National Grasslands Visitor Center
The National Grasslands Visitor Center introduces and invites visitors to explore the 20 National Grasslands and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. These public lands are restored prairie landscapes managed by the Forest Service to conserve their natural beauty, ecological diversity, and sustainable productivity for generations to come.
Located off Interstate 90, Exit 110 in Wall, SD, the visitor center is always free to the public.
National Grasslands Visitor Center
General Information
General Information:
The National Grasslands Visitor Center is located at 708 Main Street in Wall, South Dakota, which is two blocks south of the world-famous Wall Drug Store. Inside and outside the Visitor Center are displays of grassland’s wildlife and plants, grazing management, and history of the 20 National Grasslands and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The Visitor Center also has a theater, an exhibit room, restrooms, and a gift shop managed by a non-profit organization, Black Hills Parks and Forests Association. A Junior Ranger program is available to all visitors.
Currently, the exhibit room is under renovation but there are temporary exhibits placed throughout the lobby area and the theater. A film, titled Ferret Town is available for viewing with two versions, a shorter 10-minute option and a longer 28-minute option.
Interpretive Rangers are available to answer any questions you may have about National Grasslands, including the history, management, about the natural ecosystems, and more.
Located off Interstate 90, Exit 110 in Wall, SD, the National Grasslands Visitor Center is always free to the public.
Safety First:
During the summer, the streets in Wall are very busy. Please use extra caution while crossing the streets to and from the National Grasslands Visitor Center.
Severe weather occurs regularly and unexpectedly on the National Grasslands. In summer, beware the heat and sudden thunderstorms; in winter beware the extreme cold and winds. Always be prepared for your Grasslands trip with water, food, and other necessary supplies. Notify others when entering and leaving the grasslands. Stop in at the National Grasslands Visitor Center or other Forest Service offices for updates, warnings, and specific safety precautions.
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mountain Time; Closed Federal Holidays
No Fees are required for this site.
Contact Phone: 605-279-2125
Address: 708 Main Street Wall, SD 57790
Phone: 605-279-2125
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (mountain time). Often has expanded hours in the summer. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 43.99055556
Longitude: -102.2411111
Directions
The National Grasslands Visitor Center is located in downtown Wall, South Dakota. Please follow the directions from Exit 110 on Interstate 90 in western South Dakota:
Whether traveling East or West on Interstate 90, take Exit 110 (Wall/Badlands exit). From Exit 110, head north on Glenn Street, toward the Town of Wall. After the first gas station on your left, turn left (west) onto South Boulevard. Follow South Boulevard two blocks before taking a right on Main Street going north. The National Grasslands Visitor Center is on the right at 708 Main Street.
Address:
National Grasslands Visitor Center
708 Main Street
PO Box 425
Wall, SD 57790
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
Located just outside the National Grasslands Visitor Center (NGVC) is a Living Landscape that is home to a variety of native plants that are found on our local National Grasslands. Enjoy the diversity of plant species around the NGVC while learning more about their importance from small interpretive signs. There are three picnic tables, a bench, trash cans, and a dog waste station located outside the NGVC. The exterior is accessible year round, 24 hours a day.
Completed in June 2025, the Fossil Wall Exhibit showcases the geologic layers of the local badlands formations that are found throughout Buffalo Gap National Grassland and Badlands National Park. Imbedded in the layers are replicated fossils of plants and animals that lived in the area millions of years ago. Interpretive panels are placed above the wall where you can read all about these creatures of the past. The Fossil Wall Exhibit is located outside in front of the NGVC building and the outside amphitheater.