South Dakota Parks, Forests & Public Lands - The National Parks Experience

Wind Cave Tours Suspended Due to Elevator Malfunction

Bram — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:43:06 +0000

Cave tours through Wind Cave are suspended until an elevator transformer can be replaced, according to a press release from the park. The transformer malfunctioned Sunday afternoon, April 27. It is currently unknown how long the replacement will take or when tours will resume. In the interim, rangers will be offering virtual tours of the...

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10 Amazing Hikes in Badlands National Park

Bram — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:27:00 +0000

While the otherworldly landscapes of the South Dakota Badlands used to deter early fur trappers and pioneers, they now attract casual hikers and experienced backpackers alike. Compared to most U.S. national parks, there are relatively few hiking trails in Badlands National Park, but they do offer an amazing, immersive hiking experience. The Badlands National Park...

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26 National Parks That Preserve Native American Heritage & Cultural Sites

Bram — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:28:00 +0000

With all that overwhelming natural splendor, it’s easy to forget that the National Park System also preserves a wealth of other things and places. In fact, there are literally thousands of Native American heritage and cultural sites in America's national parks, preserving archaeological sites, battlefields and cultural landmarks.

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Best Places to See Wildlife in Badlands National Park

Bram — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:49:00 +0000

Preserving one of America’s last remaining tracts of intact mixed-grass prairie, Badlands National Park is home to several iconic prairie animals. If you’re planning to do some wildlife watching during your visit to Badlands National Park, this guide will help you find the best areas to do that. From the popular Badlands Loop Road to...

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Prairie Dogs in Badlands-Conata Ecosystem Infected With Plague

Bram — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 22:39:21 +0000

One of the most iconic Great Plains mammals, prairie dogs are always a fun and fascinating sight in Badlands National Park. However, these social animals are, unfortunately, also susceptible to plague. Prairie Dogs in Badlands-Conata Ecosystem Infected With Plague The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service have confirmed plague as the cause of a...

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Where to See Bison in Wind Cave National Park

Bram — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:14:10 +0000

Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, an area of invaluable cultural significance to the Lakota people, Wind Cave National Park preserves sprawling prairie landscapes, the historical home of plains animals like prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, pronghorn, and bison. The park also encompasses one of the longest and most complex caves on Earth—Wind Cave was...

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