The Giant Prairie Dog
This iconic 12-foot-tall, six-ton concrete statue has stood guard over the South Dakota plains since 1959. Located at the Ranch Store, it invites travelers to admire its quirky stature and buy peanuts to feed a very active, real-life colony of resident prairie dogs nearby.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Seasonal, typically May through October)
- Duration
- 15-30 minutes
- Parking
- Free gravel parking lot on site with ample space for RVs
- Access
- Flat gravel parking lot and paved walkways around the storefront are wheelchair accessible, but the natural dirt prairie dog colony area is uneven.
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Standing at an impressive 12 feet tall and weighing six tons, the Giant Prairie Dog has been welcoming travelers along Interstate 90 since 1959. Created out of concrete and steel, this towering rodent serves as the iconic mascot for the Badlands Ranch Store.
While the giant statue makes for a perfect photo opportunity, the real draw is the active colony of live prairie dogs nearby. These wild animals have lived on the property for generations and are famously accustomed to human visitors.
Visitors can purchase bags of unsalted peanuts from the gift shop to feed the incredibly tame resident critters. It remains a quintessential slice of retro Americana that captures the quirky spirit of classic South Dakota road trips.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Buy a bag of unsalted peanuts from the gift shop to feed the live prairie dogs.
- ◆ Stop by on your way into Badlands National Park, as the attraction is located right off the main highway exit.
- ◆ Take advantage of the photo-op with the giant statue, which is free to access.
Heads Up
- ◆ Be cautious when hand-feeding the live prairie dogs, as they may accidentally nip at your fingers.
- ◆ The area is highly exposed to the elements, so be prepared for strong South Dakota winds and intense summer sun.
Common questions
Can you feed the live prairie dogs at the Giant Prairie Dog statue?
Yes, visitors can purchase bags of peanuts inside the adjacent Ranch Store to hand-feed the colony of wild prairie dogs living in the field next to the statue.
Is there an admission fee to see the Giant Prairie Dog?
No, it is entirely free to stop by, take photos with the giant concrete statue, and walk around the property.
Are the live prairie dogs visible during the winter?
No, the live prairie dogs hibernate underground and are generally not active or visible during the cold winter months, though the concrete statue remains accessible.
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