South Dakota travel bucket list stop: Bear Country USA
On the road to Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, you’ll pass by Bear Country, USA.
Open from spring through the end of November, the drive-thru wildlife park allows you to get up close and personal with various animals, including elk, black bears, mountain lions, buffalo, and reindeer, all from the comfort of your own car.
There’s also a Wildlife Walk area at this tourist attraction where you’ll find various programs, demonstrations, keeper chats, a restaurant, and even a gift shop. Many past guests say it’s a great experience to see the animals in a more natural setting rather than a zoo.
Although, some note that depending on the time of day, it can get pretty busy, and you might catch the animals sleeping. Remember that the park charges are based on the number of people in each vehicle, not per vehicle.
Understandably, motorcycles, convertibles, and soft-top cars aren’t allowed, but the park offers accessible courtesy vehicles.
