Bear Country USA

About

Bear Country USA sits along US Highway 16 in the Black Hills of South Dakota, just a few miles south of Rapid City. It's one of the largest privately owned collections of North American wildlife in the country, and the experience is unlike a typical zoo. Here, the animals roam free and you're the one in the enclosure - your car.

The main attraction is a three-mile drive through spacious wildlife areas where black bears, grizzly bears, elk, reindeer, mountain lions, wolves, and bison wander right alongside the road. You'll stay in your vehicle with windows up, moving at a slow pace while animals cross in front of you, nap beside the road, or play in ponds just feet away. It's a genuinely thrilling way to see wildlife up close, and kids especially love it.

After the drive, there's a walkthrough area called Babyland where you can see baby bears, baby wolves, and other young animals. This section changes with the seasons since many animals are born in spring, making early summer one of the best times to visit. The gift shop and snack area round out the experience.

Bear Country USA is open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and how long you linger at each section. There's no need to rush. Many visitors go through twice.

A few practical tips: arrive earlier in the day when animals tend to be more active. Convertibles and motorcycles aren't allowed on the drive for safety reasons. Pets must stay in the car with windows closed. Admission is charged per person, with kids under five free. The park is family-owned and has been operating since 1972, giving it a personal, well-maintained feel that sets it apart from larger commercial attractions.

Whether you're passing through the Black Hills or making it a dedicated stop, Bear Country USA offers an authentic wildlife encounter that's hard to find anywhere else in the region.

Accessibility

Bear Country USA offers a naturally accessible experience for many visitors since the main attraction is a drive-through wildlife park viewed entirely from your own vehicle. This makes the three-mile wildlife loop fully accessible to anyone who can ride in a car, with no walking required for the primary experience.

The walkthrough Babyland area and visitor facilities include wheelchair-accessible features. The park has accessible parking near the entrance and an ADA-compliant main entrance. Paved paths connect the walkthrough areas, and the Sky Dome building includes an elevator for multi-level access.

For visitors with mobility considerations, the drive-through format is ideal since you never need to leave your vehicle. The walkthrough section with baby animals has paved surfaces, though specific path widths and grade details should be confirmed with the park directly.

Sensory considerations: the drive is a calm, self-paced experience with no loud noises or sudden stimuli, which can work well for visitors with sensory sensitivities. The walkthrough area with baby animals may be busier and louder during peak times.

Restroom accessibility details and the availability of wheelchair-accessible restrooms should be confirmed by contacting Bear Country USA before your visit.

Contact Bear Country USA directly at (605) 343-2290 for the most current information on specific accessibility features, service animal policies, and any accommodations they can arrange for visitors with disabilities. The park is located at 13820 US Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57702.

More accessible places in South Dakota

• WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort (Rapid City)
• Storybook Island (Rapid City)
• Reptile Gardens (Rapid City)
• 1880 Train (Black Hills Central Railroad) (Hill City)
• Jewel Cave National Monument (Custer)
• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (Philip)