Chadron, NE

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument

In the early 1900s, paleontologists unearthed the Age of Mammals when they found full skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the hills of Nebraska -- species previously only known through fragments. At the same time, an age of friendship began between rancher James Cook and Chief Red Cloud of the L...

Entrance: $0

Activities: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Astronomy, Stargazing, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film...

Weather: Summers can be very warm, high 90's to 100 with the frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Plan to hike early and come down from the higher points if storms threaten. Winter temperatures can dip as lo...

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

Custer State Park

State Park

66,710 acres. Open Access

Entrance: $0

Fort Robinson State Park

State Park

22,198 acres. Restricted Access

Entrance: $0

Jewel Cave National Monument

National Monument

Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world. With over 220 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lures explorers, and its s...

Entrance: $0

Activities: Caving, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Snowshoeing, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store

Weather: Weather in the Black Hills varies significantly throughout the year and may be drastically different from the northern hills to the southern hills. The temperatures listed are for average lows to aver...

Scotts Bluff National Monument

National Monument

Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers. Rich with geological and paleontological history as well as human history, there is much to discover w...

Entrance: $0

Activities: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Backcountry Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Living H...

Weather: Summers at Scotts Bluff are generally dry and high temperatures are usually in the 80's and 90's, although they can reach above 100 on occasion. Hikers are strongly advised to carry water. W...

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks - Wildlife Division

State Park

5,083 acres. Open Access

Entrance: $0

Wind Cave National Park

National Park

Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of in...

Entrance: $0

Activities: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Road Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping, RV Camping, Caving, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Au...

Weather: Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong...