ZooSouth Dakota, US

Great Plains Zoo

The Great Plains Zoo offers an engaging and educational wildlife experience in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

About

The Great Plains Zoo offers an engaging and educational wildlife experience in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This AZA-accredited institution is home to over 1,000 animals from 137 different species, representing seven continents, and is committed to education, conservation, recreation, and discovery. As of January 1, 2023, the Great Plains Zoo merged with the Butterfly House & Aquarium, operating as the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA) across two campuses, with plans to consolidate into a single, enhanced location in the future.

Visitors can journey across diverse ecosystems, exploring popular exhibits such as the African Savanna, Asian Cats, and North America. Highlights include the award-winning Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys) exhibit, the impressive Fortress of the Bears featuring Kodiak brown bears, and the Rare Rhinos of Africa habitat. For interactive fun, the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm allows guests to get up close with friendly goats and sheep. The zoo recently welcomed a new African lion exhibit in 2024, adding to its captivating collection.

The Great Plains Zoo is more than just an animal park; it's a place where families can create lasting memories, connect with nature, and learn about wildlife conservation. Its mid-sized nature makes it easily navigable in a few hours without feeling rushed, offering intimate views of animals often unseen in larger metropolitan zoos. With educational programs, keeper chats, and seasonal attractions like a splash pad and train rides, it provides a unique blend of entertainment and ecological awareness that encourages appreciation for the natural world. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Great Plains Zoo's origins trace back to the 1880s when Senator Richard F. Pettigrew maintained a private collection of animals for public viewing in local parks. By the 1930s, the Sioux Falls Parks System took over the care of these animals. The Zoological Society of Sioux Falls was formally established in 1957, playing a crucial role in the development of a modern zoological park. The Great Plains Zoo officially opened its doors to the public on June 30, 1963. A significant milestone was achieved in 1991 when the zoo received its initial accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction it has maintained through continuous re-accreditation, most recently in 2022, and was honored with the "Quarter Century Award" in 2016. For many years, the zoo also housed the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1984 with an extensive collection of taxidermied animals, though the museum permanently closed in August 2023 due to safety concerns over harmful chemicals. On January 1, 2023, the Great Plains Zoo merged with the Butterfly House & Aquarium to form the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA), embarking on a long-term master plan to consolidate and enhance its facilities.

What to do here

Engage with keeper chats and educational programs to learn about conservation efforts. Enjoy the interactive experiences at the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm, where you can feed goats and sheep. In warmer months, take a ride on the carousel or train, and let kids cool off at the splash pad. Explore the diverse habitats to observe animals from around the globe in environments designed to mimic their natural homes.

Seasonal info

While open year-round, seasonal events and animal behaviors vary. Summer features the splash pad, train rides, and opportunities for weekend giraffe feeding. Winter visits can mean smaller crowds and a chance to see animals like the Japanese macaques especially active. Be aware that animal visibility can fluctuate as they have access to indoor areas. The Africa area, including lions, giraffes, and zebras, typically closes viewing at 4 PM daily.

Accessibility

The Great Plains Zoo is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved pathways throughout. Wheelchairs, strollers (single and double), and motorized scooters are available for rent at the Gift Shop on a first-come, first-served basis. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible and include youth changing tables; some family restrooms offer adult-sized changing tables. The zoo offers a reduced admission rate for authorized personal support individuals accompanying a guest requiring assistance. Service animals are permitted with some restrictions in sensitive animal areas to ensure the safety of all animals and guests.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a comfortable 2 to 3 hours to see all the exhibits. Families with young children might extend their visit to 3-4 hours to enjoy interactive areas and any scheduled presentations.
Best time to visit: The zoo is open year-round, offering different experiences with each season. Spring provides mild temperatures, potential baby animal sightings, and blooming flora, while fall boasts comfortable weather and more active animals as crowds lessen after Labor Day. Visiting during weekdays, especially right at opening at 9 AM, helps avoid crowds and often catches animals at their most active during morning feeding times.
Location: South Dakota, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Young ChildrenAnimal And Wildlife EnthusiastsEducational Outings And Conservation LearningPhotography

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Don't miss the Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys) in their award-winning exhibit, the majestic Amur Tigers and Snow Leopards, the impressive Kodiak Brown Bears in the Fortress of the Bears, the critically endangered Black Rhinoceros, and the recently opened African Lion exhibit. The Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm offers unique animal interactions, and the Humboldt Penguins are always a delight.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Duck

Canada Goose

American Robin

Green Heron

Painted Turtle

Great Blue Heron

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

** Visit right when the zoo opens, especially on weekdays, to experience fewer crowds and see animals at their most active during morning feeding times.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is highly walkable across its 45 acres, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Bring Water and Layers

South Dakota weather can change quickly. Carry a refillable water bottle and dress in layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations.

Capture Memories

Bring a camera with good zoom capabilities to photograph the diverse animals. Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best natural lighting for pictures.

Check Online for Events

Before your visit, consult the zoo's official website for updated hours, seasonal events, daily keeper chats, and feeding schedules to maximize your experience.

Picnic in the Park

While outside food is generally not allowed inside the zoo (except small snacks for children), Sherman Park, located south of the zoo's parking lot, offers picnic areas for those who wish to bring their own meals.

Frequently asked questions

: Visitors should plan for a comfortable 2 to 3 hours to explore all exhibits. Families with children may wish to allocate 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy interactive areas, seasonal attractions, and attend any scheduled animal encounters or keeper talks.
: Yes, the Great Plains Zoo is generally accessible with paved pathways throughout the campus. Wheelchairs, strollers, and motorized scooters are available for rent at the gift shop, and all restrooms are wheelchair accessible, including family restrooms with changing tables.
: Yes, direct animal interaction opportunities are available at the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm, where guests can pet and feed goats and sheep. Other exhibits focus on viewing animals in their naturalistic habitats, with keeper chats providing educational insights.