Cosmos Mystery Area: Family-Friendly Science Attraction

Nestled in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, the Cosmos Mystery Area offers a distinctive, fun-filled amusement for the whole family. Visitors can relish a half-hour tour showcasing the intersection of mystery, humor, and science through interactive experiments and enlightening amusement.

Duration: 40 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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…
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
  • Not wheelchair or stroller accessible
Location
Cosmos Mystery Area
24040 Cosmos Rd,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(193 Ratings)
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Kevingq5065zo
Sep 27, 2024
Fantastic experience at the Cosmos! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Urania_l
Sep 22, 2024
The mistery - Kacey aka, Chuck, was great tour guide, very knowledgeable highly recommended... My wife and I had a great time.
Review provided by Viator
A5525remarthas
Sep 21, 2024
Mystery Challenge! - You need to visit this gem of a family attraction in the Mt. Rushmore area! We had a fun and intriguing 40 minute tour with our terrific guide Maggie. Enjoy the beautiful wooded area and the challenge of figuring out the mystery. There's some big steps along the path with plenty of railings and places to rest. Finding and cutting a geode makes for a pretty cool souvenir! There's fun and learning for all ages at Cosmos Mystery Area. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I5647mydaniellew
Sep 20, 2024
The Real Deal! - Had an amazing time at The Cosmos Mystery Area yesterday. Why is it called the mystery area, and not the mystery house? Well, you'll have to go on your own to find out! This is the third mystery / vortex area I've been to around the country, including The Mystery Spot in California, and I can honestly say that the gravitational pull that I felt here was stronger than that one. Maggie was an excellent tour guide, and the group I was in covered the age spectrum. There is a slight incline with steps to access the mystery area, but it is a gradual rise into a beautifully wooded area. This tour is geared towards all ages, as any in all ages can wonder in the delight of this mysterious natural area. If you have vertigo like I do, or get motion sickness, it's suggested to take a Dramamine before going. I did so, and had no issues. Excellent staff, conveniently located en route to either Rapid City or Mount Rushmore, and an absolute must see if you're visiting the Black Hills.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
104bris
Sep 16, 2024
Loved it! - Loved it! I remember doing this as a kid 25 years ago. Brought our kids back (ages 12,10,5) and all loved it. Family friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity00902773825
Sep 3, 2024
Cosmos - So so cool!!! Definitely recommend!! Tour guide was awesome. Only about 40 minutes but worth it! Go to cosmos if you get the chance
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture282055
Sep 2, 2024
Our 8yo & 10yo boys loved it! - Our 8 & 10-year-old boys loved it! The tour guide got all of the kids and some adults involved in trying out the fun and wacky things. It was one of our favorite tours we did in the Black Hills! We would definitely visit again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
472askb
Aug 20, 2024
Crazy and weired experience! - Totally wiered and crazy experience. I can 110% recommend it! I shall newer forget the Mystery House comprised by two rooms....!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mmuldoon
Aug 19, 2024
Great family time and a South Dakota tradition. - We live in Eastern South Dakota, and a trip to Cosmos was a must when coming over to the Western side of the state. Cosmos, even for South Dakotans, is almost a tradition at this point, we came as kids when our parents brought us, and now we are bringing our kids back for what we know is a fun, quirky, must do activity in the Black Hills. Our tour guide, Jack, was a very fun and energetic college student that put on a great tour for not only the kids in the group but also the parents. The tour took about an hour and required somewhat good balance and good stamina for walking up steep graded hills and balancing yourself at strange angles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caseycw1004bj
Aug 17, 2024
A neat experience - I enjoyed the experience I had when I went. The drive down was beautiful too! The anomalies regarding some of what your tour guide will lead you through are pretty interesting, and though it did make at least 1 person in our group dizzy everyone had fun. It's great for kids too, especially inquisitive kids. The staff were polite and inviting, I plan on bringing some friends and my nieces and nephews there for a good time :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor