Bear Country USA South Dakota: A Caregiver’s Guide For Activities
Bear Country USA is a unique attraction in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Although it doesn’t have grizzly bears, Bear Country is home to the largest captive population of black bears in the world.
If you’re a caregiver near Bear Country, this is a great place to visit. Your care recipient with mobility issues can enjoy the animals from the comfort of your vehicle. Here’s what caregivers need to know about Bear Country USA before visiting, as well as some other accessible attractions in the area.
If you need more information about caregiving, South Dakota residents get free access to Trualta resources. Use this link if you live in another state. You may also have free access.
About Bear Country USA
Bear Country USA was founded in the 1970s by an animal-loving South Dakota family. The Casey family opened the roadside zoo as a unique drive-through attraction, which allows anyone to enjoy the animals as much as they do.
Bears are the big attraction here, but Bear Country USA is home to many types of North American wildlife, including:
- Black bear cubs
- Bighorn sheep
- Mountain lion
- Reindeer
- Pronghorn
- Wolf
- Porcupine
From the bear cubs and full-grown black bears to timber wolves and bobcats, the variety of native wildlife here is truly impressive. And you can see them all in their natural habitat.
Taking Your Care Recipient To Bear Country
Bear Country USA is a great stop for caregivers and their care recipients. The unique drive-through format makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the animals, even those with mobility issues. Accessible parking and restrooms are also available.
Visitors can see the wild animals on a two-mile scenic drive through the wildlife park. There is also a gift shop and a wildlife walkway. Bear Country is open from spring through early November.
Other Accessible Activities In Western South Dakota
Bear Country USA is just one of many interesting sites to see in rugged and scenic western South Dakota.
If your care recipient loves animals, check out Reptile Gardens in Rapid City. Home to more than just North American wildlife, this unique wildlife park has a wide variety of animals. It’s wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and an elevator in the Sky Dome.
You can even visit national parks in this area of South Dakota. The National Park Service makes its parks as accessible as possible. Your care recipient can enjoy the striking scenery of Badlands National Park and the Black Hills National Forest, which has a unique population of Rocky Mountain goats.
No trip to this region is complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Mt. Rushmore is an accessible site with paved trails for viewing the monument. It also has accommodations for visual and hearing impairment.
Other parks in the area worth visiting include Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. Custer has beautiful scenery, such as Sylvan Lake, and a scenic drive. Wind Cave National Park includes a special accessibility tour.
Mobility issues don’t have to prevent your care recipient from enjoying animals, native wildlife, and other sites. Check out Bear Country, the national parks, and so much more in western South Dakota.
If you need more information about caregiving, South Dakota residents get free access to Trualta resources. Use this link if you live in another state. You may also have free access.
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