The Journey Museum & Learning Center BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Live Music at Main Street Square Canyon Lake Park Rapid City Continued from page 90 A mile southwest, Dinosaur Park pays tribute to the fi e dinosaur fossils that were found here. As the park gained popularity after it was established in 1936 more dinosaurs were added, creating the seven green giants you’ll find today. Climb to the top of the park and experience spectacular 100-mile views in every direction. Look to the west and you’ll see the dense ponderosa pines that make up the Black Hills National Forest . Look to the east and you’ll find the other-worldly landscape of Badlands National Park . For the wildlife lover, find magnifi ent creatures at Reptile Gardens . The interactive campus is home to the largest reptile collection in the world. You’ll see reptiles, prairie dogs, exotic birds and a botanical garden filled with tropical plants and fl wers. Pet a 100-year old tortoise named Orville, interact with Fluffy the baby alligator and even hold Marilyn, the park's 12-foot python. Just down the road at Bear Country U.S.A. , experience the world’s largest collection of privately owned black bears — currently over 200. Drive through the wildlife park to view bears and other North American wildlife in their natural habitat from the comfort of your vehicle. Take the Wildlife Walk to see baby bear cubs and other young animals born and raised in the park. Continue further on U.S. Hwy 16 to Old MacDonald’s Farm , where the whole family can hand-feed, pet and even bottle-feed some of the animals. Aircraft enthusiasts enjoy South Dakota Air & Space Museum at Ellsworth Air Force Base. More than 30 vintage military aircrafts 94 // #DiscoverBlackHills from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and the modern-day B-1 are on display in the museum's two major static exhibits — an outdoor air park and an immersive indoor experience. The Journey Museum & Learning Center tells stories through prehistoric and historic collections of the region. The museum includes archeological artifacts, Native American and pioneer culture, as well as interactive space and science displays. The Stratobowl Exhibit highlights the birthplace of the Space Age and the location of the manned hot air balloon launched in 1935. The actual site is 15 minutes southwest of Rapid City and is still used for balloon fligh s. OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Find the great outdoors in Rapid City. Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, known as M-Hill, has more than 18 miles of trails fl wing through 300 acres of terrain minutes from downtown. The park is great for hiking and biking. Near Dinosaur Park, Skyline Wilderness Area straddles Skyline Drive ridge and offers singletrack trails fi ed on 150 acres of land. Hike or bike a mix of rugged forest and hilltop meadows. ARTS & CULTURE Rapid City’s art scene blends urban, western and Native American cultures. The area proudly boasts creative exhibits in galleries, on street walls and even on utility boxes wrapped with local art. Art Alley is an ever-changing display of local art tucked between Main and St. Joseph streets. Rapid City Continued on page 96
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019: Page 94
