Great Plains Zoo

The Great Plains Zoo is a wildlife facility in Sioux Falls featuring several dozen animal species from across the globe in spacious grounds. The layout includes naturalistic enclosures designed to reflect the animals' native environments.

This facility was created in the 1960s by a local zoological organization to serve the region's wildlife education needs. Over the decades it has grown into a center dedicated to animal welfare and conservation efforts.

The zoo serves as a gathering place where families learn about animals from around the world and develop connections to wildlife. Its exhibits encourage visitors to understand different ecosystems and the animals that depend on them.

The zoo sits along Kiwanis Avenue and is straightforward to reach from downtown. Bring comfortable walking shoes as the grounds cover a significant distance, and pack water and sunscreen for protection from sun exposure.

The facility participates in breeding and protection programs for endangered species that face challenges in the wild. Staff members focus on maintaining healthy populations and improving habitats for animals at risk of extinction.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: June 30, 1963

Phone: +16053677003

Website: http://gpzoo.org

GPS coordinates: 43.53740,-96.76480

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07