Young and old alike, visitors are exposed to their surroundings with activities having educational themes. These programs are conducted between late May and early September, and focus on the region's natural and cultural history. Costumed characters of the 1870 s may appear and visit with campers about their experiences with the Black Hills gold rush. Naturalists also present a variety of educational slide programs dealing with plants and wildlife, habitats, conservation stewardship, outdoor recreation, geology, astronomy, and park history. A guided nature walk is offered at various times every day from June to mid-August and will take visitors to several areas of the park.
Naturalists lead the hikes through open grasslands, dense forests and towering granite spires.
These walks provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the park's birds, wildflowers, resource management, geology and history. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. The gold rush years of the 1870 s made the Black Hills region famous and played a historical role in the American frontier. While learning about the region's pioneer history, you can actually pan for gold in a park stream. Patio Programs Imagine playing an active habitat game with your children or studying the unique traits of mammals while making plaster casts of their tracks.