ENJOY THE VIEW
Jagged buttes, sweeping prairies, and painted rock layers dazzle hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts at Badlands National Park. Scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and camping options make it easy to explore this dramatic landscape. The vast Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers 600,000 acres of open skies, hiking, and wildlife watching. The region’s natural wonders extend further still—to Devils Tower, Bear Butte, and countless panoramic lookouts across South Dakota’s famous Black Hills.
TAKE A RIDE
Step back in time aboard the 1880 Train, where steam-powered excursions wind through 10 miles of mountainous terrain with sharp curves and steep grades, offering narrated stories of South Dakota’s mining past. For a bird’s-eye view, take to the skies with Black Hills Balloons. Floating at sunrise over forests, prairies, and valleys, you might spot bison, elk, or deer.
HONOR THE PAST
At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, four towering presidents stand watch over the Black Hills. Day or night, the monument inspires—but don’t miss out on ranger-led evening programs with a film, reflections on freedom, and the stirring lighting of the memorial in the summertime. Nearby, the National Presidential Wax Museum brings American history to life with more than 100 lifelike figures, including one of every U.S. president.
The ongoing Crazy Horse Memorial is more than a colossal mountain carving—it’s a celebration of Native heritage and resilience. Visitors encounter not just the iconic work-in-progress but also the Indian Museum of North America, deepening understanding of Indigenous cultures. At the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, opened in 2021 near Badlands National Park, interpretive guides lead groups through traditional dwellings and share stories of the Oglala Sioux.
LEARN MORE
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
blackhillsbadlands.com
Main Image: Black Hills Balloons; Credit: Travel South Dakota
