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Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
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P.O. Box 998
Off Highway 71 South, look for road sign "Wild Horse Sanctuary" on the right side of the road
Hot Springs, SD 57747
605-745-5955
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Wildlife Sanctuary
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary Description
Bus tours of this 11,000-acre ranch in the Cheyenne River Valley take in ancient petroglyphs, 100+ year-old cowboy graffiti, the sets for the movies "Crazy Horse" and "Hidalgo," circles left by Indian lodges, and some amazing scenery. The high point, however, is spotting the wild mustangs. This sanctuary is home to the largest free-roaming herd in the country.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Horses in the distance may not hold toddlers' attention for long, and they may get restless on the bumpy bus. Kids under 5 ride free, however, and there are frequent stops to get out and look around.
School-Age Kids: Those obsessed with horses will find this to be the highlight of your trip. But the petroglyphys and envisioning the movies being made here (see "Hidalgo" before going) have a lot of appeal, besides the thrill of thundering herds of wild horses.
Planning Notes
- Tours can fill up. Make reservations in advance if possible.
- Wear closed-toed shoes. The area is pretty sandy and there are prickly stickers on the ground and occasional rattlesnakes.
- Bring water. The bus trip goes overland and it can get hot and dusty.
- Dress in layers. The buses are not air-conditioned or heated.
- Get up close. Some yearlings are corralled (for sale) behind the visitors center but are used to humans and come up to the fence for petting.
Just the Facts
Hours: Closed November 1-April 30 Bus Tours: May 1-May 31, September 1- October 31: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 1-August 31: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: 3 4 hours
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