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Angostura Recreation Area: This is basically a large reservoir
with 36 miles of shoreline about 40 miles southwest of the extreme
western portion of Badlands National Park South Unit. The entrance
fee is $6 per vehicle(one week)and there are numerous access points
for boating. There are beaches for swimming and fishing for walleye,
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and crappie. For
those in western North Dakota seeking water recreation, this is
a good bet. (605) 745-6996.
Custer State Park: A really scenic 71,000 acre state park
with a great variety of wildlife. You can see bison, pronghorn,
mountain goats, bighorn, deer elk and wild turkeys. The park dips
in and out of 5,000 feet elevation so you are in true western
country here. Custer State Park also has a large pine forest,
and is located 60 miles from far western Badlands National Park.
$6 per vehicle per week entrance fee.
Park Headquarters (605) 255-4515
Visitor Center (605) 255-4464
Wind Cave National Park: A 28,295
acre park with ponderosa pine, mixed-grass prairie, meadows, wildlife
(similar to Custer State Park) and one of the world's longest
caves. Wind Cave National Park borders Custer State Park on the
south. 605) 745-4600. There are no fees to enter and drive the
park. There are camping($12 per night)and cave tour fees. 605-745-4600
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: One of the most photographed
monuments in the world. This is the park with the giant faces
of popular presidents carved into the mountain side. The memorial
is around 65 miles west of the Badlands National Park and north
of Custer State Park. Fee's are $10 per vehicle and good for the
year. 605-574-2523
Black Hills National Forest: This is a spectacular,1.25
million acre national forest about 70 miles west of Badlands National
Park. You can experience ponderosa pine and aspen forests as well
as the tallest mountain east of the Rocky Mountains in the United
States (Harney Peak at 7,244 feet). The area also offers trout
fishing on cool streams as well as a wide variety of wildlife
similar to Custer State Park. There are numerous campgrounds and
remote areas for solitude. Keep alert for peregrine falcons which
utilize the steep cliffs found on the national forest. Healthy
populations of elk and deer(both mule and whitetail) have allowed
the mountain lion to make a small comeback in the Black Hills
National Forest. This area is a real contrast with Badlands National
Park. If you prefer higher mountains and green forest, this may
be a superior destination for you needs than it's more famous
neighbor.
605-673-9200.
This popular hand GPS unit is very useful when driving remote
backroads:
Garmin
Etrex Venture HC GPS Receiver
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