Overview
Available languages
40 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
Options
Mystery House Tour
What‘s Included
Local guide
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Meeting points
Cosmos Mystery Area
24040 Cosmos Rd, Rapid City United States
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
224 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun for families
BackPacker551531,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best tour guide who was awesome with the kids in the group. We all walked away with smile and had a great time :)
Cosmos is a must do!!
jacdyl,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fun experience. This was one of our favorite things we did. The littles and adults loved it. Inexpensive and fun, what more can you ask for.
Family trip
jessicafB6262ZR,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Torres was our tour guide, she was hillarious we absolutely loved her energy and jokes. This is the 3rd time I’ve been to cosmos and she’s by far the best tour guide I’ve had. My family and I absolutely adored her!
Fun
sokara78,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a fun time with our teens. The disorienting effects were fun. I don’t know if it’s real or not but it was a good time for us. We also did the geode crack which was worth it.
Good family outing
1VintageMom,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great family outing. The Geodes are an added treat if you are not familiar with geology. Adrian was a fun guide.
Trippy
johnlF8093LQ,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The visit was fun, trippy, entertaining!
Lots of fun
Navigate568120,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Silly and super fun for everyone. Charming tour guides.
Odd and amazing experience!
Nicole H,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I had an amazing experience at The Cosmos. The tour guide was great and it was an amazingly strange experience. Definitely a highlight of our trip and would visit again if in the area!
Recommended kids over 5
Trek31762412279,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Check my four-year-old son there. The guide was absolutely amazing and patient with us. The entire group we had was patient. it was really a great time
Awesome experience!
Triplethreat143,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much fun! Merit did an awesome job explaining everything and making it a magical experience, had fun jokes. Kept good pacing
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