Cosmos Mystery Area in Black Hills South Dakota

Day 1 of our vacation in the Black Hills was spent setting up camp and getting food. However, day 2 found us exploring and marking off items on the Ultimate Black Hills Bucket List.

Our first stop was to the Cosmos Mystery Area located between Rapid City and Keystone off of Hwy 16.

History of the Cosmos Mystery Area

According to their website, in 1952 two college boys were looking for the perfect spot to build a summer cabin. Upon their search, they stumbled into the mysterious world of the Cosmos. The old cabin areas especially piqued their interest as the laws of logic and physics seemed to be turned upside-down. They continued to experiment and develop the demonstrations until they eventually opened their discovery to the public in 1953.

My Thoughts

Honestly, it is more of like an amusement park ride. In fact, several of these “cabins” have been built inside amusements parks such as Six Flags. The only thing that makes this one unique is that it is in the middle of the woods. Since I have been to several of these types of “attractions” I knew exactly what to expect.

The only reason we actually stopped was so the kids and husband could experience it. I was also hoping that this would be a true mystery area. However, it wasn’t. It was just like every other amusement “ride” that is out there along with the same “tricks”.

My Kids & Husband’s Thoughts

They loved it! My husband who never gets vertigo had major vertigo along with an upset stomach. So just keep that in mind before going. It will make you dizzy and will screw with your head.

Cosmos Mystery Area in Black Hills South Dakota

My husband isn’t leaning forward, he is actually standing up straight!

Oddly enough, I was fine (I get dizzy really easily and not once felt dizzy while we were there). My husband and I joked that it straightened my head out while it screwed his up lol.

My teens seemed to handle it just fine as well and had a great time.