There’s something mystical about dinosaurs. From classic movies like Jurassic Park to The Land Before Time and Dinosaur Train, whether you are an adult who understands the science behind it all, or a child with wild-eyed wonder, dinosaurs are fascinating.
As a child, only four years old, Fritz Hoppe was like many Americans in 1997 when Steven Spielberg’s sequel to Jurassic Park (The Lost World) hit the big screen. Fascinated, he watched the film multiple times and became infatuated with the reptilian group who ruled the world millions of years ago. Only a young boy at the time, Fritz and his two brothers (Jack & Dana) played with toy dinosaurs and even followed in their father Fred’s footsteps by setting up mock museums with their toys. This is where the Dinosaur Museum came to life.
Fred Hoppe is a well known artist and bronze sculptor from Columbus, Nebraska. Inspired by his Father, Fritz Sr., serving on the front lines in world War II, Fred created a military museum in Branson, Missouri. Built in 1999, Fred wanted the museum to honor US veterans from all wars, including his father, who received four Purple Heart Medals & a Bronze Star. Fred and his father always believed the greatest heroes were the ones left on the battlefield. With the military museum’s success educating people, and a love for tourism, it seemed like a natural fit for Fred to create something inspired by his children.
When Fritz Jr. was 15, the Hoppe family took a road trip to the Black Hills. Pursuing new museum ideas, Fred was already connected to people in the area. At one time he even stayed with another sculptor, Dale Lamphere, while he met with some community leaders.
“Sculptors tend to be competitive, but [he] always told me Dale is one of the kindest people he’s ever met,” said Fritz. “The local people always made us feel welcome. That is what South Dakota is all about: helping each other, kindness, making life better.”
In August 2014, Dinosaur Museum opened its doors in Rapid City off Highway 16. It is filled with 50 life-size dinosaur replicas and Hell Creek Formation fossils, some of which the museum purchased from local paleontologist Riley Lawson of Lawson Fossils out of Hot Springs. In addition to dinosaurs, families can enjoy a 9-hole mini golf course and a maze of mirrors.
“All ages can enjoy our museum,” said Fritz. “Of course, it seems all kids have an incredible fascination with dinosaurs (and they always know a lot more about dinosaurs than I do). It’s also surprising how large of a niche crowd there is that enjoys natural history and museums in general. It’s all about the experience and learning something new.”
Alongside his fiancé, Amanda, and his parents (his mother Donna holds a doctorate in veterinary science), the life-like exhibits are an artistic display backed by a love of conservation and education. Each species was crafted by specialists to the most life-like replication that the dinosaur may have been seen in while they were living.
“I was raised to learn and care about the environment,” explained Fritz “Backpacking, hunting, fishing, planting trees and conserving habitat—those lessons were all taught to me by my Father when I was a kid. I think that ties into the natural history aspect of the museum. Conservation and educating about the changing dynamics of the natural world are the core behind my own visions for the museum.”
Tourism has always been a part of Fritz’s life, and building attractions has become a passion for him. With the area boasting the nation’s top monuments, great family entertainment, and National Forest to explore, nearly 2 million visitors travel to the Black Hills each year. And while some businesses try to get closer and closer to the hub near Mount Rushmore, Fritz is happy with where the Dinosaur Museum stands, and has a vision of a bigger museum for the future.
“Knowing what we know now [about tourism and traffic in the Black Hills], if someone asked me the best location for a family attraction in the state of South Dakota, I would still say it is right here [in Rapid City] between Reptile Gardens & the Rushmore Candy Store.”
Dinosaur Museum - blackhillsdinosaurmuseum.com - Open All Year! Summer Hours: Open 7 days/week – 9 AM to 7 PM
Check out more articles from the Elevate Rapid City Magazine - August Issue HERE!