Outdoor Science and Learning

Interpretive areas and exhibits

Interpretive areas serve to inform visitors about the history, ecology, and cultural significance of a particular place, encouraging respect for the environment and promoting responsible recreation. These can range from specific sites with interpretive panels and exhibits to broader areas with trails and visitor centers. The Forest Service and its partners develop interpretive signs and posters about native plants, plant communities, ethnobotany, pollinators, and more.

Activities

Our Junior Ranger booklets help children learn about the area they are visiting.

Cultural resources

The Forest Service has a long history of preservation and discovery through management of cultural resources across 193 million acres of national forests. These remains of human history include ancient Indian villages and rock art, travel routes and markers, military forts, and abandoned mines and mills. Together, they are part of the nation’s historic and cultural atlas. In addition to managing them for public use, enjoyment and education, the Forest Service protects cultural resources from vandalism, theft, fire, and other threats.

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Recreation Opportunities

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (5)

Viewing Scenery (4)

Viewing Wildlife (10)

Visitor Centers (1)

Visitor Programs (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 17 results

Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground

Site Open

For Reservations call (877) 444-6777 or go to recreation.gov.  Here is a flyer that describes what sites are reservable and here is a map of the Bessey Recreation Complex.  Please note that these…

Black Hills Overlook

Site Open

The Black Hills Overlook provides views of the surrounding Pine Ridge and grasslands and Black Hills of South Dakota. Forest Service Road 714A accessed from the western edge of Chadron State Park…

Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery

The Charles E. Bessey Nursery, adjacent to the Bessey Recreation Complex, was established in 1902 as part of the Dismal River Forest Reserve. It is the oldest seedling nursery managed by the USDA…

French Creek Campground

Site Open

This small, developed campground is located in a quiet area with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.  The campground provides access to the nearby Fairburn Agate Beds, which is a popular…

Grouse Viewing Blind - Buffalo Gap National Grassland (Wall Ranger District)

One to two viewing blinds are set up each spring on the Wall Ranger District of Buffalo Gap National Grassland to watch the mating dances of either sharp-tailed grouse or prairie chickens. The blinds…

Grouse Viewing Blinds - Bessey

Site Open

One or two viewing blinds are set up each spring at the Bessey Ranger District to watch the mating dances of prairie grouse. The blinds have small square viewing windows for observing and…

Grouse Viewing Blinds - Fort Pierre

Viewing blinds are set up each spring to watch the mating dances of prairie grouse. The prairie grouse spring courtship viewing blinds are available, by reservation, April to mid-May. The…

Grouse Viewing Blinds - McKelvie

Site Open

One viewing blind is set up each spring at the Bessey Ranger District to watch the mating dances of prairie grouse. The blinds have small square viewing windows for observing and photographing birds…

Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center

Site Temporarily Closed

Open limited hours Memorial through Labor Day Weekend. Tours by appointment only. Please call the Pine Ridge Ranger District office at 308-432-0300. Located on the beautiful Oglala National…

Limestone Butte

Site Open

A scenic area for wildlife viewing, dispersed camping, hiking and rockhounding. Limestone Butte Reservoir is popular with hunters and gets many waterfowl visitors. No fishing available. Please…