National Grasslands Visitor Center

Area Status: Temporarily Closed

National Grassland Visitor Center building

The National Grasslands Visitor Center introduces and invites visitors to explore the 20 National Grasslands and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Visitors can pick up information on recreational opportunities for these US Forest Service lands.

Located off Interstate 90, Exit 110 in the Town of Wall, SD, and open year round, the visitor center charges no admission fees. In the Exhibit Room, visitors discover displays on wildlife, Great Plains history, grazing management, human artifacts, grassland ecosystems and more.

The featured 25-minute film is shown on request, and offers an amazing introduction to the creation, history, management, and major attractions of the National Grasslands. Visitors of all ages can participate in the Junior Ranger program or enjoy any of the ranger-led events and activities.

The special ranger-led programs, events and activities are offered during the summer season. Times and topics vary so please stop by or contact the National Grasslands Visitor Center for more information.

The Grasslands Store contains a variety of educational and collector’s items for children and adults. Books and materials on grasslands ecosystems, plants, wildlife, human history, and other related topics are in the store. Additional purchases may be made online at the partner association website: http://www.blackhillsparks.org/

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Closed for the season - reopening planned for spring 2022
Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site,Accessible,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Usage:	Heavy
Closest Towns:	Wall, South Dakota
Water:	Yes
Restroom:	Yes
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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Visitor Programs

Visit these online exhibits to learn about your National Grasslands:

The National Grasslands Story

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.