"The Ranch Store originated in the early 1950s along the old Highway 16 in Kadoka, SD. Like many businesses of that time, The Ranch Store’s original location was no longer viable after the completion of Interstate 90. In 1971, the former owner moved The Ranch Store and the famous six-ton Prairie Dog to its present location. It was 1972 when the current owner, Leo Koenig purchased the Ranch Store," the official website says.

"The feature event at The Ranch Store is the same as it was fifty years ago – a large prairie dog colony to the north of the store, where one can walk among the dogs and toss them a snack of unsalted peanuts. Standing fortress to the entire colony is, of course, the six-ton Prairie Dog. Just as it was fifty years ago, there is still free admission.

"The gift shop carries a wide variety of affordable gifts, a large selection of both children’s and adult t-shirts, and locally made products. One can also find the usual camera supplies, postcards, and of course the elusive postcard stamps that everyone forgets to purchase before they left home."

"Outside of Badlands National Park there is a prairie dog of a disturbing size. Surrounded by an actual prairie dog colony, this concrete giant towers 12 feet over its little friends at a whopping six tons," the Atlas Obscura says.

"The massive pink and ocher mascot to the colony below has been watching over this little corner of the Badlands for over 50 years, and despite a little weather wear and tear, shows no sign of going anywhere anytime soon.

"The attraction is free, and for $1.00 you can buy peanuts at the Ranch Store Gift Shop to feed the (in comparison) teensy prairie dogs of the non-concrete variety."

"All that being said, if I’m in a place where the norm is that feeding the wildlife is allowed or even encouraged, like at the Badlands Ranch Store in South Dakota, I’m all in! Sell me all the food!" the No Home Just Roam says.

"Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way, if you’re still interested in feeding prairie dogs in South Dakota here’s all the details. As you drive along I-90 from 1880 Town to Wall Drug (or more likely, to Rapid City or Deadwood), you’ll start to see signs for the “World’s Largest Prairie Dog” and “Feed the Prairie Dogs at the Ranch Store!”

"You’ll see the World’s Largest Prairie Dog and the signs for feeding, plus a few of the residents in the prairie dog town before you even pull in to the Badlands Ranch Store. Go into the store and purchase some of the peanuts they have available for the prairie dogs."

"Have YOU ever seen the world’s largest prairie dog? Sure, others may think they have seen this spectacular specimen, but only South Dakotans and our guests have experienced this – err, oddity – for real," the Only In Your State says.

"Sitting pretty in the parking lot, the Giant Prairie Dog stands at a whopping 12-feet tall and features eye-catching pink and yellow hues. Why a giant prairie dog? The Badlands Ranch Store sits right beside a prairie dog colony, where guests can walk around and feed peanuts to these furry critters.

"In addition to the real-life and larger-than-life rodents, the Badlands Ranch Store offers $.50 peanuts to feed the animals, plus tons of South Dakota gifts, prairie dog merchandise, shirts, and more."

"The Ranch Store is a cool place to stop when visiting the Badlands. They have a six ton large statute of a Prairie Dog which makes a great picture for the scrapbook. There is a large prairie dog colony next to the store and you can buy peanuts and feed the prairie dogs who are pretty friendly and always looking for a treat," the Black Hills Hiking Biking and More says.

"The store is usually open from late May to mid September 8 am to 6 pm. I visited this store over 40 years ago on vacation from Ohio as a child, and the store is pretty much the same. It hasn’t changed a bit, which is the cool thing about it.

"Even if the store is closed, it is a neat place to stop and visit off season. There is also the Badlands Trading Post down the road which has a bunch of buffalo statutes which are also a fun photo opportunity. Both stores are located off MM 131 I -90 on Highway 240."

"Just off the I-90, close to the entrance of the Badlands National Park, you can come face-to-face with six tons of prairie dog. You can even meet some much smaller prairie dogs," the extranormaltrails.com says.

"The giant prairie dog stands next to the Badlands Ranch Store, where you can buy peanuts to feed the regular sized prairie dogs.

"How to get there:
Address: 21190 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
Directions: Take I-90 exit 131 and drive south for one mile on highway 240."

"Feed the Prairie Dogs, check out the The Ranch Store and take your photo with the famous six-ton Prairie Dog! There is a large prairie dog colony to the north of the store, where you can walk among the prairie dogs and feed them a snack of unsalted peanuts," the Roadtrippers.com says.

"Standing over the entire colony is, of course, the six-ton Prairie Dog. Just as it was fifty years ago, there is still free admission. The gift shop carries a wide variety of affordable gifts, a large selection of both children’s and adult t-shirts, and locally made products.

"You can also find the usual camera supplies, postcards, and of course the elusive postcard stamps that everyone forgets to purchase before they left home. Refreshments and picnic tables are also available for your enjoyment.   Don't forget to feed the Prairie Dogs. The Ranch Store is open from late May through mid September. Store Hours: 8AM to 6PM MST"

"Located just minutes from the Interior Entrance of Badlands National Park you will pass the Badlands Ranch Store on your way in or out of the park. The little store sells some cold drinks, snacks and all your basic souvenirs," the PoppinUpUSA.com says.

"What you really want to purchase though is the little bag of peanuts for a buck. Grab your nuts and head out to the fenced area beside the store and be greeted by dozens of hungry little prairie dogs.

"The store has been at this location since 1971 and so has the large colony of prairie dogs. You can walk among the dogs and toss them one of your unsalted peanuts as a snack."