Summer season begins at Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens is ready for a busy summer!Rapid City, S.D. — Spring is almost over and with the start of summer comes new hours and plenty of new things to look at.
The summer season brings the start of new hours for Reptile Gardens. Beginning on May 25, the park will be open full hours of 8 a.m. — 6 p.m. During this time all three shows will be running, giving visitors the chance to observe alligators and crocodiles, a snake demonstration, and birds from around the world.
Home to the world's largest collection of retiles, this year Reptile Gardens is celebrating its 75th year as one of the Black Hills most popular attractions. The park not only features rare and exotic reptiles, but also showcases a variety of flowers and flowerbeds including orchids and bromeliads.
Reptile Garden's CEO, Joe Maierhauser, explains how they are getting Reptile Gardens ready for the summer season.
"We will be putting tens of thousands of flowering plants in the ground in the next few weeks," Maierhauser said. "The garden crew is going to be very busy putting each plant in one at a time while still keeping the lawns mowed and planting lots of new trees and bushes."
Another new accessory to the park, the Methuselah's Memorial Playground, has already seen success with children visiting. "The kids are really enjoying it and there are a few more finishing touches to complete over the next couple of weeks," Maierhauser said. A life-sized bronze statue of Methuselah, the giant tortoise, will complete the area. The bronze statue is set to be unveiled on the anniversary of Methuselah's death, July 10.
Whether you're an out of town visitor or a Rapid City resident, Reptile Gardens has something for you to explore and enjoy. Visit our website at /visit/ to see our summer season rates.
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About Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens maintains one of the world's finest collections of reptiles. To learn more about Reptile Gardens' employment opportunities, hours, admission costs and season pass specials, call (605) 342-5873 or visit their website: http://reptilegardens.com.
