South Dakota’s best parks
When it comes to experiencing the great outdoors, parks are a fun, affordable destination. Explore some of the natural wonders of South Dakota by visiting one of our great parks this weekend. Here are our picks for the three best parks in South Dakota.
Famous for its roving herds of buffalo and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, Custer State Park is also one of the largest state parks in the country. There are scenic drives with loads of animals to see, hiking trails through the prairie, and campgrounds if you want to spend the night.
The Lakota call it “Mato Paha.” The Cheyenne call it “Noahvorse.” This stunning mountain is part of the Black Hills range, and is still considered sacred by many local people. When you visit, you will likely see small bundles and bright pieces of cloth tied in tree branches. These are prayers and sacred offerings made by visitors. Please be respectful and leave them alone.
This is a great destination for history buffs. This prairie outpost was established after the Minnesota Indian Uprising of 1862, and is amazingly well-preserved. The 14 original buildings are still standing, and are an amazing sight to see.
Image courtesy Flickr/Royce Bair