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Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes

Truly a part of, but not exclusively Old West, this region showcases diverse terrain and scenery. The area contains three major landforms: the Black Hills, the Badlands and the high plains, short-grass prairie. All can be found within a 50-mile radius of Rapid City, the region's hub.

The Black Hills are a beautiful, accessible extension of the Rocky Mountains. Thick forests of tall ponderosa pine, spruce and aspen alternately blanket and reveal towering granite peaks, deep canyons, cascading trout streams and clear, clean lakes. The granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial gaze out over this mountainous landscape. Buffalo herds, elk, deer, antelope and mountain goats make their homes in public parks. Private parks add grizzly bear, wolves and cougars to the list, displayed in their natural environment. Logging is a principal industry.

Badlands National Park encompasses 244,000 acres of striking formations - spires, pinnacles, buttes and gorges of multi-colored sandstone - blended with mixed-grass prairies. Enjoy scenic drives and watch for buffalo, deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes and other wildlife that freely roam this striking area.

The balance of the region is high plains, short-grass prairie. Predominantly rolling upland, irregularities such as Castle Rock, Slim Buttes and Thunder Butte rise to 600 feet above the surrounding landscape. The Cheyenne and other rivers meander through the region, providing water for large-scale cattle and sheep ranching operations.

The history of the region includes legendary figures such as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and George Armstrong Custer, who led his 1874 expedition into the Black Hills, starting the last great gold rush. Others such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok shaped the wild frontier town of Deadwood, which lives up to its Old West image with legalized gaming. Ghost towns, nestled quietly in more remote areas of the Hills, may still be explored.

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Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association
1851 Discovery Circle
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 355-3600, phone
www.blackhillsbadlands.com
See Black Hills Central Reservations to book your vacation

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