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.
The NGVC is under renovation in 2023, with interpretive rangers staffing a temporary visitor center trailer. Stop by for information about area grasslands, parks, and other public lands recreation opportunities, as well as a Black Hills Parks and Forests Association bookstore selling maps, guidebooks, pins, patches, and more. View films on the black-footed ferret and get hands-on with the pelts of prairie animals such as bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and prairie dogs. Pick up a Buffalo Gap National Grassland Junior Ranger booklet and earn your National Grasslands Visitor Center Junior Ranger badge.
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
Current Conditions: | For 2022, the visitor center building is under renovation, with rangers providing services from a temporary visitor center trailer. |
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Operational Hours: | Closed for the winter - reopening planned for spring 2024. |
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:
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 |
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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 |
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Amenities
Interpretive Site: | |
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Picnic tables: | |
Parking: | |
Accessible: |