While dinosaurs are long gone, we here in South Dakota are fortunate in that we have access to some of the best fossil sites and museums in the country! If you have already visited some of our dig sites and museums, you may be looking for something new to try, which is why we cannot help but gush about this unique South Dakota park that many people do not know even exists:

Located in Rapid City is the aptly named Dinosaur Park, which is billed as being one of the Black Hills’ first tourist attractions.

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Opened in 1936, Dinosaur Park sits atop a ridge of sandstone that overlooks the outskirts of town, making for an unforgettable welcome to Rapid City.

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Why put dinosaur sculptures on top of a hill? It is because the sandstone ridge has revealed a number of Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous fossils, as well as footsteps.

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To get a better look at these uncovered Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous dinosaurs, take some time to walk around and look at all of the lifesize concrete replicas, which includes a Stegosaurus, T-Rex, Triceratops, and more.

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Need another reason to visit? Check out the views on the hill, which allow you to see an upwards of 100 miles away!

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Don’t forget to bring your camera.

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While the park itself is open year round, there is also a seasonal gift shop and visitor center that is open every day from June through August from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and in May, September, and October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TripAdvisor/britgal60 Note: Admission to the park is always free!

Address: 940 Skyline Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702

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Google/Melissa Miller

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Note: Admission to the park is always free!

Have you visited the Dinosaur Park? We would love to hear your stories and see your photos in the comments! For even more prehistoric fun, click on You Can Dig Up Fossils From The Ice Age At This South Dakota Attraction.

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