Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

Join Heather Fenyk in a grounding morning meditation class designed to help you transition from sleep to waking life with clarity, intention, and peace. Before diving into the noise and demands of your Summit Schedule, step into a calm, supportive space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and cultivate a sense of inner steadying.
Whether you are looking to reduce morning anxiety, improve focus, or simply find a pocket of stillness in a busy week, this class offers the perfect energetic reset.

"… I was unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands.  What I saw gave me an indescribable sense of the mysterious elsewhere – a distant architecture, ethereal… an endless supernatural world more spiritual than the earth but created out of it.”  Frank Lloyd Wright, 1935
“…some magnificent city of the dead…” (Dr John Evans, Explorer).
“…the whole region seems a part of another world…not easily forgotten…”  (Thaddeus Culbertson, paleontologist)
“…peaks and valleys of delicately banded colors – colors that shift in the sunlight…and a thousand tints that color charts do not show…”  (Freeman Tilden, conservation writer)

You can’t travel to southwest South Dakota and not visit the Badlands, or in Lakota, “mako sica”.  It’s too hot for a traditional hike, but this van trip will do the walking for you.  Your (mostly) fearless leader found a safe, flat gravel road that defines this land and brings you as up close and personal as such roads get!  This trip is repeated twice for the Summiteers’ convenience. This is our only trip to the Badlands and is open to photographers and those who want to experience the National Park.

Badlands National Park comprises two sections, the North and South Units, connected by a thin strip.  Our immersive road is located on this thin strip, and is, fortunately, the closest point of the Badlands to our Summit site.  One way, our trip to this site is 1 hour and 15 minutes, but worth every mile.  Our destination, Sheep Mountain Road, is, itself, less than 3 miles long and we’ll emerge from the vans at many stopping points along the road to collect unique and irreplaceable images. 

Our road is a live geology class that reveals many processes that created the Badlands.  From alluvial fans to hoodoos, the formations are right in front of you.  As inhospitable as the land seems, the land in and around the Badlands supported humans for 11,000 years.  The earliest people were mammoth hunters, followed by nomadic tribes, bison-hunting Lakota, and eventually trappers, miners, and homesteaders.  But the Badlands itself cannot be tamed and is a land of both dread and fascination

I will be bringing my cell phone, of course, but also my DSLR and one zoom lens that will accommodate my personal aesthetic.  I found the brightness of this environment to be challenging, due to my cell phone’s screen being quite hidden by the glare of the sun.  Cell phones will still gather amazing images, but help yourself out by bringing a wide-brimmed hat.  (If you don’t own one, before the Summit is the time to shop for one!)  It will shade the brightness sufficiently to help you see the screen and take your compositions more seriously.  A DSLR will be the key to slowing down and really painting your compositions on your image sensor.  With today’s image stabilization built in to most DSLR bodies and lenses, you will be able to make camera settings that allow you to leave the tripod at home or in your cabin.  Your (mostly) fearless leader will assist you in knowing those camera settings.

ABSOLUTELY NO OPEN SHOES OR SANDALS.  CLOSED HIKING SHOES OR SNEAKERS ONLY! YOU WILL THANK ME LATER.
(Comfort Note: There are no bathrooms, or trees to hide behind. But we can designate a private “room” behind the van.  Bring a bit of tissue and a plastic sandwich bag to collect your tissue. I’ll have a larger plastic bag to contain your used supplies and we’ll toss everything when we get to a waste bin back in civilization. It’s for this reason that I avoid coffee when heading to the wilderness without relief stations.  You might consider the same on this morning!) 

Join local outfitter, Sylvan Rocks, for a full day of advanced rock climbing. Although it is called an advanced class, this climbing trip is appropriate for all skill levels as long as you can climb all day. This custom trip operates at a 3:1 ratio, ensuring customized route selection for the group. The small groups will be determined by skill level. On this trip, you can expect to learn how to lead belay, learn about traditional climbing equipment, reach the summit of a formation (likely more than one summit), and climb numerous routes. You will also be taught how to rappel off the summit of a formation (with a backup). This trip is perfect for individuals who want to increase their climbing knowledge and explore more unique climbing in the Black Hills. This trip will take place from Sylvan Lake, but will use customized routes that are different from the beginner class based on the ability of the group. You will climb the remainder of the day and return to the parking lot around 2:00 pm. 

Cost: $210

7.5 mile, 1500 foot total climb "strenuous" loop hike; 38 min. drive each way.

The Summit's toughest hike, you'll reach the historic lookout tower on top of the highest peak from here to the Canary Islands off Africa, at 7,242 feet. The four-state view includes "awe-inspiring rock spires". This popular but rocky hike is half-forested, helpful if a thunderstorm pops up. Our early start will beat the crowds & most likely the thunderstorms.

Your leaders will provide historical context, from the name change from Harney Peak to the attempt by Custer to summit this peak on horseback (unsuccessful, which, from West Point to Little Bighorn, was one of his specialties!)

This is a 'moderate minus', no climb, one-way 3.0 mile hike, with a 26 min. drive to the start, 5-minute drive from the end.

Looking for something different? How about an easy, quiet morning photography (or time to sketch or just slow down and take in your surroundings) hike with Merlin? Merlin the wizard, you say? Nope, Merlin the bird ID app. We will walk slowly down the Grace Coolidge trail (an easy trail), which winds through a cool Ponderosa Pine forest along Grace Coolidge Creek, crossing the creek multiple times on easily navigated foot bridges. The intent here is not to cover distance but to slow down, observe, enjoy, and, when possible, identify and photograph (or sketch) species of both flora and fauna.

How does a bird ID app come into play? Well, first thing we will do, if you don’t already have the free app, is to help you download the app onto your phone and show you what it can do for bird identification. Then we walk…. slowly…. quietly…. trying to let all our senses show us what is alive. From there, it is up to you. Your guide(s) will always be available to give you one-on-one suggestions on how to compose the macro shot of the lupines next to the stream, or the broader landscape photo of the cattails swaying in the breeze, or identifying and then patiently waiting for that small bird you identified using the app, to stop just long enough for you to capture the perfect shot. Subjects to photograph may be as large as a bison or deer or as small as a dragonfly, frog, bird, or water strider. We will also scan the dead trees (snags) for cavity nesting birds. Hopefully, summer flowers will be in bloom. Bring your camera (or phone), your binoculars, your tripod if you have one, your journal, and join us for a diverse and magical morning along the creek.

Caution: Bison are beautiful animals and appear docile. They are beautiful, they are not docile. If you encounter one, give them a very wide berth (50 yards or more). Photograph them from a large distance away. Immediately let your guide know if you see one.

3.0 mile, 375 foot total climb "moderate" one-way hike; 5 min. drive out, 26 min. back.

The park's #1 oasis, we'll hit all six ponds dammed in the 1930s by the CCC. Midway, we'll briefly meet Matt Hays' Photo Hike. Our hike will be at a more brisk pace through this beautiful shaded valley named not after President Coolidge but for his wife Grace. One crossing requires a bit of rock hopping. We'll have time to relax at Center Lake at the hike's end. Poison ivy is rampant, but presents no threat as this popular trail is wide enough. The entire hike is in one of Custer State Park's two designated natural areas (horses prohibited).

2 miles, 50 feet climb, moderate, out and back, 44 min drive each way

This trail, designated by a (functioning) US Congress in 1977 as a National Landmark, is the shortest, gentlest hike for getting as close as possible to these "huge fantastic formations of granite". We'll also hike through an isolated botanical mystery: the only limber pine grove (trees hundreds of years old) to be found anywhere within 200 miles.

Join Custer State Park naturalist Aaron Douglass for an interpretive walk across the historic grounds of the State Lodge. Aaron will explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), presidential visitors and other notable guests who have passed through the Lodge, and the broader development of Custer State Park itself.  Expect a mix of historical context, interpretive anecdotes, and opportunities to ask questions.

Badger was the first poet laureate of South Dakota and spent his last 30 years living in his cabin in Custer State Park. His poetry focused on the life of cowpokes and what it was like to live in the West. His poems give us a great flavor of life here in the early to mid 1900’s. After a guided tour of his cabin, given by a local expert, we’ll ramble the 1-mile loop in the forest behind his home. It is a forest trail that’s not rocky, but sometimes has occasional tree roots, so care is needed while walking the trail. There are sections of incline and descent but nothing dramatic and well take it slow. Along the way interpretative signs give more background on Badger’s life, as well as share some of his stories and poetry.

Look for the combination of Heddy Draw Ramble & a tour of the Badger Clark cabin being offered as an alternative afternoon trip. This class does not do the ramble from Badger’s cabin.

Guided by flutist Tony Duncan (Apache-Arikara & Hidatsa), you will use a kit to create your own instrument. Along the way, we will discuss the history of the flute and basic playing techniques so you can play your first notes before leaving. Duncan has performed all over the world and released ten recordings for the Native American flute, with five albums for Canyon Records. This is a unique opportunity to create your own instrument, learn the native history of the flute, and play a few notes on the flute with a world-renowned artist. Please note, this class will be focused on the construction and history of the flute, while you will learn the basics of playing a note or two, we will not have time for additional lessons. You will have plenty of time to practice at home!

Cost: $35

Join us for a day spent exploring women’s experience in Nature. We will touch on science, ritual, and the wisdom of place/self in three workshops.


This is an all-day class that will be held both outdoors and indoors. Short hiking and some sitting in a natural setting will be part of the fun! Be prepared with good clothing for the sun and for your comfort. If sitting on the ground is difficult, please let us know ahead of time, and we will bring outdoor chairs as needed.

If you have a small special token of your connection to nature, please bring it with you!

Located in the heart of Custer State Park, Legion Lake offers a scenic retreat. Well ramble the trail that loops around the lake, about three quarters of a mile in length. The first part of the trail is level and easy. The middle section has a bit of incline and is more rocky, but is not dramatic and we’ll take it slow. The final stretch of the ramble is back to being level. Great views of the lake are possible all along the trail. A local naturalist will join us on the trail, enhancing the experience and providing more information. 

4.0 mile, 600 foot total climb "moderate plus' loop hike; no drive.

A usually verdant (drought-dependent) stream-side stroll over a dozen footbridges and nice views across the Black Hills, both in the same hike! With no vans to boot! This is "the" hike at our Summit lodging site. The version on the last afternoon with Matt will be at a more brisk pace.

The trail is particularly known for bison, big horn sheep, and wildflowers; thus, with Danny, we have the perfect hike leader (the wildflower part, at least!) An otherwise nice ridge walk on top provides stark evidence of the furthest reach, almost to the buildings near here, of the huge 2017 Legion Lake Fire, and "bomb-like" devastation from the Dec. 2025 wind storm. Easily avoiding the thigh-high poison ivy along the trail is possible 90% of the way; only those with more susceptibility may want long pants. Avoiding late afternoon thunderstorms requires a clockwise direction (which provides cover and actual shelter on the last 1/3 of the hike).

This is a short out-and-back hike, 2.5 miles with a 200-foot total climb, to a former gold mine where structures and equipment associated with the mine are still present. The main structures are located near the top of a slope. This is a fun chance to poke around interesting old wooden and brick mining ruins & excavations from as early as the 1890s. The photogenic old structures and interpretation from veteran Summit geology expert Dave Egan set this hike apart as a unique opportunity. The gold, silver, and garnet mining here began in the 1890s. Collectors have reported finding specimens of garnet, pyrite, and disseminated gold flakes in the area -- collecting is allowed.

50-minute drive each way

Gather around the kitchen for a live demonstration and history lesson all about fry bread! Led by Tony Duncan, you’ll learn the techniques behind making this iconic comfort food while exploring its historical roots and cultural significance in Indigenous communities. Yes, there will be tastings! 

This is a follow-up session to the Beadwork- Cuff Bracelet course offered on Sunday morning. Michelle will be available to assist throughout the week as you complete your beadwork. This session is an opportunity to complete your project with Michelle's help in a classroom setting. All participants should sign up for Sunday morning and one additional session. 

Join us for a collaborative session designed to explore how Family Nature Summits' experiences, values, and activities can be woven into everyday learning, both in the classroom and at home. Together, we'll share ideas, lesson plans, and practical tools for fostering curiosity, environmental stewardship, and outdoor exploration with students and families. Whether you teach in a school or lead learning at home, this is your chance to connect, exchange inspiration, and take the spirit of the Summit with you all year long!

**All are welcome to join this program; attendance is mandatory for all teacher scholarship winners**

This dynamic program is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences of all ages. More than just a performance, it is an invitation to celebrate the enduring beauty, resilience, and joy of Indigenous culture. Join faculty members Michelle (Ojibwe), Chris Estes (Kul Wicasa Oyate), and Tony Duncan (Apache) for an evening of music and dance. Michelle and Chris are both lead dancers for Brule, a contemporary Native American music group. This program is designed for all ages. 

Put your thinking caps on and test your wits at the ultimate Custer State Park Trivia Night! Whether you're a bona fide Black Hills expert or just love a good, friendly competition, this is your chance to shine. We’ll dive into everything from the park's rich history and famous wildlife to its hidden geographic gems. Expect plenty of laughs, brilliant team names, and maybe even a little bit of bragging rights. Bring your sharpest memory and your competitive spirit—we'll see you there!