Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum

About

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History sit on 45 acres in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, combining a living zoo experience with one of the largest collections of mounted natural history specimens in the world. It's a place where families can spend an entire day moving between live animal encounters and awe-inspiring museum displays.

The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing more than 130 species. You'll find snow leopards, red pandas, bears, giraffes, and a variety of primates, reptiles, and birds. Many exhibits are designed to bring you close to the animals, with viewing windows and interactive stations that make the experience engaging for visitors of all ages.

Inside the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, you'll discover one of the largest collections of mounted animals in the world. The displays feature specimens from every continent, giving visitors a chance to appreciate wildlife diversity in a single visit. The Kids' Clinic play area in the museum lobby offers hands-on activities perfect for younger visitors.

Seasonal events and programs keep things fresh throughout the year. Summer brings the Splash Pad and extended hours, while educational programs and special animal feedings give visitors a reason to come back. The ROAR Cafe provides a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.

Admission is affordably priced, making it an accessible outing for families on a budget. The zoo is open year-round, though hours vary by season, so it's worth checking the website before you go. Plan for two to three hours to see everything at a comfortable pace.

Accessibility

Great Plains Zoo has made meaningful efforts to welcome visitors with mobility needs. All restrooms on the zoo campus are wheelchair accessible and equipped with youth changing tables. Restroom locations include the Main Lobby, near the Splash Pad, and in the ROAR Cafe, so you're never far from facilities.

Wheelchairs are available at no charge from Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis. A photo ID is required to borrow one. The zoo's pathways are paved and generally flat, making it manageable for wheelchair users and families with strollers.

The Delbridge Museum of Natural History is located indoors, providing a climate-controlled environment that can be a welcome break during hot or cold weather. The Kids' Clinic play area in the museum lobby offers hands-on activities at an accessible height for younger children.

For visitors with specific accessibility needs beyond mobility, such as sensory accommodations or assistance animals, contact the zoo directly at (605) 367-7003 for the most current information on available services. Staff at Guest Services can also answer questions about parking proximity and any temporary path closures on the day of your visit.

More accessible places in South Dakota

• Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science (Sioux Falls)
• Thunder Road Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls)
• 1880 Train (Black Hills Central Railroad) (Hill City)
• Jewel Cave National Monument (Custer)
• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (Philip)
• Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center (Chamberlain)