As Close as I Want to Get

7/4/2026
A bear seen up close during a drive-through wildlife safari near Rapid City, South Dakota.
Person: RobertPlace: Rapid CityPlace: South Dakotabear safaribearswildlifezooRapid CitySouth Dakotaroad trip

We found an interesting place near Rapid City. It was a drive-through “bear safari.”

I do enjoy the drive-through ones. It feels a bit like cheating because you never get out of the car, but you get to see the animals so much closer. And honestly, I don’t know that I want to stand that close to a bear.

This one also had a good small zoo attached. They specialized in bears that are native to the area. It was a quick little stop with a “close as I want to get” look at some pretty impressive animals.