Visitors get their fair share of outdoor adventure in South Dakota's famous Black Hills. The region is home to five national parks, forests, monuments and memorials, as well as one of the nation's largest state parks.
'Paha Sapa' the Lakota call them, 'hills that are black' because their pine-covered slopes look as dark as shadows from afar. The 1.2 million acre Black Hills National Forest covers an area almost as big as Delaware and is a recreational wonderland. There are endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking and scenic country drives.
The Black Elk Wilderness, named for the Lakota holy man of the same name, was established in 1980 to protect 9,824 acres of rugged mountain country for animals like mountain goats and deer. People can visit the wilderness, but they must travel on foot or horseback. The 114 mile George S. Mickelson Trail runs the length of the Black Hills. The gently sloping trail passes through pine forest, grassy meadows and tunnels blasted through rock. It's a favourite among horseback riders and hikers.
The majestic 60 foot faces of four U.S. presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln) gaze out over South Dakota's Black Hills. Recognised worldwide, Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands as a symbol of American democracy.
Millions of years of wind and water erosion have carved an eerie sight from the vast prairies of western South Dakota. Steep precipices, saw-edged spires and colourful grassy-topped buttes form a strange and beautiful landscape that tells the story of earth's history. This is Badlands National Park, 244,000 acres of primordial terrain. The skeletons of ancient camels and three-toed horses are among the fossils found here.
Custer State Park covers 71,000 acres, making it one of the largest state parks in the nation. It has spectacular views and abundant wildlife. The park's famous bison herd roams freely here, along with other wildlife. Visitors can leave the highways behind in favour of miles and miles of horseback riding or hiking that run through this nature lover's paradise. Stay at one of the four historic resorts or camp under the stars in one of the park's seven camp grounds.
The Sioux Nation
Long before white settlers arrived, the tribes of the Great Sioux Nation called South Dakota home. Bear Butte, a volcanic laccolith holds great spiritual significance for many American Indians. The colossal Crazy Horse Memorial moutain carving is now in progress and can be seen 17 miles from Mount Rushmore. This is the largest sculptural undertaking ever and, when finished, it will tower 563 feet high and 641 feet long.
A Lone Survivor
Fort Meade, near Sturgis preserves US military history in South Dakota with its parade grounds, post cemetery and museum. The only cavalry member to survive the Battle of Little Big Horn was retired here with honours. The survivor was a lone horse named Comanche.
Cowboy Culture and Rodeos
The Old West begins in South Dakota, where cattle and cowboys still roam the open range. The Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup offers thrill of a lifetime. Visitors watch as cowboys on horseback and rangers in pick-up trucks bring in a herd of 1500 bison.
South Dakota's state sport, rodeo, reflects its western heritage. Cowboys and cowgirls compete in daring events like bull-riding, calf-roping, barrel-racing and steer-wrestling. The end of January through the beginning of February, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo take place in Rapid City. A rodeo for top honours is held at the Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo in Mobridge. This fast-paced professional rodeo is held around the Fourth of July holiday.
Trail Riding and Ranch Life
Trail rides and horse-packs trips get visitors in the saddle and out exploring the area. Rides can last anywhere from an hour to several days, and many are led by genuine cowboys. For a real taste of the Old West, visitors can take in a chuckwagon supper from the back end of a wagon. Visitors eager to experience ranch life first hand can also stay at working ranches and farms across the state, where they can assist with chores, feed the animals, take nature walks and enjoy a down-home lifestyle.
Wild Horses
Wild horses still run free at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, near Hot Springs. Visitors take guided tours of the 11,000 acre sanctuary where they get close-up views of 350 wild mustangs, living symbols of the American West.
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