Places, Earth
Dinosaur Park

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Dinosaur Park

On a hill above Rapid City stand five concrete dinosaur sculptures. They were created during the Depression as a WPA project supported by the city of Rapid City. The park was dedicated on May 22, 1936, Emmit A. Sullivan is credited as the sculptor, they were built from sculpted concrete over iron pipe frameworks. While not accurate by modern science standards, they are delightful to residents and travelers. The five dinosaurs depicted are an Apatosaurus (then called a Brontosaurus - 80 feet long and 28 feet high), Triceratops, Stegasaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a Anatotitan (a duck bill type - formerly Trachodon). Although I have not personally verified, I have read that a Protoceratops (not native to the Americas) and a Dimetrodon (not a true dinosaur but a reptile) were added in 1990.

My father had driven past many times without stopping, but in 1988, I was drivng and we stopped.

Location:
940 Skyline Drive
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Directions:
I-90 exit 57. Following West Blvd south a little over a mile to the little brown "Dinosaur Park" sign, then follow Skyline Drive from there. Free.
Hours: Daylight Hours. (Call to verify)
Phone: 605-343-8687

The three photographs here were taken during the fires of 1988. Many locals came to play on the dinosaurs, and many came to view the distant fires.

Apatosaurus with smoke in background.

Duck-billed dino.

Apatosaurus and commical T-Rex.

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This page last updated: Tuesday, 16-Oct-2007 12:05:24 EDT

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Places, Earth Dinosaur Park

State Parks, Historic Sites, and Museums need your help.

Dinosaur Park

This page last updated: Tuesday, 16-Oct-2007 12:05:24 EDT

Places, Earth
Dinosaur Park