Animals

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary Scan the horizon for the flowing manes of wild horses galloping freely through the scenic landscape, or watch them as they graze. Learn how the sanctuary helps horses that are taken from the wild but cannot be adopted. See movie sets, including the one used in Hidalgo, which was shot here. Rocky Ford Rd., Hot Springs, SD; +1 605 745 5955. Fee.

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum Twirl around a carousel on a dolphin or zebra's back, visit playful wallabies, take a train tour of animals from Africa, and crawl alongside slow-moving Galápagos tortoises. 805 South Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD; +1 605 367 7003. Fee.

High Plains Western Heritage Center Celebrate the culture and industries of the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Look out over three states from the balcony. Discover what life was like for a miner or cattle rancher. See live buffalo and longhorn cattle, browse Western artwork, and learn about rodeos. 825 Heritage Dr., Spearfish, SD; +1 605 642 9378. Fee.

The Outdoor Campus Discover fascinating facts about animals at hands-on exhibits, then hike through different ecosystems. Spy on stream animals in the giant aquarium or stroll through the butterfly garden. Learn how to help protect animal habitats. 4500 S. Oxbow Ave., Sioux Falls, SD; +1 605 362 2777.

Reptile Gardens Encounter snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more. Meet a saltwater crocodile and learn what it snacks on. See poisonous snakes from different continents and compare how their venoms work on prey. Explore dense jungle vegetation in the Sky Dome. 8955 S. Hwy. 16, Rapid City, SD; +1 605 342 5873. Fee.

Sertoma Butterfly House Enter this tropical oasis and see how many colors and patterns you can spot on the wings of more than 50 types of butterflies; then check out the exhibits of tarantulas and frogs. 4320 S. Oxbow Ave., Sioux Falls, SD; +1 605 334 9466. Fee.

Tatanka—Story of the Bison Appreciate the role bison played in the lives of Native Americans in the plains states; imagine the pounding of hooves as you gaze at large sculptures depicting a Native American hunt; learn about the ways in which bison were used in daily life. 100 Tatanka Dr., Deadwood, SD; +1 605 584 5678. Fee.