Bear Butte, Sacred geological formation in Meade County, South Dakota.
Bear Butte rises 1,349 meters above sea level, featuring a distinctive igneous rock formation that emerged through ancient geological processes in the Black Hills.
The site became a State Park in 1961 and received National Historic Landmark status in 1981, marking its importance in American natural heritage.
Native American tribes, including the Lakota who name it Matȟó Pahá and the Cheyenne who call it Noahȧ-vose, conduct ceremonies and leave prayer offerings.
Visitors can access two main trails: the 1.85-mile Summit Trail and the 2.5-mile Lake Trail, with entrance fees at $8 per vehicle.
A buffalo herd resides at the base of the butte, while colorful prayer cloths and ceremonial bundles adorn trees throughout the sacred grounds.
Location: Meade County
Elevation above the sea: 1,349 m
GPS coordinates: 44.47582,-103.42685
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:47
South Dakota holds natural spaces, historical sites, and cultural locations beyond Mount Rushmore. Visitors encounter waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon, underground cave systems like Jewel Cave, and geological formations at the Badlands Wilderness Area. Bear Butte and Spirit Mound Historic Prairie connect nature with Native American heritage, while places like the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and the Wounded Knee Museum offer perspectives on Lakota culture. Historical sites such as Fort Sisseton and the Ingalls Homestead show different chapters of settlement and daily life from past centuries. Museums and galleries across the state present regional collections and art, including the Redlin Art Center and The Museum @ Black Hills Institute with paleontological finds. Natural areas like Smith Falls State Park, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and LaFramboise Island Nature Area invite birdwatching, hiking, and exploration. Landscapes range from prairie grasslands to petrified forests and rock formations at Devils Gulch, while parks and recreation areas like McCrory Gardens, Hitchcock Park, and several lakes provide space for outdoor activities.
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