Home >>> Region Attractions >>> Unique Attractions

The four states that comprise The Real America have within their borders some of the best attractions available in the nation. From immense rock carvings to untamed wilderness, you will find what you are looking for. Take a look at the list of unique attractions below for more information.

Hells Canyon Adventures

Come to Hells Canyon in Northeast Oregon for a remote, scenic and breathtaking rafting, jet boating or fishing experience.

Hells Canyon Adventures (HCA) offers one-day white water raft trips, jet boat tours or fishing charters down the rapids of the Snake River in the deepest gorge in North America. While floating or jet boating from the south entrance of Hells Canyon you will enjoy the majestic mountains, breathtaking white water, wildlife, and a solitude that you will find in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

HCA is the only company that provides tours that start in the heart (deepest portion) of Hells Canyon. Our captains specialize in the navigation of the adventurous white water rapids of Hells Canyon and have developed an extensive knowledge about the history of the area. A unique narration of the canyon history is shared on all of our tours. Our tours also include optional short side hikes to early canyon homesteads or Native American sites. Most of our tours include a buffet style lunch served on the river. www.hellscanyonadventures.com

Bear Country U.S.A.

13820 S. Hwy. 16
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 343.2290
Fax: (605) 341.3206
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bearcountryusa.com

Enjoy a leisurely 3-mile drive through this spectacular and unique Wildlife Park nestled on 200 acres of Black Hills beauty. You will experience bears, buffalo, wolves, elk, and over 20 other species of North American animals from the comfort of you vehicle. After your scenic drive you can get out of your vehicle and stroll through the walk through Babyland. There you will enjoy watching the playful antics of our bear cubs and many other smaller animals frolic in their outdoor exhibits. While strolling down the Babyland Main Street you will encounter a full service snack bar, a 6,000 sq.ft. gift shop, and perhaps our entertaining mascot. You will need to allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit. www.bearcountryusa.com

Reptile Gardens

P.O. Box 620
Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: (605) 342.5873
Fax: (605) 342.6249
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.reptilegardens.com

Black Hills Reptile Gardens houses more species of reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world, including the first Inland Taipan Snakes ever seen outside Australia.  Maniac, the giant Saltwater Crocodile at 15 feet 7 inches long and over 1,100 pounds is the largest crocodile on exhibit in America.  Also here is the legendary Komodo Dragon.  The Sky Dome is a stunning visual display housing the Safari Room, a walk-through jungle filled with hundreds of tropical plants, orchids, and bromeliads.  A perennial crowd pleaser is Methuselah, a 500 lb. Galapagos Tortoise.  He has greeted millions of guests here since arriving in 1955. 

There is food service at several locations in the park. In addition to the huge gift shop, the Jungle Outpost Gallery features tribal art from around the world.  Listed in USA Today's "Top 10 Places in the US to Stop the Car and Take a Look" Winner of the Governor's Great Service Award for "Outstanding Commitment to Hospitality and Education in the Visitor Industry." The only South Dakota attraction to win the Midwest Travel Writer's Association GEMmy award: "An Exceptional Travel Experience, a Gem in the Travel Industry."  First AAA GEM Designation attraction in South Dakota. www.reptilegardens.com

The Mammoth Site

P.O. Box 692, 1800 Hwy 18 Bypass
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Phone: (605) 745.6017
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mammothsite.com

You'll Never Forget the Mammoth Site! Walk where mammoths, giant short-faced bears, gray wolves, camels and other Ice Age critters once walked! Learn how huge woolly and Columbian mammoths became trapped in a slippery-sided pond on a 30 minute guided tour. Hear the story of the Mammoths Site's discovery and how it has developed into a world renowned paleontological museum and research facility. Stroll the 35,000 square foot climate controlled visitor's center that covers the fossil bonebed. Enjoy the Ice Age exhibit hall, glimpse into the museum's research laboratory, and shop the museum store for unique books and gift items. Although you can 'pop' in for a quick tour, we recommend allowing an hour or two for your visit. www.mammothsite.com