What’s Happening

Helpful Tips to Plan Your Trip

Are you planning a trip to the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, SD? You’ve come to the right place to find out what’s going on at the zoo right now. Browse the updates and schedules below to make the most effective use of your time at the zoo, and make sure you don’t miss out on any of our exciting events. You can pre-purchase carousel or train ride tickets or browse the menu at the Roar Café. Check back here often as we continually update this page with all the happenings and events planned at the zoo.

Plan Your Trip

Attraction Tickets Available Online!

Now offering the GPZ Ride Pass - 6 rides for $15!

Add it on when you purchase your tickets online or ask about it at the Admissions window on your next trip to the zoo!

Buy Tickets

ROAR Café

You’ll definitely work up an appetite during all the fun and excitement at the zoo.
View Menu

Crafts with Macaques

Every Friday from 10 am - 12 pm, unleash your creativity at Crafts with Macaques in our snow monkey viewing area!

Vet Schedule

*Subject to change based on animal needs

Friday Bookworms

Fridays at 10:30 AM. Join us in the classroom for an animal story, activity, and an animal encounter!

Upcoming Zoo Events

January 20

Winter Wonder

February 10

Woo at the Zoo: Mating, Dating, & Copulating

March 13

Senior Discount Day at BHA
All Events

Sanford Carousel

Open spring-fall. Stay tuned for 2024 dates! The custom-designed carousel consists of six horses, three zebras, an elephant, white rhino, gorilla, dolphin, deer, rooster, cheetah - and two panda bears! The carousel also has a handicap-accessible bench seat.