Black Hills Parks & Forests Association
@blackhillsparks.bsky.social
The official non-profit partner of Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Agate Fossil Beds, and Scotts Bluff National Park Service sites; Black Hills National Forest; and Nebraska Forests and Grasslands. We support "Wonder & Exploration" in our public lands.
Years and years worth of stories, from the Miocene mammals of Agate Fossil Beds to the Holocene bison of Hudson-Meng.
Your Giving Tuesday / Annual Campaign donation will help tell the story for at least one more year.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
Your Giving Tuesday / Annual Campaign donation will help tell the story for at least one more year.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
December 3, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Years and years worth of stories, from the Miocene mammals of Agate Fossil Beds to the Holocene bison of Hudson-Meng.
Your Giving Tuesday / Annual Campaign donation will help tell the story for at least one more year.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
Your Giving Tuesday / Annual Campaign donation will help tell the story for at least one more year.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
Wind Cave connects bison to karst. Jewel Cave shelters bats in the dark.
Your donation can connect both to the entire world.
Support education and cave conservation this Giving Tuesday.
Matched all month up to $50K!
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#WindCave #JewelCave #GivingTuesday
Your donation can connect both to the entire world.
Support education and cave conservation this Giving Tuesday.
Matched all month up to $50K!
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#WindCave #JewelCave #GivingTuesday
December 3, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Wind Cave connects bison to karst. Jewel Cave shelters bats in the dark.
Your donation can connect both to the entire world.
Support education and cave conservation this Giving Tuesday.
Matched all month up to $50K!
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#WindCave #JewelCave #GivingTuesday
Your donation can connect both to the entire world.
Support education and cave conservation this Giving Tuesday.
Matched all month up to $50K!
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#WindCave #JewelCave #GivingTuesday
During the shutdown, the bluff stayed put. But our stores couldn't.
This #GivingTuesday, help us make up the shortfall. Give to support interpretation, rangers, and history at Scotts Bluff.
Matched up to $50K through Dec 31.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#NationalParks
This #GivingTuesday, help us make up the shortfall. Give to support interpretation, rangers, and history at Scotts Bluff.
Matched up to $50K through Dec 31.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#NationalParks
December 2, 2025 at 9:57 PM
During the shutdown, the bluff stayed put. But our stores couldn't.
This #GivingTuesday, help us make up the shortfall. Give to support interpretation, rangers, and history at Scotts Bluff.
Matched up to $50K through Dec 31.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#NationalParks
This #GivingTuesday, help us make up the shortfall. Give to support interpretation, rangers, and history at Scotts Bluff.
Matched up to $50K through Dec 31.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#NationalParks
The shutdown's effects linger. Trails stayed open. Our stores didn’t.
It's #GivingTuesday, and your gift today is doubled up to $50K.
Support visitor services, maps, and youth programs in the Black Hills National Forest.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#BlackHills #NationalForests #ParkChat
It's #GivingTuesday, and your gift today is doubled up to $50K.
Support visitor services, maps, and youth programs in the Black Hills National Forest.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#BlackHills #NationalForests #ParkChat
December 2, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The shutdown's effects linger. Trails stayed open. Our stores didn’t.
It's #GivingTuesday, and your gift today is doubled up to $50K.
Support visitor services, maps, and youth programs in the Black Hills National Forest.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#BlackHills #NationalForests #ParkChat
It's #GivingTuesday, and your gift today is doubled up to $50K.
Support visitor services, maps, and youth programs in the Black Hills National Forest.
blackhillsparks.org/donations-vo...
#BlackHills #NationalForests #ParkChat
"Smokey Slippers are Best Slippers. Change our minds."
Just kidding, you won't be able to change our mind on this one.
blackhillsparks.org/.../smokey-b...
Just kidding, you won't be able to change our mind on this one.
blackhillsparks.org/.../smokey-b...
November 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
"Smokey Slippers are Best Slippers. Change our minds."
Just kidding, you won't be able to change our mind on this one.
blackhillsparks.org/.../smokey-b...
Just kidding, you won't be able to change our mind on this one.
blackhillsparks.org/.../smokey-b...
Christmas Tree time in the Black Hills!
Permits are $10 per tree at BHNF offices or Recreation.gov.
Hot cocoa & knit hats not included, but gift ideas are: Smokey Bear, maps, plush critters and more are available at our BHPFA ranger district stores.
#getoutside #findyourforest #BlackHills
Permits are $10 per tree at BHNF offices or Recreation.gov.
Hot cocoa & knit hats not included, but gift ideas are: Smokey Bear, maps, plush critters and more are available at our BHPFA ranger district stores.
#getoutside #findyourforest #BlackHills
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Christmas Tree time in the Black Hills!
Permits are $10 per tree at BHNF offices or Recreation.gov.
Hot cocoa & knit hats not included, but gift ideas are: Smokey Bear, maps, plush critters and more are available at our BHPFA ranger district stores.
#getoutside #findyourforest #BlackHills
Permits are $10 per tree at BHNF offices or Recreation.gov.
Hot cocoa & knit hats not included, but gift ideas are: Smokey Bear, maps, plush critters and more are available at our BHPFA ranger district stores.
#getoutside #findyourforest #BlackHills
Our shelves are stuffed with stuffies!
Your stockings should be too.
Shop bison, ferrets, prairie dogs, Smokey, and more. Each one supports public lands!
833 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer SD or bhpfa.org/shop
#BlackHills #HolidayShopping #NationalParks
Your stockings should be too.
Shop bison, ferrets, prairie dogs, Smokey, and more. Each one supports public lands!
833 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer SD or bhpfa.org/shop
#BlackHills #HolidayShopping #NationalParks
November 23, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Our shelves are stuffed with stuffies!
Your stockings should be too.
Shop bison, ferrets, prairie dogs, Smokey, and more. Each one supports public lands!
833 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer SD or bhpfa.org/shop
#BlackHills #HolidayShopping #NationalParks
Your stockings should be too.
Shop bison, ferrets, prairie dogs, Smokey, and more. Each one supports public lands!
833 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer SD or bhpfa.org/shop
#BlackHills #HolidayShopping #NationalParks
Draw with Artist in Residence Daniel Moore at Agate Fossil Beds!
Free workshop Sun, Nov 23, 1–3 PM.
Indoor talk + outdoor sketch session. Materials provided. Just bring yourself. And some extra layers. It's the Nebraska prairie: wind guaranteed.
#Nebraska #NationalParks #AgateFossilBeds
Free workshop Sun, Nov 23, 1–3 PM.
Indoor talk + outdoor sketch session. Materials provided. Just bring yourself. And some extra layers. It's the Nebraska prairie: wind guaranteed.
#Nebraska #NationalParks #AgateFossilBeds
November 21, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Draw with Artist in Residence Daniel Moore at Agate Fossil Beds!
Free workshop Sun, Nov 23, 1–3 PM.
Indoor talk + outdoor sketch session. Materials provided. Just bring yourself. And some extra layers. It's the Nebraska prairie: wind guaranteed.
#Nebraska #NationalParks #AgateFossilBeds
Free workshop Sun, Nov 23, 1–3 PM.
Indoor talk + outdoor sketch session. Materials provided. Just bring yourself. And some extra layers. It's the Nebraska prairie: wind guaranteed.
#Nebraska #NationalParks #AgateFossilBeds
A7: The sheer number of times visitors wandered into Agate Fossil Beds saying it was "the most remote park site they've ever been to".... #parkchat
November 20, 2025 at 2:40 AM
A7: The sheer number of times visitors wandered into Agate Fossil Beds saying it was "the most remote park site they've ever been to".... #parkchat
A6: Always thought it would take a trip to Iceland to see and photograph the Auroras... but it ended up being right outside my office door. #parkchat
November 20, 2025 at 2:33 AM
A6: Always thought it would take a trip to Iceland to see and photograph the Auroras... but it ended up being right outside my office door. #parkchat
Meet the 2025 South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists!
12 weeks of training leads to lifelong impact.
Want to join this awesome crowd? 2026 applications open in December.
#BlackHills #NationalGrasslands #VolunteerNaturalist
12 weeks of training leads to lifelong impact.
Want to join this awesome crowd? 2026 applications open in December.
#BlackHills #NationalGrasslands #VolunteerNaturalist
November 18, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Meet the 2025 South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists!
12 weeks of training leads to lifelong impact.
Want to join this awesome crowd? 2026 applications open in December.
#BlackHills #NationalGrasslands #VolunteerNaturalist
12 weeks of training leads to lifelong impact.
Want to join this awesome crowd? 2026 applications open in December.
#BlackHills #NationalGrasslands #VolunteerNaturalist
Nice! That works. Below, a proud watersport ranger posing dramatically next to an NPS airboat at Big Thicket National Preserve... #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Nice! That works. Below, a proud watersport ranger posing dramatically next to an NPS airboat at Big Thicket National Preserve... #parkchat
Q11: To quote an internet meme, “what if the most important part of park transportation is the friends you make along the way?”
Tell us a good story about a family or friends road trip, flight, park shuttle or other (weirder) transpo experience that you still remember to this day.
#parkchat
Tell us a good story about a family or friends road trip, flight, park shuttle or other (weirder) transpo experience that you still remember to this day.
#parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Q11: To quote an internet meme, “what if the most important part of park transportation is the friends you make along the way?”
Tell us a good story about a family or friends road trip, flight, park shuttle or other (weirder) transpo experience that you still remember to this day.
#parkchat
Tell us a good story about a family or friends road trip, flight, park shuttle or other (weirder) transpo experience that you still remember to this day.
#parkchat
Q10: Death Valley has horeseback rides, Grand Canyon the mules, Denali’s got dogsleds, and Big Thicket’s famous for their canoe/kayak trips.
What’s your oddest / most unique transportation experience in the parks?
#parkchat
What’s your oddest / most unique transportation experience in the parks?
#parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Q10: Death Valley has horeseback rides, Grand Canyon the mules, Denali’s got dogsleds, and Big Thicket’s famous for their canoe/kayak trips.
What’s your oddest / most unique transportation experience in the parks?
#parkchat
What’s your oddest / most unique transportation experience in the parks?
#parkchat
Q9: Some parks don’t just require transportation, they’re ABOUT transportation. Have you been to one that preserves or interprets something to do with transportation of goods or people?
(Bonus points if you know why this Junior Ranger book is important to recent NPS history) #parkchat
(Bonus points if you know why this Junior Ranger book is important to recent NPS history) #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Q9: Some parks don’t just require transportation, they’re ABOUT transportation. Have you been to one that preserves or interprets something to do with transportation of goods or people?
(Bonus points if you know why this Junior Ranger book is important to recent NPS history) #parkchat
(Bonus points if you know why this Junior Ranger book is important to recent NPS history) #parkchat
Q8: Did your answer to Q7 include sustainable, inclusive, and accessible aspects of transportation to make our parks “parks for all”?
It's okay, here's a 2nd chance: how can parks build transportation that is environmentally friendly, economically friendly, and disability friendly?
#parkchat
It's okay, here's a 2nd chance: how can parks build transportation that is environmentally friendly, economically friendly, and disability friendly?
#parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Q8: Did your answer to Q7 include sustainable, inclusive, and accessible aspects of transportation to make our parks “parks for all”?
It's okay, here's a 2nd chance: how can parks build transportation that is environmentally friendly, economically friendly, and disability friendly?
#parkchat
It's okay, here's a 2nd chance: how can parks build transportation that is environmentally friendly, economically friendly, and disability friendly?
#parkchat
Q7: Lets keep playing “superintendent for the day”!
If you could design a dream way to get to and around in a park (realistic or not), what would it be? #parkchat
If you could design a dream way to get to and around in a park (realistic or not), what would it be? #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Q7: Lets keep playing “superintendent for the day”!
If you could design a dream way to get to and around in a park (realistic or not), what would it be? #parkchat
If you could design a dream way to get to and around in a park (realistic or not), what would it be? #parkchat
Q6:The Mission 66 cultural shift had a dark side: overcrowding. Regale us with your most epic parking / traffic fail in a park.
Then play “superintendent for the day” and explain how you would fix it. #parkchat
Then play “superintendent for the day” and explain how you would fix it. #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Q6:The Mission 66 cultural shift had a dark side: overcrowding. Regale us with your most epic parking / traffic fail in a park.
Then play “superintendent for the day” and explain how you would fix it. #parkchat
Then play “superintendent for the day” and explain how you would fix it. #parkchat
Q5: The “scenic grandeur” parks aren’t the only ones with driving tours. Some (especially battlefields) have interpretive history drives. And most have audio tours with them.
Tell us about one that stands out to you as a favorite or maybe one that needs more love. #parkchat
Tell us about one that stands out to you as a favorite or maybe one that needs more love. #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Q5: The “scenic grandeur” parks aren’t the only ones with driving tours. Some (especially battlefields) have interpretive history drives. And most have audio tours with them.
Tell us about one that stands out to you as a favorite or maybe one that needs more love. #parkchat
Tell us about one that stands out to you as a favorite or maybe one that needs more love. #parkchat
Q4: Rangers dismissively call it “windshielding the park,” but some parks’ scale and vistas lend themselves to cruisable (or cursable?) scenic roadways. Tell us about your favorite (or least favorite) park scenic drive experience. #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Q4: Rangers dismissively call it “windshielding the park,” but some parks’ scale and vistas lend themselves to cruisable (or cursable?) scenic roadways. Tell us about your favorite (or least favorite) park scenic drive experience. #parkchat
Q3: Automobiles and the NPS’s embrace of them through the Mission 66 program made parks car-dependent. 1st car question of four: which park has the best drive TO the park? What makes it special? #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Q3: Automobiles and the NPS’s embrace of them through the Mission 66 program made parks car-dependent. 1st car question of four: which park has the best drive TO the park? What makes it special? #parkchat
Q2: Trains were instrumental in early development of the National Parks. There's still a few railroads that serve national parks, including Grand Canyon Railway, Alaska Railroad and of course Amtrak. Ever ride the rails during a park trip? Or stay in one of the lodges the early RRs built? #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Q2: Trains were instrumental in early development of the National Parks. There's still a few railroads that serve national parks, including Grand Canyon Railway, Alaska Railroad and of course Amtrak. Ever ride the rails during a park trip? Or stay in one of the lodges the early RRs built? #parkchat
Q1: In honor of our air traffic controllers getting paid for the first time in 6 weeks soon, first Q goes to airplanes: have you ever flown commercially specifically for a park visit? How’d it go with your gear? Or if you deliberately keep your wheels on the ground, why not? #parkchat
November 13, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Q1: In honor of our air traffic controllers getting paid for the first time in 6 weeks soon, first Q goes to airplanes: have you ever flown commercially specifically for a park visit? How’d it go with your gear? Or if you deliberately keep your wheels on the ground, why not? #parkchat
We're putting the final touches on our #ParkChat questions for tonight. Join us at 7pm MT! Then afterwards, it's off to work reopening alongside our NPS and USFS ranger partners.
This video message we were forwarded from former NPS Director Chuck Sams gave us a needed boost.
This video message we were forwarded from former NPS Director Chuck Sams gave us a needed boost.
November 13, 2025 at 12:00 AM
We're putting the final touches on our #ParkChat questions for tonight. Join us at 7pm MT! Then afterwards, it's off to work reopening alongside our NPS and USFS ranger partners.
This video message we were forwarded from former NPS Director Chuck Sams gave us a needed boost.
This video message we were forwarded from former NPS Director Chuck Sams gave us a needed boost.
The Black Hills Parks Holiday Market is open in Custer, SD!
Shop books, plush, Smokey Bear gifts, and more. Every dollar helps public lands.
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–4 | Sat 9–3
Or online 24/7 at blackhillsparks.org/shop
#BlackHills #NationalParks #HolidayShopping
Shop books, plush, Smokey Bear gifts, and more. Every dollar helps public lands.
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–4 | Sat 9–3
Or online 24/7 at blackhillsparks.org/shop
#BlackHills #NationalParks #HolidayShopping
November 11, 2025 at 3:15 AM
The Black Hills Parks Holiday Market is open in Custer, SD!
Shop books, plush, Smokey Bear gifts, and more. Every dollar helps public lands.
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–4 | Sat 9–3
Or online 24/7 at blackhillsparks.org/shop
#BlackHills #NationalParks #HolidayShopping
Shop books, plush, Smokey Bear gifts, and more. Every dollar helps public lands.
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–4 | Sat 9–3
Or online 24/7 at blackhillsparks.org/shop
#BlackHills #NationalParks #HolidayShopping