baby bears playing. They were so fun to watch. We laughed and laughed at their antics. We kept hearing kids telling their parents it's the best place they'd been to and how much they loved it. There's a place to stop and clean off your windshield at the entrance since it's a drive thru park. That took about 45 min then they have a walk around area similar to a zoo. There's a small snack bar with reasonably priced snacks. A huge gift shop and bathrooms. One thing to note is they do not allow any pets into the walk around area including service animals which I was very surprised at. read more

See all

We enjoyed this. We did see a LOT of bears. Eating, playing, fighting (wow!). It was nice to drive through. There were not a ton of cars driving through at the same time as we were, I might have not liked it so much if there had been. You keep your windows up, obviously, so hopefully your car A/C is good. What was kind of bothering me is that this is REALLY a lot of bears, and also a LOT of baby bears. It seemed...not right. Also, there was food out for them. It involved meat, sweet potatoes, carrots, grapes, etc...but there was also a lot of sliced bread. I don't know exactly what wild bears eat but I don't think it involves baked goods. So that made me feel not great about it. read more

Bear Country USA - There are a lot of bears here in Bear Country USA - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

See all

What a wonderful place to visit! Went here last Sunday with my wife and daughter. This is a must go to place to visit like the monuments. First you drive thru several paddocks that contain free walking animals from elk to reindeer to buffalo to bears. Lots of bears!! It's such a fun time to experience looking and searching for the animals in each paddock that it's so much fun! We even saw the bears being fed and that was a lot of fun to see them eat apples, carrots and bread. After the drive thru section there is an area where you park and get to walk around the zoo that features local wild animals from otters and foxes to badgers and lots of baby bear cubs. The baby bear cubs are so cute that you want to roll around with them too! Such a great place to visit and relax! If we lived closer we would buy an annual pass and enjoy this place once a week at least! Great place and it is a must see m! read more

See all

Was not sure about going. Started off slow but the bears totally made up for it!! Was a nice little experience! Would recommend! read more

See all

We were looking for things to do around Rapid City and Bear Country USA seemed to be a popular option. This was my first time doing a 'drive-thru zoo' and I have to say, I may prefer it over regular zoos! It was a smooth and easy process getting in. We were given a map to know where to go and where each of the different animals are located, but the road is a one-way path so it's very simple to know where to go. I could not believe all of the different animals that they had! Wolves, bison, and so many bears!! I loved how the animals were able to free roam rather than being caged up, and it was pretty interesting seeing them doing their own thing or interacting with the environment. After the driving trail, there is a small spot where you can walk out and see more animals, including baby bears.... oh my gosh, they were so cute. Bear Country USA is so much fun!! Probably one of our favorite things that we did in Rapid City. read more

See all

Bear Country USA was one of the highlights of our trip to Rapid City! We were amazed from the moment we entered the park. Seeing bears up close--including adorable baby bears--was an experience we'll never forget. The park is filled with beautiful wildlife and offers so many opportunities to see animals in a natural setting. The drive-through portion was fantastic, and the walk-through area was just as enjoyable. The animals appeared well cared for, and the entire park was clean, well maintained, and easy to navigate. If you're visiting the Black Hills or Rapid City area, make time for Bear Country USA. It's absolutely worth the stop and a great way to support wildlife conservation while creating unforgettable memories. We would highly recommend it to anyone traveling through South Dakota! read more

Lots of animals! There were so many and they hung out in the road so we were able to get kind of close. The walk afterwards was nice, too. Worth what we paid for the amount we saw. read more

Bear Country USA - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

See all

I don't think we had the best luck during our visit to Bear Country. It was a bit tough to spot the animals while driving through, and unlike some other reviews, we didn't have any come up close to the car. That said, I know it's kind of the luck of the draw, so I didn't want to rate them too low for that. Where I had the most fun was in the walk-through exhibits after the drive. The bear cubs were an absolute blast to watch--I could have spent hours just enjoying them run around and play. All in all, it's not a bad way to spend a few hours, especially if you enjoy wildlife and a relaxed pace. read more

This place lives up to its name! There a ton of bears. The drive thru zoo is really cool and the animals were active and get very close to your car! We went right at opening time, and we think morning is when animals are most active. Drive thru zoo takes about 45 minutes, then 45 more minutes to do the walk through zoo. There's also a little gift. The bear cubs stood out as being very funny and cute. The price for how many animals you see is great too. We loved it! read more

See all

This was one of our favorite things that we did on our trip to Mount Rushmore! It was awesome to us because most of these animals don't live near us so it wasn't like the animal safaris that we had been too! Our very favorites were the cubs at the end! Everything was very clean and we thought it was affordable! read more

Wow. Wow. Wow. Did I say WOW. This place is Awesome. We took our three grandkids all boys. 5,8,11. They had an incredible time. The driving loop they saw everything that was listed in the map they give you when you arrive. Then, it was off to the walking area. This place was By far better than any zoo I have ever been to. They should teach zoos how to care and display the wildlife for the guest to enjoy. There was a snack shop right in the middle of the walking path. Great idea. The gift shop was well stocked. I have been to the Black Hills many times and driven by the place. BEAR COUNTRY USA. this is a MUST SEE!!!!!! We had our dogs either us. We let the jeep idle with the AC on while we walked through and went to the gift shop. We talked with the staff. If you leave your car running and the dogs have AC it is not a problem if you just crack the windows and no AC. They can take your pets away from you here in South Dakota. This was an incredibly great day for the boys. Thanks to Bear Country. read more

Torture Tour. Enslaved animals enduring a lifetime in captivity, far from their natural habitat, with a miniscule fraction of the space they need to feel comfortable. Human beings don't have the right to do this. Sickening. read more

This is a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be. We saw animals that were mostly elusive during our trip. The 12 baby bear cubs were adorable. The cutest thing I've seen in a long time all the bears and the bear area must've been 20 of them. It was very good experience. read more

Bear Country USA - Bear cubs - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

See all

What a great experience. Wonderful views of the animals in the park. Well worth lived every minute. Watching the bears from so close was a great experience. We visited as part of Operation Black Hills Cabin. Thank you for supporting their program and for supporting wounded veterans. read more

See all

I would not visit again. The most fascinating part was the bears! Lol. We saw elk, and a few big horn sheep. We did not see wolves, saw only three bison that were very far away, and saw no reindeer. I think it was a waste of money ‍ read more

Bear Country USA - Bears! - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

See all

Bear Country is the epitome of how not to exhibit wildlife in a humane enclosure. First, upon entering the park, we noticed the abundance of adult bears, male and female, in very close proximity to each other. All bears are solitary creatures, traveling alone, their lifetime with the exception of brief mating encounters in spring. There were far too many bears in this park with no possibility of being alone. This is extremely stressful for the animal. Upon leaving the bear enclosure, we saw one bear pacing back and forth at the , hoping somehow to get out. It was pitiful and heart wrenching to watch. We were shocked to see very young cubs in enclosure without their mother present. This practice is purely to entertain and bring in customers. Bear remain with their mother for almost 2 years. It is totally unnatural and inhumane to separate them. The mother and need their own enclosure, safe from bears. But this practice would be costly to bear country, which is more interested in profit than providing a park that educates the as humane and natural and as is possible in a confined setting. Think of the and stay away from country! read more

Fun time driving and walking through the park. So many bears and other animals too. Seeing the baby bears playing was definitely the best part. Great for kids, I'm sure, but us adults enjoyed it too. read more

See all

On my vacay to South Dakota this was my favorite! My cousins took me and my sister here as we had never been. What an amazing adventure! So many beautiful animals...Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Bison, Bears, Wolves, Deer, Bobcat, Coyote, Javalina, Prairie Dog and so much more! The gift shop is outstanding! I bought lots of souvenirs for me and my cousins. Just an amazing time! I love seeing all the animals upclose and personal. Highly Recommend if you travel to South Dakota! You do not want to miss this! read more

See all

Pretty awesome and would not miss worth every penny! And the gift shop.......... Thee cubs are amazing

I've always enjoyed the outdoors and the wildlife that call it home. On a recent visit to Bear Country USA in South Dakota that fascination with wildlife was reaffirmed. Without question, out of the many exhibits I've experienced, the bear exhibit has been the most exciting, exhilarating and probably the most unnerving. This is the closest I've ever gotten and probably will ever get to a Black Bear. Bears roam freely in the enclosure and will often find their way in front of your car. However, the bears have grown accustomed to cars traveling through that they seem to ignore your presence. Prior to entering you're told to keep your windows rolled up and never leave your car and for good reason. Although, these bears seems docile their still wild animals and one must never forget that. This drive through the exhibit is definitely something you should do if you're wanting an up close and personal experience with a bear. read more

Bear Country USA - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

By far the coolest thing we did on our trip! Getting to see animals this close was so cool, especially the bears. Every single animal was out and active. The grounds were so clean and beautifully kept. The staff were so kind! It was an amazing experience and we will definitely be back! read more

See all

We loved this place! 1 - 1.5 hours is all you need, drive through the park with a line of other cars, then stop at the baby bear area. We saw every animal they advertised there, minus the Mountain Lion (which I would not expect to see anyways!). The Bighorn Sheep and bears were so cool, along with many bison and elk. Well worth the entry fee in our opinion, don't skip it! read more

See all

One of our favorite parts of our trip to South Dakota! LOVED seeing all of the animals, and then visiting the cubs after the drive through the park. It is a WONDERFUL place to visit, and we highly recommend it if you are ever in the area. The people in the gift shop were very friendly, and everyone we met was outstanding! read more

This is fun to go and see caged wildlife. Lots and lots of bears!! Don't go on a holiday weekend! It's gridlocked all the way through the park! read more

Amazing place. So many bears walking close to your car as you drive though. The kids loved it! They have a wonderful gift shop at the end too. read more

My family and I loved it! We had such a great time seeing all of the animals. We loved seeing all of the bears and the highlight of the trip were the baby bears. Adorable! We could've watched them all day long. The property is clean, well organized, and there are plenty of bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean as well. The gift shop is a great addition. It's so cute! read more

The staff was great, experience amazing, gift shop reasonably priced. We will definitely visit again when we are in town.

DO IT! The price for adults is $20 while children are $15, at least that's what we paid. It's so worth it when you get inside the facilities and see these amazing animals! Once you've reached the bears just know you've got Bison left and then that's the end of the adventure. I recommend watching the bears, they'll do some funny things. We noticed a wolf fighting with a bear over food, the bear walked away and the wolf took off with the food. Once you've ended the animals, you come to restrooms and the Gift shop. There's also MORE animals to see! We saw a Lynx, bobcat, skunk, cubs, attic fox, and otters. I can't remember them all but there's some. The gift shop is incredible, you can find the cutest stuff. If you love animals and watching them in nature, you should defy visit :) read more

See all

Had the most wonderful experience bright the little kid in me out seeing all the animals from my vehicle.

We came through on Sunday May1 and it was an awesome experience, sun was out and ALL the animals were as well, absolutely beautiful and a great experience! Hi Update! We have been here 3 times now and every time we have sincerely enjoyed it, we will be back again! read more

I am obsessed with bears. It was a dream of mine to visit here. It did not disappoint. There are A LOT of bears. Some contained and others roaming the bear area. They walk close to your vehicles. Play, lounge, and eat in the grassy areas. The walking area is fantastic with other mammals. The baby bears are adorable. The gift shop was not full of cheap Junk. The park was clean and maintained. You can tell that a lot of pride goes into the park. read more

Bear Country USA - Big brown bear giving no cares. Cars had to drive around him. - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

See all

We really enjoyed this place! $20 per adult. The loop is only a couple miles, so take your time! You don't get to feed any animals and must keep your windows closed the whole time. Pets are allowed only by the gazebo area. Then after the safari part, you park and walk around to see the animals in enclosures (bear cubs, skunks, porcupines, otters, and more). Seeing bears and wolves up close was so cool This is definitely a private zoo that cares well for their animals. I would HIGHLY recommend a visit here if you are in the area! Highly suggest getting there around opening time on a weekday to see the most activity from the animals, no waiting in line at the entrance, and it's less crowded. The gift shop is huge and has a lot of fun stuff but pricey. We really enjoyed our visit. Most of my pictures were taken with my pro camera. I only had this one on my cell phone. read more

See all

Basically just come to watch the bear cubs play with each other in their enclosure. My family could have spent a couple of hours just watching the cute cubs fall over each other. The price is a little pricey but if you drive slow, you can make it worth your money. Don't quickly drive through the enclosures, or you will miss out. We came during the slow season so did not run into any crowding issues but I have heard that the park can get pretty full and slow during the busy season. Come early to beat the crowds if that is the case. There is a good assortment of animals in the open enclosures including elk, caribou, big horn sheep, wolves, bear, and bison. Once you finish the nature loop, you can get out and walk around to see other North American animals. Animals seemed happy and well taken care of, especially those bear cubs. They were just so much fun to watch. The gift store is huge and has a lot to look through. I am not much of a gift store guy so I made it out unscathed but there looked like a good assortment of fun gifts and finds for all ages to take home. Bear Country is a unique experience from what you normally would find at a regular zoo and worth the visit at least once if you are in Rapid City area. read more

See all

My husband and I had a great visit here today. The enclosures were a good size for the various animals there. We loved seeing the bears, elk, reindeer, horned sheep and more. The bear cubs at the end very very cute too. We stayed about 1-1/2 hours. read more

Bear Country USA - Reindeer - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

See all

Laws - a lot of bears, lovely shiny coats, shambling around, playing in their waterfall and ponds or just snoozing under a tree. The habitats are Four Seasons level. There are Wolves, Elk and baby bears and other critters. It's a drive through then a stroll to the baby bear compound. Not busy at this time of year and well worth the money. read more

Bear Country USA - Just lollygagging on a branch. - Zoos Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Family vacation 2021...bringing the California variant of COVID-19 to your city. Bear Country was one of our favorite places we visited on our June road trip. I had no intentions coming here. To me, Bear Country seemed like just a zoo. We have enough zoos in California. It was my wife and daughter who wanted to visit, and I'm glad they convinced me. They lazy me liked driving through the different habitats to see the different animals. It was neat driving up to and parking next to the animals and watching them. After the driving tour was over, they had an area where you could walk and watch the cubs and other animals. It was nice finding out that they rescue young orphaned bear cubs that would not survive out in the wild. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours and watch cute animals. If in Rapid City again, I definitely would make a return visit. read more

See all