Cosmos Mystery Area Admission

Overview

Located amongst the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, the Cosmos Mystery Area is a unique, family friendly attraction. Guests can enjoy a 30 minute tour that displays how mystery, comedy, and science collide as they participate in hands-on experiments and educational entertainment.

City: Rapid City

Wed 30 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $20.34

Make a reservation

Wed 30 Apr

Starting at $20.34

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Route and map

Meeting point

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Rapid City
24040 Cosmos Rd,

This ticket must be exchanged for a direct entry ticket at the starting point of the attraction.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not wheelchair or stroller accessible

What To Expect

Cosmos Mystery Area

The mystery house located within the Cosmos of the Black Hills was discovered in 1952 by two college students who were looking for the perfect place to build a summer cabin. Here, the laws of logic and physics seem to be turned upside down as you feel a slight unbalance in this crooked old cabin. Admission includes a 30 minute guided, interactive tour where you will be amazed as you see water run uphill, can stand on a wall, and see other incredible optical illusions. The tour consists of various demonstrations that are designed to boggle the mind. Located just minutes from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, The Cosmos is sure to astonish and amaze the mind.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (194)

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311queenj

Nov 2024

It's ok. They run a tour every 15 or 20 minutes all day. As such, there is always a tour ahead of your group, and another right behind you, as the guides herd their groups to each spot. Visitors are assigned to a time slot with a group of about 25-30. On a weekday in early June, it was about a 45 minute wait until our tour began. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and animated, and it was entertaining, even though it's more about physics than mystery. The site contains various optical illusions that make it seem as if people and objects defy gravity - balls roll backward, etc. Visitors walk up a fairly steep trail to some designated spots that appear level, but in fact, are not. This creates the illusion of height differences depending on the side each volunteer stands on. Further up, the group enters a small shack built at a steep angle. This creates the illusion of a gravitational force as the body naturally leans downhill. Children and adults seemed to enjoy it. The tour itself lasts about 35-40 minutes. I visited a mystery spot in California as a child, and naturally, it was a lot more fun (when I believed it was a location with a mysterious gravitational force) than now as an adult. It was pleasant enough, but there are so many more impressive things to do and see in the Black Hills area. If you're willing to throw down $20 per person for a family activity, your money would probably be better spent at one of the nearby cave or mine tours, adventure parks, or that bear country park. Other visitors really raved about this place, though, so if you like illusions, or you think your kids will be wowed by them, then this is a fairly quick activity that can be squeezed into less than half a day.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Our cost per visitor is a maximum of $14, not $20 assuming you buy your tickets from us. Relax and enjoy the family fun of the Cosmos. You’ll have a much better time in the Black Hills.

kevingQ5065ZO

Sep 2024

Awesome experience. I highly recommended and I think it is great for families. Kids find it fascinating. I will be back with my grandkids for my next visit.

Response from Host

Sep 2024

Thanks Kevin

Urania_L

Sep 2024

Kacey aka, Chuck, was great tour guide, very knowledgeable highly recommended... My wife and I had a great time.

Response from Host

Sep 2024

Thanks very much!