Kids Online Lessons About South Dakota
South Dakota has fun for all ages...even online! Need to keep the little ones occupied? Ready to get the entire family excited for a South Dakota trip? We've put together eight different pages that will educate & engage kids (and adults!) about the land of "Great Faces, Great Places."
These pages will help your little ones learn fun facts about South Dakota's Native American culture, the Wild West, wildlife, Mount Rushmore and so much more. Kids can then put the lessons into practice with easy-to-do, hands-on activities like fossil building, indoor camping, and ice cream making. There are also coloring pages, word match-ups, crossword puzzles and more! And once it’s time for your next family adventure, everyone will be ready for the great places that are waiting in South Dakota.
South Dakota has fun for all ages...even online! Need to keep the little ones occupied...
Bear Butte State Park: Exploring a Black Hills Wonder
Bear Butte State Park: Exploring a Black Hills Wonder
Located in the Black Hills near Sturgis, Bear Butte State Park is known for its geological formation that formed millions of years ago. This laccolith structure is considered sacred by many of the area’s Native American tribes, so hikers will likely encounter religious offerings around the park's trail system. (Please leave them undisturbed.) Along with its hiking trails, visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, camping and rafting.
What A Butte!
Sitting at 4,426 feet tall, the view you get from this mountain sure is impressive. So impressive, in fact, that you can see 4 different states from the summit!
Gone Fishin'!
As the old saying goes, "there's plenty of fish in the...lake." At 215 acres in size, Bear Butte lake offers plenty of opportunities to reel in the catch of the day!
Celebrate Centennial Trail
Bear Butte can be either the start or end of the amazing 111-mile Centennial Trail. Designed for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, the trail cuts through some of the most scenic areas in the Black Hills and prime wildlife habitat. Portions of the trail pass near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, through Custer State Park, and across large chunks of the Black Hills National Forest.
What’s In A Name?
The most popular legend about this butte goes like this: Kids disturb bear, bear chases kids. When the children outran the bear and climbed upon a tree stump, both the stump and the bear began to grow. The bear raked the sides of the growing stump (creating Devil’s Tower in Wyoming) until an eagle rescued the children. The bear gave pursuit before falling into a slumber at the foot of the Black Hills and becoming Bear Butte.
Peak Enjoyment
Located just a few miles outside of Sturgis on Highway 79, this intrusion of igneous rock — commonly mistaken for a mountain — is a National Historic Landmark that offers a 1.85-mile hike to the 4,426-foot summit, where hikers can get a stunning view of four states.
Trail Mix
Fort Meade Recreation Area has plenty of places to roam. See prairie, forest, and more along a variety of nearby trails, including the Alkali Creek Nature Trail, the 7th Cavalry Trail System, and an 11-mile portion of the 111-mile Centennial Trail.
Bear Butte State Park is the destination for outdoors-lovers. Find your next adventure at this Black Hills attraction.
United States
PLACES to Stay near Bear Butte
With Bear Butte State Park just outside the city, Sturgis is the perfect place to stay if you plan on visiting the park.
Where to Eat and Drink
Sturgis has a variety of tasty options to satisfy any hunger after a long day at the park.
What to See and Do Nearby
Sturgis puts you near many of the Black Hills’ most famous attractions. Learn more.
Catch an Event
Don't miss any of the exciting upcoming events in Sturgis.
Check Out These Businesses Near Bear Butte State Park
Nearby Attractions
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
Sturgis is home to the nation's largest annual motorcycle rally, so it's only natural for the city to boast the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Come explore the rich history and lifestyle of motorcycling.
Fort Meade Museum
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fort Meade was established in the late 1800s to protect settlers who traveled to the Black Hills in search of gold. Visit the Fort Meade Museum to learn the history of the fort and the region.
Dinosaur Park: Get Prehistoric in the Black Hills
Dinosaur Park: Get Prehistoric in the Black Hills
Fossils and other evidence of dinosaurs were once found in Rapid City on the sandstone ridge that's surrounded by the Black Hills. In honor of this former excavation site, the area has been converted to Dinosaur Park. The park now houses seven massive dinosaur replicas, a visitor center, gift shop and café. Explorers of all ages can learn about the area’s prehistoric past, take photos with these larger-than-life structures and get incredible views of the South Dakota Black Hills.
Visit Dinosaur Park today and revel in South Dakota’s prehistoric past.
Kickin' It Back Old-School
Sixty-five million years ago, the dinosaurs went extinct ... or did they? Your favorite dinosaurs can be found hanging out at this fun, family-friendly park. We promise the dinos won't bite!
What to Do?
Aside from marveling at the incredible, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, the park also features stunning views of Rapid City along with a gift shop and cafe. Selfie-worthy views, food and drink, and a souvenir for the kids? A recipe for fun if you ask us!
Bear Country USA
While you're in Rapid City, visit Bear Country USA. Drive through this 250-acre nature exhibit to see all kinds of North American wildlife including wolves, big horn sheep, buffalo and the largest collection of privately owned black bears in the world.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Take a quick drive over to Mount Rushmore National Memorial to see one of the nation's most iconic attractions. Revel in the mastery of sculptor Gutzon Borglum at "America's Shrine of Democracy." The monument is just 30 minutes from Rapid City.
The Travel South Dakota Stories
Episode 4: The Land of The Giants
Some of the world’s most important dinosaur fossils have been discovered in South Dakota, including Sue, the most complete T. rex ever found. But here, history isn’t just something you see in a museum; you can dig for it yourself! Come along on a Black Hills adventure millions of years in the making.
Dinosaur Park is a must-see attraction, but the Black Hills boast all sorts of adventures waiting to be discovered.
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PLACES to Stay near Rapid City
Accommodations here run the gamut, from a lauded historic hotel in the heart of it all to a lodge overlooking the Black Hills to international brands with all the familiar trappings.
Where to Eat and Drink
The food scene here is as vibrant as the city itself. Craft breweries offer menus as creative as their beers, refined restaurants make date-night perfection and cafés serve up the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
What to See and Do Nearby
Whether you want to explore local indigenous culture, watch bear cubs play at Bear Country USA or browse boutiques at Main Street Square, Rapid City's itinerary potential goes well beyond Mount Rushmore – which is also close by.
View itinerary
There is so much to do in and around Rapid City, it can be hard to fit it all in: museums, wildlife parks, indigenous art galleries. Don't have much time? No worries: here's how to fit it all in over a couple of days.
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Needles Highway: Explore a Natural Wonder at Custer State Park
Needles Highway: Explore a Natural Wonder at Custer State Park
The Needles at Custer State Park have become one of the park’s biggest attractions. These soaring, slender granite rock formations attract visitors from near and far alike. Hike through Custer State Park and see the Needles for yourself. This attraction has also become a popular rock-climbing spot. Looking for incredible views? Needles Highway features 14 miles of scenic views through Custer State Park. Check out these famed natural structures as you cruise past forests, meadows, mountains and Sylvan Lake.
Sylvan Lake
Quite likely South Dakota's most posted lake, this jewel has served as the beautiful backdrop for countless events, weddings and even for climactic Nicolas Cage adventures in the 2007 blockbuster National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. It also serves as a trailhead for great Black Hills hiking trails like Sunday Gulch and Little Devils Tower. Besides social media influencers, movie stars and hikers, Sylvan Lake is also popular with families looking for a place to swim and anglers looking to land a rainbow trout.
Cathedral Spires Trail
The Cathedral Spires are a part of the Needles formations and the inspiration for Mount Rushmore. The same view that inspired Doane Robinson marks the beginning of the Cathedral Spires Trail, a 1.6-mile trail that's more moderate and approachable than its "difficult" rating suggests and takes you right through the iconic formations.
Needle's Eye
There's no doubt where the name comes for this iconic formation comes from once you see it (and it's easy to find right along SD Hwy 87). Rock climbers looking for a serious challenge can often be found taking it on.
Sylvan Lake Lodge
This historic lodge and collection of cabins deep in Custer State Park overlook Sylvan Lake — one of Custer State Park's most beautiful gems. Making basecamp from here, one is within walking distance of trails like Sunday Gulch and the Sylvan Lake Shore before continuing to others like Little Devils Tower, Cathedral Spires, or Black Elk Peak.
Needle's Eye Tunnel
A distinct formation in the granite that looks like the eye of a giant's rock needle marks one of the more popular pullouts along the scenic Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87 North). Many like to stop and watch in disbelief as family haulers — and even some specialized commercial busses — squeeze through the 8' 9" wide by 9’8" high tunnel.
Rock-Climbing the Needles
If you're ready for a truly amazing adventure, climb the Needles! The guides at Sylvan Rocks can supply all the climbing gear and guidance you need, whether you're a beginner or experienced climber. To look out over Custer State Park from the top of these unique rock formations is an experience that won't soon be forgotten.
See what other travelers discovered at Custer State Park, and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.
With hiking trails, scenic drives, rock climbing and more, the Needles are a must-see South Dakota attraction.
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD57730
United States
Where to Stay Near the Needles and Custer State Park
Cabins, suites, RV camps – no matter your preference – there are plenty of lodging options near Custer State Park.
Where to Eat and Drink
From pie and coffee shops to sports bars and brewing companies, there are a variety of restaurants to match any craving near Custer State Park.
What to See and Do Nearby
The Needles are an attraction like no other, with hiking, rock climbing and scenic drives aplenty. But Custer State Park and its surrounding area offer a variety of exciting possibilities for you to discover.
Check Out These Businesses Near the Needles
Brookings: Outdoor Fun in Northeastern South Dakota
Brookings: Outdoor Fun in Northeastern South Dakota
Travel to northeastern South Dakota and take in all of the outdoor recreation possibilities in Brookings. Experience 70 acres of nature at McCrory Gardens. Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, you can wander the botanical garden and arboretum as well as an education & visitor center. Dakota Nature Park, a city landfill-turned-multipurpose park, features bike trails, fishing ponds, kayaking, canoeing, bird-watching and picnic areas. Inside the park, you’ll find Larson Nature Center, which offers recreational programs and rentals. From kayaks to snowshoes, the center has everything you need for your Dakota Nature Park adventure.
Mountain bikers and cyclists will love Single Track & Pump Park. With three tracks of varying skill levels and terrain, the park is perfect for riders of all ages. Explore the two-acre Veteran’s Memorial Park, which features walking trails and a monument to our nation’s veterans. Discover the region's pioneer heritage at the Brookings County History Museum. Spot the incredible artwork of the Downtown Urban Canvas by exploring the alleyways of downtown Brookings.
Children's Museum of South Dakota
Located in downtown Brookings, the Children's Museum of South Dakota offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays to promote creativity and learning for its visitors. This popular attraction is full of fun for the whole family.
South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
Discover the state's agricultural and rural history at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, the museum features exhibits on agricultural science and culture.
McCrory Gardens
With 25 acres of open-air gardens and a 45-acre arboretum, you can find harmony amongst this collection of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses on the South Dakota State University campus.
South Dakota Art Museum
Featuring amazing works by South Dakota artists spread throughout six galleries, this free museum is located beside the iconic Coughlin Campanile on the South Dakota State University campus. The museum is perhaps known best for its collection of work by Harvey Dunn, a former SDSU student and one of South Dakota's most celebrated artists.
Bike tracks, kayaking, hiking trails and more give outdoors-lovers plenty of reasons to visit Brookings.
1321 6th Street
Brookings, SD57006
United States
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for the perfect camping spot for your RV or a hotel that has all the amenities, you’ll find it here.
Where to Eat and Drink
From handmade candy and micro doughnuts to creative pub fare and globally inspired menus, Brookings features a variety of cuisines for visitors to try.
What to See and Do Nearby
With parks, gardens, fishing ponds and trails, Brookings adds to South Dakota’s reputation as an outdoor paradise. Stroll through an urban arboretum, see a replica of a pioneer cabin, tee off on a round of golf or go paddling on a serene lake while you’re here.
Check Out These Brookings Businesses
