





Aquariums
The Outdoor Campus - Rapid City
📍 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, SD 57702🕐 Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Quick Facts
- Type
- Nature Center
- Best For
- All ages
- Admission
- Free
- Highlights
- Indoor wildlife exhibits, 4,600 gallon aquarium, archery courses, nature trails, hands-on outdoor skills classes
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm (summer)
💡 Did You Know?
- Archery ranges are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing year-round access to shooting facilities
- All educational programming and facility access is completely free, supported by funding from hunters and anglers rather than admission fees
- Features a 4,600 gallon freshwater aquarium showcasing western South Dakota aquatic habitats and wildlife
- Offers specialized '101 Programs' including Hunting 101, Bow Hunting 101, Turkey 101, Fishing 101, Fly Fishing 101, Waterfowl 101, and Trapping 101, each with field components
- Provides dedicated school field trip and homeschool programs, making it a structured educational resource for K-12 institutions
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan your visit for weekdays or avoid Sundays, as the indoor building is closed on Sundays according to visitor reviews. Weekday visits also tend to be less crowded for the trails and archery ranges.
- Take advantage of the 14-station archery course and practice ranges that are open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset—no admission fee required. Arrive early in the day for the best light and fewer crowds on the ranges.
- Attend one of the free '101 Programs' (Hunting 101, Fishing 101, Fly Fishing 101, Bow Hunting 101, etc.) to learn outdoor skills from instructors. Reviews highlight that staff are exceptionally helpful and patient, making these classes perfect for complete beginners and families.
- Bring kids ages 9 and up for hands-on activities like the canoeing/kayaking pond, fishing pond, and archery courses. The facility offers special free try-it days for activities like canoeing, and staff actively assist children with instruction and encouragement.
- Explore the full 1.5 miles of nature trails along with the indoor exhibits and 4,600-gallon aquarium to maximize your educational experience. Plan 2-3 hours to comfortably experience the trails, archery, and indoor exhibits.
About The Outdoor Campus - Rapid City
Recreation area with hiking & wildlife. State-run park featuring nature trails, an aquarium, native wildlife & educational programs. Archery ranges are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing year-round access to shooting facilities. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 398 visitors.
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