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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. Unfortunately, due to renovations, no public restrooms are available.
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Accessible, Picnic tables, Parking |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Wall, South Dakota |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | National Grasslands Visitor Center: (605) 279-2125 |
General Information
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
General Notes:
Safety First:
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. 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.
Activities
Visitor Programs
Visit these online exhibits to learn about your National Grasslands:
Atlatl Program
This program is held at Pinnacles Dispersed Camping Area on Buffalo Gap National Grassland. An Interpretive Ranger from the NGVC will give a 15-minute presentation about hunting and survival on the Grasslands. Following the presentation participants will have an opportunity to throw a spear using the atlatl, a spear throwing tool that has been used for hunting.
The program is weather-dependent and may be canceled due to inclement weather.
Where: Pinnacles Dispersed Camping Area is located approximately 7 miles south of Wall, SD off of Highway 240. The location of the presentation is near the communication towers at the intersection of Forest System Road (FSR) 7170 and FSR 7158. GPS coordinates: 43.893234, -102.229143
Badlands National Park – Evening Program
Every Monday night during the summer months, NGVC Interpretive Rangers present a program at Badlands National Park’s Cedar Pass Amphitheater. Interpreters present on a variety of topics that help share the story of the US Forest Service’s National Grasslands. These stories include but are not limited to natural and cultural history, conservation, grassland ecology, and management of today’s National Grasslands.
Badlands National Park interpretive rangers present an Evening Program every day but Monday nights with NGVC staff only presenting on Monday nights.
A Night Sky Program will begin immediately following the interpretive program where park astronomers will introduce visitors to the night sky. The programs are weather-dependent and may be canceled due to inclement weather.
When: Every Monday Night – Summer Months (May 27th to September 2nd, 2024)
The time of the Evening Program varies to accommodate the changing time of sunset. May 24th – July 31st presentations begin at 9 PM MST. August 1st – 31st presentations begin at 8:30 PM MST. September 1st to 7th presentations begin at 8 PM MST.
Where: Cedar Pass Amphitheater is located within Badlands National Park. It is approximately 29 miles from Wall, SD, and approximately ¼ mile from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center within Badlands National Park.
The Lone Tree Exhibit is an online photographic display exploring the importance of trees on the vast grassland landscapes.
Windmills on the National Grasslands is an online exhibit highlighting water resources for survival on these lands.
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Visitor Centers
Living Landscape Exhibit
For visitors looking to get a taste of a grassland ecosystem, stop by the unique Living Landscape areas outside the National Grasslands Visitor Center. Take a walk on the stone paths winding through the newest segment of the landscape.
The native prairie grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers of the outdoor exhibit change with the seasons. Thus, the Living Landscape offers a rare opportunity to experience some of the plants growing on the 20 National Grasslands and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Related Information
Location