Dinosaur Park
Rate this placeNearby: Sioux Park Old Storybook Island
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dinosaur Park is a popular tourist attraction located in Rapid City, South Dakota.
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Summary
The park is home to several life-sized dinosaur sculptures, which were built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Visitors can climb up to the top of the hill where they will find a stunning view of the city and the Black Hills.
Some of the best reasons to visit Dinosaur Park include its unique history, its educational value for both adults and children, and its breathtaking views. The park is also free to enter, making it an affordable option for families.
Some of the specific points of interest in the park include the various dinosaur sculptures, including a brontosaurus, triceratops, and tyrannosaurus rex. Visitors can also explore the park's hiking trails and picnic areas.
Some interesting facts about Dinosaur Park include that the sculptures were created using local materials, including Sioux Quartzite and other rocks found in the area. Additionally, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
The best time of year to visit Dinosaur Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is open longer hours. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season.
Overall, Dinosaur Park is a must-see attraction for any dinosaur lover or history enthusiast visiting South Dakota.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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