Reptile Gardens

This family-oriented South Dakota attraction was founded by 21-year-old reptile enthusiast Earl Brockelsby and officially opened on June 3, 1937.

Intrigued by the fear and interest people expressed when faced with a snake, Earl set up a small display of snakes, charging people to see them. After some initial success Reptile Gardens went through difficult times in the 1940s while Earl 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 widening and relocation of Highway 16, a new location and major expansion, including the Sky Dome, were completed in 1965.

Although Earl died in 1993, Reptile Gardens remains a family-owned and -operated business that houses more species of reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world.[4][5]

Opened in 1965 as a new addition to Reptile Gardens, this indoor jungle was virtually unheard of in the US at the time. The Sky Dome was rebuilt after a fire in 1976 destroyed everything except for an old Ponderosa Pine skeleton. The same tree still stands as the centerpiece of the Safari Room on the main level. The new Sky Dome was opened in 1977 with new animals and exotic plants.

Prairie Dog town

• Prairie Dog town
• Snake Program
• Bird Program
• Alligator/Crocodile Show
• Bald Eagle Exhibit
• Sky Dome
• Safari Room
• Komodo Dragon
• Tortuga Falls meditative garden
• Living Wall
• Giant Tortoise Yard [6][7]

Every year, Reptile Gardens makes special donations to various environmental conservation organizations, including the Charles Darwin Center in the Galapagos Islands. The money donated to these wildlife organizations helps to protect the natural wildlife of these spectacular environments.

Bird program

During the summer, Reptile Gardens offers educational interactive animal shows, which are: bird program, alligator/crocodile show, and snake program. During performances, the animal keepers discuss safety techniques, facts and conservation efforts to aid in species survival.[8]

• USA Today Readers Choice Award, Best Attraction in South Dakota - 2017
• Heritage Award, Prairie Family Business Assn. - 2017
• SBA Family-Owned Business of the Year for South Dakota - 2010
• Prairie Family Business Assn. Family Business of the Year – 2009
• Tom Didier Excellence in Family Business Award – 2008
• USA Today Top 10 Roadside Attractions In The Country – 2001
• South Dakota Governors Service Award for Outstanding Commitment to Hospitality and Education in the Visitor Industry – 2003-2011
• Midwest Travel Writers Association GEMmy Award – 1995
• George Mickelson Award for Great Service to South Dakota Visitors - 1994
• AAA GEM Designation Attraction

Founder Earl Brockelsby received the Ben Black Elk Award for lifetime achievement in promoting South Dakota tourism in 1982. His son John Brockelsby, Public Relations Director, received the same award in 2015.