Bear Butte State Park
The name Bear Butte derives from the Lakota "Mato Paha," which translates literally as Bear Mountain. Sacred to the Lakota Indians, the park's ceremonial area receives thousands of visitors each year. Many Native Americans communicate with the creator through prayer and visions here. The park also sports two hiking trails, one of which leads to the top of the mountain, and an expansive view of the countryside, 15 campsites and a visitor center.
Custer State Park
The highest peak between the Rocky Mountains and Europe, Harney Peak is one of Custer State Park's principal attractions. The park also boasts scenic hikes and drives, notably along the Needles Highway, which loops around mountains and through tunnels near Mount Rushmore. With the majestic Sylvan Lake just 5 miles southwest of Rushmore and a multitude of historical sites throughout the area, Custer State Park makes a prime family vacation spot.
Roy Lake State Park
Artifacts dating back more than a 1,000 years to Roy Lake's first "Woodland Culture" residents have been discovered near this park. The region's first white community planted crops around the lake, but today life at Roy Lake State Park revolves around fishing. The lake is famous for bass, pike and walleye, and a resort rents boats and sells bait as well as groceries. The park also offers picnic areas and rustic camping.
Sica Hollow State Park
Sica Hollow State Park, in the northeastern corner of South Dakota, offers 15 miles of horseback trails that meander through hundreds of acres of forest. The Dakota Indian word for evil, Sica, refers to the red-tinted waters of the region. Though oxidation, rather than blood, is responsible for the forest's reddish bogs, Native American legends remind of mysterious happenings here and give special significance to an area where swamp gas glows in the dark and waterfalls echo eerily. Two park attractions are National Natural Landmarks: the Old River Warren and Coteau des Prairies.
Union Grove State Park
Brule Creek runs through the lush woodlands of Union Grove State Park, ideal for outdoor adventurists. The park provides hiking, biking and ski trails, but horseback riding is the park's main draw. With 150 acres of rolling prairie, shady campsites and a horse camp, Union Grove is an idyllic vacation spot for equine enthusiasts. Bountiful plants and birds also attract botanists and birdwatchers.
