Batesland, SD

Badlands National Park

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 horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie ...

Entrance: $30

Activities: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use), Compass and GPS, Food, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Ho...

Weather: The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tor...

Chadron State Park

State Park

986 acres. Restricted Access

Entrance: $0

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

National Historic Site

During the Cold War, a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains. Hidden in plain sight, for thirty years 1,000 missiles were kept on constant alert; hundreds remain today. The Minuteman Missile remains an iconic weapon in the American nuclear arsenal. It holds the power to de...

Entrance: $0

Activities: Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store

Weather: Rapid weather changes are common in the western South Dakota area where Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Character...

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks - Wildlife Division

State Park

5,083 acres. Open Access

Entrance: $0