Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit: Full Schedule

If you would like to join a class that is frozen, please send us a message or email, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The Summit Handbook and our pick-a-hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation. You are only able to sign up for one class during a time period (including waitlists). We do our best to accommodate waitlists.

Add/Dropping Classes: All classes with an additional cost have a final add/drop date of July 13. After July 13th, you will be responsible for the cost of the class unless we can fill the spot. Classes with no additional cost can be added/dropped at any time.

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8:30am MDT

History of Custer State Park

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Front Porch of State Game Lodge

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.

Faculty

Custer State Park Naturalist

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge

Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:30am MDT

Ramble - Charles Badger Clark's Cabin Tour & Ramble

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT

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.

Faculty

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty

Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Legion Lake Ramble

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

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.

Faculty

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty

Chris Estes

Faculty

Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

8:30am MDT

Custer State Park Naturalist

8:30am MDT

Betty Trummel

1:00pm MDT

Betty Trummel

Chris Estes

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