South Dakota is full of natural landscapes to explore. On November 11th, this Veterans Day, you can start exploring the rugged beauty of your surroundings at the Badlands National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. Admission to both parks will be free of charge for the holiday.
Get in your daily dose of exercise as you hike the trails and see the sights. Plan your day around some of the activities below!
Hiking the Trails at Jewel Cave
Cave Tours within Jewel Cave are currently shut down for off-season improvements, but you can hike all the trails while you're there. There are two self-guided trails at the Jewel Cave National Monument and one U.S. Forest Service trail. From level and steep to rugged, there's a trail for hikers of every level.
The Canyons Trail is rough and uneven and winds its way down into Lithograph Canyon and Hell Canyon. Stroll along A Walk On The Roof Trail and see how the monument's surface resources interact with the subterranean elements. Wander through the Ponderosa pines and imagine what lies beneath!
Hiking through the Badlands  Â
From flat stretches through the prairie landscape to uphill climbs through the Badlands formations, the Badlands National Park lets you hike and see beauty up close and personal. Be sure to bring along some water, a hat, and sunglasses-and remember, weather conditions can change rapidly.
Fossil Exhibit Trail is an easy trail for all and has fossil replicas of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area, from ancient rhinos and horses to saber-toothed cats. Want something more strenuous? Don't miss Notch Trail, which winds through a canyon and offers a dramatic view of the White River Valley.
Bicycling & Backcountry Camping
You can bike through the Badlands, too-it's a faster way to see the scenery fly by. As you cycle through the rolling grasslands, you'll see the rugged buttes, twisted spires, and maybe even some bison pass you by.
The space is open to camping, too, and you don't need a permit for an overnight stay. Set up a tent and a backpacking stove and rough it in the wilderness! See the same sights the 19th-century French trappers saw as they christened the area.
Experience Nature This Veterans Day
If you're searching for exciting Veterans Day activities, a trip to the Badlands National Park or Jewel Cave National Monument will be well worth your time! Take advantage of the free entrance and see what's in store at these South Dakota National Parks.