Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

Discover the ancient and rewarding art of leatherworking in this hands-on, introductory workshop. Perfect for beginners, this course guides you through the step-by-step process of creating your own custom leather medicine pouch—a sacred, wearable pocket traditionally used to carry meaningful items, stones, or herbs. During the workshop, the history and meaning behind medicine pouches for the Native Community will be discussed. 

Cost: $10

We will do a deep dive into Mt Rushmore National Memorial, visit the museum, see the movie, walk the walk of presidents, and visit the sculptor’s studio. We will eat our picnic lunch at Mt Rushmore, be sure to bring some money to indulge in the Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream - handmade ice cream utilizing Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe, which has received rave reviews from everyone we have met! Next, we will take the short drive to Keystone, South Dakota, for a guided tour of the Big Thunder Gold Mine, a historic gold mine discovered in 1892. This mine has a fascinating history on a fully accessible tour.

A lot of walking, mostly flat with some stairs, canes, walking poles, and other mobility aids are allowed.

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

Join us for a guided tour of the Big Thunder Gold Mine, a historic gold mine discovered in 1892. This mine has a unique and fascinating history with a fully accessible 1-hour tour. The tour concludes with a small mining museum.