Meade County: Bear Butte, Trails, and History

Bear Butte is a geological formation of igneous rock in the Black Hills, formed millions of years ago. Bear Butte State Park is located in Meade County. At the butte, the Summit Trail is 1.85 miles long; the park is also the northernmost point of the 111-mile Centennial Trail. The figures describe different scales: the length of a single trail and the total length of a longer trail. When planning your outings, you can use them to determine which of these distances is relevant to your plans.

Landscape and Trails at Fort Meade

The Fort Meade Recreation Area covers approximately 6,700 acres of forest and grassland. The Centennial Trail has an 11-mile section there. This figure refers to the section within the Recreation Area, not the total length of the 111-mile trail. The Fort Meade Back Country Byway is a 4.5-mile gravel road connecting I-90 with Highway 34. The byway features interpretive panels at sites of historical interest. Landscape, a section of the longer trail, and information about historic sites represent different facets of the Fort Meade Recreation Area.

Fort Meade Reservoir is also a distinctive landscape feature: it covers 50 acres and is stocked with rainbow trout. The Fort Meade Recreation Area also offers mountain biking opportunities; check conditions before your trip. Among its named attractions is the Fort Meade Cavalry Post. These details add a body of water, an activity opportunity, and a historic site to the information about trails and landscapes.

Fort Meade and Its Military History

Fort Meade was founded in 1878 to control the Sioux and protect the Black Hills mining district. It served as a military post until 1944; between the First and Second World Wars, it was the home of the 4th Cavalry. The dates distinguish the different historical phases: its founding and purpose at the time, its use as a military post, and its later association with the cavalry. On May 22, 1973, Fort Meade was designated a National Historic District.

Motorcycle History and Sturgis

Another theme is motorcycle history. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame collects, preserves, and presents the history of motorcycling. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally features motorcycle exhibitions, demo rides, races, and concerts. The two attractions have different focuses: the museum is dedicated to the history of motorcycling, while the rally’s program features a variety of motorcycle-related events. Sturgis is considered a year-round outdoor destination.

Camping and Seasonal Planning

Camping is permitted at two locations in the Fort Meade Recreation Area: the Alkali Creek Trailhead and the Alkali Creek Horsecamp. The Horsecamp has six fee-based campsites and is open from May 15 through September 30. For planning purposes, note the distinction: the two locations indicate where camping is permitted; the number of fee-based sites and the opening period apply to the Horsecamp. Check current conditions and fees before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sturgis, Walworth County, Lyman County, Fall River County, Grant County, Stanley, Shannon County, Roberts County.

For the main travel overview: South Dakota.