Vale, 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...

Custer State Park

State Park

66,710 acres. Open 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...

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

National Memorial

Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity ...

Entrance: $0

Activities: Food, Dining, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store, Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather: Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season. Summer high temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall high temperatures range from 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter ...