The most beautiful natural sites to discover Dakota

The visitors cross the part of the cave where the concretions are abundant. We start off at the entrance and get out by the lift. One hour visit, moderately tiring, with 300 steps (mostly downwards).

A very well appointed cave! We'll get there and get out of the elevator. 1 hour visit, with 150 steps; It's the least tiring of all.

This circuit includes some of the largest cave halls, including Wind Cave Boxwork. There is a lift from the elevator. This moderately tiring circuit has 450 steps and lasts 1 hour 30.

The Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds, an underground with five proposed circuits, the other sunny and multiple resources. Many wildlife live in the park, in an astonishing meadow or in the forest. Walking along the road or walking on hiking trails provides an opportunity to see bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn elites and several different bird species. The park has 11 circuits for 48 ½ km of hiking. Elk Mountain, Prairie Vista and Rankin Ridge trails are loops and 1.6 km long. 

The Wild Life Loop Road scenic road travels 30 kilometers of undisturbed meadows and pine hills, a host of wildlife. Depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to observe bison, pronghorns, deer, elk, coyotes, donkeys, and also prairie dogs and different raptors.

Sylvan Lake is probably the most picturesque of the five lakes of the Custer State Park, and also one of the most popular sites in the park, you will soon understand why. For a walk or a small photo break, sports activities or a camping night, the frame is enchanting. Imagine a sea of oil cut by the most photogenic rock formations, wrapped by a green forest and you are there. It is logically a popular place for private events like weddings, but also a unique bathing decor. The site is therefore equipped with all amenities and tourist infrastructure: Hotels, Restaurant, Camping, Grocery Store, Bathing Beach, Hiking Trails… There are also various water activities: boat rental (non motorized only), pedal boats, canoes… And with the adapted permit, you can even join sport number one here: fishing.

The needle road is a 22 km panoramic road in the heart of pine forests, spruce and butt forests, rolling reliefs and acclaimed rocky mountains. It was the former governor of the state, Peter Norbeck, who drew the route, and did not miss a stop at Sylvan Lake and the Needle's Eye Formation, which was excavated by the elements.

A loop through a juniper forest that runs along a small seasonal pond, very popular with deer and sheep.

The trail hosts replicas of fossils and exhibits on the missing creatures that formerly inhabited the region.

A short trail leading to a natural window with a unique view of the eroded canyon.

The trail joins the Castle Trail and crosses a meadow overlooking the Badlands Valley.

A little climb through a log ladder and along a corniche to the "Notch" that offers spectacular views over the White River Valley.

An unforgettable walk above and on the acclaimed rock formations, we think on another planet.

A pleasant and easy walk to a "door" in the rock formations.

This short trail climbs along the Badlands and offers a beautiful view of the White River Valley. It is connected to the end at Medicine Root and Castle Trail.