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A Sacred Mountain
Many American Indians see Bear Butte as a place where the creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer.

During your visit, you will see colorful pieces of cloth and small bundles or pouches hanging from the trees. These prayer cloths and tobacco ties represent the prayers offered by individuals during their worship. Please respect these offerings and leave them undisturbed.

   Rules to remember:

• The Summit trail is too narrow to safely accommodate hiker and pets. Pets may be taken across Hwy. 79 to the horse camp area and allowed to exercise while on a leash.

• Please stay on the trail and respect those participating in religious activities. Do not disturb or photograph prayer cloths and tobacco ties.

• A buffalo herd roams the base of the butte. Buffalo are dangerous, please do not approach.

• Horseback riding is allowed west of Hwy 79 ONLY. Riders can use the Centennial Trail west of the horse camp.

• Possession or consumption of alcohol at Bear Butte State Park east of Hwy. 79 is prohibited. Bear Butte is a sacred site for many people and will be respected as such.

• Leaving human remains (ashes) at Bear Butte State Park is prohibited. Bear Butte is not a burial site and is not to be treated as one.

• Uncased firearms or bows are prohibited at Bear Butte year-round east of Hwy. 79. This reduces danger and disturbance to those who gather at the site to worship.

Bear Butte State Park 
PO Box 688; E Hwy 79
Sturgis, SD 57785
(605) 347-5240
Email: BearButte@state.sd.us 
 

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Artifacts dating back 10,000 years have been found near Bear Butte. In more recent times, however, the Cheyenne and Lakota people have maintained a spiritual tie to this mountain.

Notable leaders including Red Cloud, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull have all visited Bear Butte. These visits culminated with an 1857 gathering of many Indian nations to discuss the advancement of white settlers into the Black Hills.

George A. Custer, who led an expedition of 1,000 men into the region, camped near the mountain. Custer verified the rumors of gold in the Black Hills. Bear Butte then served as a landmark that helped guide the rush of invading prospectors and settlers into the region.

• National Register of Historic Places, in 1973
• National Natural Landmark
• National Historic Landmark
• Summit Trail is a designated National Recreation Trail

• George S. Mickelson Trail

• Fort Meade Museum

• 111-mile Centennial Trail

• Historic City of Deadwood

• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races in August

• More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com