Looking for an exciting adventure with your family? Or just want to expand your horizons and learn something new? I recommend taking a trip to the SD Game Fish & Parks’s Outdoor Campus in Rapid City.
Is anything more relaxing than getting out into nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life? For some, though, simply enjoying the great outdoors isn’t enough. They want to be IN it, engaging in activities like hunting and fishing.
If you’re one of those people but haven’t had much luck learning these skills on your own, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. You don’t even have to leave the city limits to get a good hike in!
This FREE outdoor educational facility is a great local favorite among the community and I assure you that you’ll be amazed at all of the knowledge that they offer here.
The Outdoor Campus is a place where people of all ages can come to learn how to hunt, fish, and be outdoors. Their goal is to provide hands-on experiences that teach people about the world and the skills they need to survive in it. Adults, kids, and entire families can all enjoy the free educational opportunities here year-round.
The Campus strives to educate about outdoor skills, wildlife, and nature and takes it to an entirely new level by allowing people to experience the outdoors in a hands-on way rather than just using books and pamphlets. Kids and adults alike will love exploring the many exhibits at this facility.
Indoor And Outdoor Activities For The Whole Family
Interactive displays allow you to touch, see or hear what it’s like for an animal living in South Dakota’s native ecosystem! In addition to the inside exhibits showcasing a variety of western South Dakota habitats, visitors can check out the freshwater aquarium.
The huge freshwater aquarium at the Outdoor Campus is also open year-round and houses a variety of fish, including many species found in the state. The aquarium is a perfect complement to the indoor exhibits that explore Western South Dakota habitats, including prairie grasslands, badlands, and mountains.
With over 1.5 miles of outdoor nature trails covering over 32 acres, Outdoor Campus – Rapid City is also a great way for you and your family to get some fresh air, exercise together, or just spend time exploring.
A tree house for the kids, places to make mud pies, and areas where people can simply go to enjoy the beauty of nature are just some of the things available to people who take advantage of the well-maintained and signed trails.
Perfect for a day trip with toddlers! The trails are all very accessible and there are lots of little side trails to explore. It’s great for all ages, so you can get outside with your whole family!
The trail is a perfect place to do a little running or walking, or to take your four-legged friends with you! They just need to be on a leash while at the Campus.
The Campus is a place for people to explore their inner adventurers and creativity. They have lots of free things to do outdoors on the campus at their outdoor campus.
Try Something New With One Of The Free Classes
If you want to try something new with your family, you can – for FREE! With the help of their knowledgeable staff, they are your guide in a world of exploration, learning, and discovery.
Fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed here during the winter. Learning to icefish is a great way to spend time with friends and family while teaching kids about the importance of conservation.
And as the weather warms up in spring, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy such as fly fishing, kayaking, and more.
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at archery? Well, now you can! The Outdoor Campus has its very own archery range that’s open from sunrise until sunset all year long. It lies just north along Sturgis Road and it’s completely free for all who visit. There are a walking course and practice range that has targets from 11 to 80 yard and a target range from 20 to 80 yard.
Whether you want to try some classes, look at exhibits, or just want some time outside, this place has something everyone will love!
When To Visit
Doors open at 8:00 am every day and close at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday; 10 am – 4 pm Saturday; and 1 pm-4 pm Sunday.
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore your world and if you want to learn more about the local outdoor heritage, stop by the SD Game Fish & Parks’s Outdoor Campus – Rapid City.
We hope you enjoyed this post – leave us a comment below and let us know what you think. Happy exploring!
For more information visit their official website.