Reptile Gardens is an animal park located south of Rapid City, South Dakota, on the road to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The park is open the first Saturday in March through November 30 each year. Reptile Gardens was cited in the 2014 Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's largest reptile zoo. It was re-certified in the 2018 edition. This South Dakota attraction was founded by 21-year-old reptile enthusiast Earl Brock and officially opened on June 3, 1937. Allegedly intrigued by the fear and interest people expressed when faced with a snake, Brock set up a small display of snakes and began charging admission. After some initial success, Reptile Gardens went through difficult times in the 1940s while Brock was serving with the Army in Europe. Regaining momentum after World War II, the 1950s saw an increase in visitation to the Black Hills. Due to the widening and relocation of Highway 16, a new location and major expansion, including the Sky Dome, were completed in 1965. More information...
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