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National & State Parks and Monuments

Ride, Rally... Relax in Nature!

Hit the road and experience the many beautiful National and State Parks and Monuments that the Black Hills have to offer.

Black Hills National Forest Spearfish CanyonBlack Hills National Forest – Southwestern, SD
The Black Hills, in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, consists of 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountains, approximately 110 miles long and 70 miles wide. The Black Hills rise from the adjacent grasslands into a ponderosa pine forest. Described as an “Island in the Plains.”

Bear Butte State ParkBear Butte State Park – Sturgis, SD
This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. The park offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, historical interest and horseback riding.

Rocky Point Recreation Area Belle Fourche ReservoirRocky Point Recreation Area – Belle Fourche, SD
Rocky Point Recreation Area is located on the 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir. The reservior was created in 1911, when Orman Dam was constructed to store water for agricultural use. At the time of its completion, Orman Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world.

Spearfish Canyon Nature Area Roughlock fallsSpearfish Canyon Nature Area – between Spearfish and Lead, SD
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area includes the Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls and the Savoy Pond area. The canyon is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills. A trail system connects all three areas and offers spectacular views of the waterfalls and foliage in the Fall.

Devils Tower National Monument WYDevils Tower National Monument – Hulett, WY
The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower entices us to learn more, explore more and define our place in the natural and cultural world. Enjoy the Visitor Center, Ranger Programs, hiking, climbing, and camping.

Badlands National Park mountains with strataBadlands National Park
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

Mount Rushmore National MemorialMount Rushmore National Memorial – Keystone, SD
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

Crazy Horse Memorial sculpture and mountainCrazy Horse Memorial – between Keystone and Custer, SD
Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota lies the largest mountain sculpture in the world a Memorial of Lakota leader and warrior, Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse Memorial is actually not a National or State project, it is on private land and run by Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.

Custer State Park buffaloCuster State Park – Custer, SD
The granite peaks and rolling plains are calling. The clear mountain waters are inviting and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered. Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone. The park includes the renown Sylvan Lake, Needles, Black Elk Peak, Wildlife Loop, the Buffalo Roundup, and so much more.

Jewel Cave National Monument explorerJewel Cave National Monument – Custer, SD
Jewel Cave, currently the third longest cave in the world, with 200.3 miles of mapped passageways. It is located approximately 13 miles west of the town of Custer in Black Hills of South Dakota. It became a national monument in 1908.

Wind Cave National Park explorerWind Cave National Park – Hot Springs, SD
Wind Cave National Park is known for the barometric winds at its entrance, this maze of passages is home to boxwork, a unique formation rarely found elsewhere. It is seventh-longest cave in the world at 241.6 km (150.1 mi). Above the cave, bison, elk, pronghorn antelopes and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America’s oldest national parks.

Angostura State Recreation Area lakeAngostura State Recreation Area – Hot Springs, SD
Angostura Reservoir is a water-lover’s haven with breathtaking, scenic views. Offering crystal clear waters, 36 miles of shoreline, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the state, the area boasts many water sports and summer fun activities – camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. Its strong fishery is well known for its walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and also supports northern pike, largemouth bass, perch and bluegill.

Sheps Canyon Recreation Area lakeSheps Canyon Recreation Area – Hot Springs, SD
Nestled along Sheps Canyon Bay, Sheps Canyon Campground is the newest campground on Angostura Reservoir. It offers great access to the boat ramp and excellent shore fishing opportunities, as well as camping, hiking and swimming.