Parks, Monuments & Forests | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

Parks, Monuments & Forests

Monumental works of man and nature – the Black Hills contain a plethora of national and state parks, monuments, memorials and scenic byways.

To the Lakota nation, this small mountain “island” in the midst of the vast prairie is the sacred center of creation. And the magnificent national heirlooms of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorials speak to the impact these majestic mountains had on two of our nation’s greatest sculptors, Gutzon Borglum and Korczak Ziolkowski.

There’s a bounty of natural wonders sure to keep visitors inspired and excited every hour of their vacation. Just east of the Black Hills is the otherworldly sandstone spires of Badlands National Park; to the north, the granite monolith of Devils Tower thrusts its massive bulk into the Wyoming sky.

In the midst of the Hills lies Custer State Park, the great wildlife refuge where 1,700 buffalo roam free, and where the Needles and Harney Peak exhilarate all who love the great outdoors. Underground are two of America’s finest cave systems, Jewel Cave and Wind Cave.

There’s a plethora of national parks, state parks, national forests, national grasslands, wilderness areas and refuges and national scenic byways, all within a few short hours’ drive of each other. Awesome adventures await!

Start planning your vacation today by requesting the Free Vacation Guide for Great Dining, Maps, Events and Family Fun!

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, featuring the faces of four U.S. Presidents carved into the rugged granite mountainside in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Crazy Horse Memorial is a stunning and unique monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota, honoring the heroic legacy of the Lakota warrior and the Native American culture.

Custer State Park is one of the most beloved and diverse parks in the United States, featuring breathtaking natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Badlands National Park is an otherworldly destination that offers visitors an immersive experience of the natural beauty and geologic uniqueness of the region.

Devils Tower National Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Black Hills region, a stunning rock formation that rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is a fascinating destination that provides visitors with an immersive experience of the Cold War history and the historic Minuteman Missiles that never were fired at an enemy.

Black Hills National Forest is a diverse and stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Jewel Cave National Monument is a natural wonderland with some of the most awe-inspiring cave formations in the world.

Wind Cave National Park is a unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, as well as prairies, forests, and an abundance of wildlife.

Roughlock Falls Nature Area is a serene and picturesque spot located in the northern Black Hills, just a short drive from Spearfish.

This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. From the 4,426 foot summit, you can view four states.

Angostura State Recreation Area is a beautiful and tranquil destination located just a few miles from historic Hot Springs.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors and reconnect with nature.

Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Shadehill State Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor recreational activities for everyone.

Rocky Point State Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor fun and relaxation for everyone.

The Grand River National Grassland is comprised of 155,000 acres and is located in northwestern South Dakota near the state border with North Dakota.

The South Dakota Vacation Guide is your go-to source for discovering everything the state has to offer.

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