SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota is a state located in the Great Plains region of the United States. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, South Dakota offers visitors a unique and diverse experience. The state is home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Badlands National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. These attractions showcase the rich history and natural beauty of the state, drawing visitors from around the world. In addition to its scenic beauty, South Dakota is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, and festivals celebrating the state’s history and traditions. The state is also home to several Native American reservations, which offer visitors a chance to learn about and experience the unique culture and traditions of the area’s indigenous people. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history and culture, and diverse array of attractions and activities, South Dakota is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the heart of America.
South Dakota’s national forests offer visitors a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty up close. These forests are known for their towering peaks, deep canyons, and crystal-clear lakes and rivers. The forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and pronghorn, as well as numerous bird species, making them an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, go fishing in the many streams and lakes, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery. In the fall, the forests’ vibrant colors provide a breathtaking backdrop for leaf-peeping and other autumn activities.
The Black Hills National Forest is a diverse and picturesque region located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. It encompasses over 1.2 million acres of land, featuring towering granite peaks, tranquil lakes, winding streams, and lush forests of ponderosa pine and spruce. Visitors to the forest can explore a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and rock climbing. The area is also home to numerous wildlife species, including elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure, the Black Hills National Forest is a beloved destination for visitors from around the world. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills
Hells Canyon Ranger District
1019 N. 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-9200
Mystic Ranger District
8221 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 343-1567
Northern Hills Ranger District
2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-4622
Bearlodge Ranger District
101 S. 21st Street, P.O. Box 680, Sundance, WY 82729
(307) 283-1361
The Nebraska National Forest is a national forest located in western Nebraska. The forest covers over 141,000 acres and is known for its diverse landscapes, including ponderosa pine forests, canyons, and grasslands. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and wild turkeys, making it a popular destination for hunting and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, go fishing in the many streams and lakes, or enjoy camping and picnicking in the forest’s peaceful surroundings. The Nebraska National Forest is also home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Dismal River Archaeological District and the Bessey Nursery Historic District. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/nebraska
Pine Ridge Ranger District
125 N. Main Street Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0300
Bessey Ranger District
P.O. Box 39 Halsey, NE 69142
(308) 533-2257
In South Dakota, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 270,000 acres of public lands, which offer a diverse range of recreational opportunities. The BLM lands in South Dakota include areas of prairie, rolling hills, and rugged badlands, and visitors can explore the natural beauty of these regions by hiking, camping, horseback riding, and hunting. Some of the most popular BLM-managed areas in South Dakota include the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, the Fort Pierre National Grassland, and the Belle Fourche River Area. These areas offer stunning views of the landscape and opportunities to observe the region’s unique flora and fauna, such as bison, pronghorns, and sage grouse.
The Eastern Montana and Dakotas District is a vast and expansive region that encompasses large parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The landscape of this district is characterized by rolling prairies, rugged badlands, and sprawling grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Visitors to the district can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. The district is also home to several national parks and monuments, such as the Badlands National Park and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which offer breathtaking scenery and fascinating history. The people of this region are known for their strong sense of community and rugged individualism, and visitors are sure to encounter a warm welcome and a unique cultural experience. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/eastern-montanadakotas-district-office
Billings Field Office
5001 Southgate Drive Billings, MT 59101
(406)896-5013
Miles City Field Office
111 Garryowen Road Miles City, MT 59301
(406)233-2800
North Dakota Field Office
99 23rd Avenue West, Suite A Dickinson, ND 58601
(701)227-7700
South Dakota Field Office
309 Bonanza Street Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605)892-7000
The grasslands of South Dakota are vast, sweeping expanses of prairie that cover much of the state. These grasslands are characterized by rolling hills, open plains, and an array of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. The grasses include tallgrass, midgrass, and shortgrass varieties, and provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including bison, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The grasslands of South Dakota also offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Some of the most notable grasslands in South Dakota include the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, the Fort Pierre National Grassland, and the Grand River National Grassland. These areas provide visitors with stunning views of the open prairie and the opportunity to experience the unique natural beauty of the region.
The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is a stunning expanse of prairie located in southwestern South Dakota. Covering over 600,000 acres of land, it is one of the largest remaining mixed-grass prairies in the United States. The grassland is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and coyotes. Visitors to the Buffalo Gap National Grassland can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. The grassland is also home to several unique geological formations, such as the Badlands Wilderness Area, which features stunning rock formations and scenic overlooks. Additionally, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, which tells the story of the Cold War and America’s nuclear weapons program. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=30329
Fall River Ranger District
1801 Hwy. #18 Truck Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747
(605)745-4107
Wall Ranger District- National Grasslands Visitor Center
P.O. Box 425, 710 Main Street, Wall, SD 57790
(605)279-2126
The Fort Pierre National Grassland is a beautiful and expansive prairie located in central South Dakota. Covering over 116,000 acres of land, it is known for its sweeping vistas of rolling hills, mixed-grass prairies, and the meandering waters of the Cheyenne River. The grassland is home to a variety of wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and golden eagles. Visitors to the Fort Pierre National Grassland can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. The grassland is also home to several unique geological formations, such as the Chalk Hills, which feature layers of white and tan-colored sedimentary rock. Additionally, the grassland contains several historic sites, including the Fort Pierre Chouteau National Historic Site, which tells the story of the fur trade and the American West. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=10637
Fort Pierre Ranger District
1020 North Deadwood Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532
(605) 224-5517
The Grand River National Grassland is a public land managed by the United States Forest Service in northwestern South Dakota. The grassland covers over 150,000 acres and is the largest national grassland in the state. The grassland is characterized by rolling hills, canyons, and grassy meadows, offering visitors a stunning and serene outdoor experience. The Cedar River National Grassland is a public land managed by the United States Forest Service in southwestern North Dakota. The grassland covers over 6,000 acres and is the smallest national grassland in the country. The grassland is characterized by rolling hills, grassy meadows, and juniper trees, offering visitors a peaceful and quiet outdoor experience. These grasslands are home to several wildlife species, including prairie dogs, bison, and coyotes, as well as a diverse range of bird species. Visitors to the grasslands can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The grasslands are also an important economic resource, supporting grazing and other agricultural activities. However, they faces several threats, including invasive species, oil and gas development, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the grassland and maintain its ecological health. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dpg/recarea/?recid=79471
Grand River Ranger District
1005 5th Ave W., Lemmon, SD 57638
(605)374-3592
tips and tricks
South Dakota experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, so make sure you pack for all types of weather.
If you’re interested in outdoor activities, visit the Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, or one of the many state parks in South Dakota.
South Dakota is home to several scenic byways, including the Badlands Loop and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, so plan your route accordingly.
South Dakota is a huge hub for the vanlife community! Gaining citizenship here is much easier here than most states.
do’s and dont’s
Take a tour of the Crazy Horse Memorial and learn about the history and traditions of the Lakota people.
Don’t forget to plan your route and research the places you want to visit. South Dakota has many scenic routes and attractions, so it’s important to plan ahead of time to make the most of your trip.
