Jul 25, 2025
If your family loves animals, nature, and a little bit of adventure, Bear Country USA in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a must-see stop. This drive-through wildlife park gave us a whole new way to experience animals up close and it is something we will talk about for a long time!
Here’s a breakdown of our visit and everything you’ll want to know before you go.
What to Expect at Bear Country USA: Drive-Through Wildlife Park in South Dakota
Bear Country USA is a drive-through wildlife park located just minutes from Rapid City and on the way to Mount Rushmore. The park is home to North American animals like elk, wolves, mountain lions, reindeer, and of course…bears! Lots of them.
Your visit begins in your car, driving slowly through winding roads while animals roam freely just outside your window. After the drive, there’s a walk-through section called "Wildlife Walkway" where you can get out and see younger animals in smaller enclosures. The favorite part of this section, of course, is seeing all the baby bears!
Our Family’s Experience at Bear Country USA: Highlights & Kid-Friendly Favorites
Drive-Through Safari: What You’ll See from the Car
• Bears Everywhere: Near the end of the drive, you enter the bear section, and it’s exactly what you hope for—seeing bears doing bear things: playing, walking, back scratching on signs and napping. It was incredible! They have a variety of bears too so you are always seeing different kinds as you drive through.
• Up-Close Views: You can’t beat the excitement of seeing a wolf napping on the road as you drive by or two bison grazing right out your window. We had tons of bears run right in front of our car because their food truck was driving up right behind us so we had many up close opportunities to see a variety of bears.
• Perfect for Young Kids: No long walks or keeping kids quiet. It is just a relaxing ride with tons to look at.
Wildlife Walkway at Bear Country USA: See Bear Cubs & More on Foot
After the drive, we parked and explored Wildlife Walkway, where smaller or younger animals are housed. This was great for the kids, offering a more traditional zoo-like experience.
• Bear Cubs Playing: The bear cubs are the top animal to see. They wrestle, climb, splash and play all day. You could easily spend 20-30 minutes just watching them play with each other. It was a major highlight and a favorite by all of us.
• Easy Walk: The loop is short and stroller-friendly, with benches and shaded areas.
• Photo Ops: Lots of fun backdrops, wooden cutouts, and spots to snap cute family pics.
Tips for Visiting Bear Country USA with Young Kids & Toddlers
• Go Early: Animals are most active in the morning, especially in summer before the heat kicks in.
• Stay in Your Car: You’re not allowed to roll windows down or get out, but the animals come close enough for great views. It is probably best to lock the car windows during the drive through section in case little fingers like to hit the buttons. :)
• Bring Snacks and Water: You’ll be in your car for about 30–45 minutes before reaching the walk-through area.
• Use the Restroom Before the Drive: There are bathrooms at the entrance and again after the drive.
• Have a Camera Ready: You’ll want to capture the moments when animals come right up next to your vehicle.
*Note - We got there just after 8:30am. We got to the bear section around 9am and that is when their truck with food came by and the bears went running right past our car. I am not sure if they feed them at the same time everyday, but if you can time it right, it is an experience you'll never forget!
Bear Country USA Visitor Info: Tickets, Timing, and Practical Details
• Admission: Admission is per person, not per vehicle, and children 4 and under are free. They do have a max pricing per vehicle which could save you money depending on your children’s ages. Check their website https://bearcountryusa.com for current pricing.
• Time Needed: We spent about 1.5 to 2 hours total, which made it a perfect half-day adventure.
• Gift Shop & Treats: There’s a cute gift shop and snack area near the exit if you want a souvenir or an ice cream break.
Is Bear Country USA Worth Visiting with Kids? Final Thoughts on Our Trip
Bear Country USA turned out to be one of our favorite stops in the Black Hills area. It’s fun, low-stress, and unforgettable, especially when a full-grown bear wanders right in front of your car! Whether you’re heading to Mount Rushmore or just exploring Rapid City, we highly recommend carving out a few hours for this unique and unforgettable experience.
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