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Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit has ended
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.
Type: Ramble clear filter
Sunday, August 2
 

8:00am MDT

Ramble - Mount Rushmore and Horse Thief Lake
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Ramble Van 1
This is a winning combination if you like history and a lakeside ramble! We’ll start off by driving along Iron Mountain Road to Mt. Rushmore. You’ll get a true sense of how large Custer State Park is and start to get the feel of this landscape. Once at Mt. Rushmore, we’ll walk the Avenue of the Flags, see the monument from the terrace, and have time in the Visitor Center to see exhibits and to watch the movie that gives more background on this historic site. We’ll take a short (.2 mile each way) ramble on a paved pathway, which leads to a platform that provides a closer look at the monument. 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! 

On our loop back to the State Game Lodge, we’ll stop at lovely Horse Thief Lake and ramble the Forest trail on the lakefront. There are 35 stairs (wide, not steep, handrails on both sides) leading to the lake, and this ramble is level and easy, and will be about a half mile total.
Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

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 →

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Ramble Van 1 Transportation Area
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:15am MDT

Architects of the Grassland: Explore the Prairie with American Prairie Naturalists
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Young Adults Van
Step off the beaten path and into the complex, interconnected world of the American prairie. While the grasslands may look like an open expanse at first glance, they are actually a bustling, intricately woven ecosystem shaped by remarkable inhabitants. Join naturalists from American Prairie for an immersive walk in the prairie. On this casual walk, we will journey near a thriving prairie dog town and explore how three keystone species—bison, beavers, and prairie dogs—act as nature’s ultimate architects. You will discuss phenology and other seasonal observations, and the important role of disturbance ecology in shaping the plains. The walk will also discuss historic species loss on the plains, as well as and the work and research underway to help recover the populations and restore ecological processes of the prairie. 
American Prairie is a nonprofit with a mission is to create one of the largest nature reserves in the United States, a refuge for people and wildlife preserved forever as part of America’s heritage. They work with organizations such as the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Geographic.


Faculty
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
avatar for American Prairie

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Young Adults Van
  Ramble

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Charles Badger Clark's Cabin Tour & Ramble
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm 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
avatar for Betty Trummel

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 →

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy
 
Monday, August 3
 

8:15am MDT

Architects of the Grassland: Explore the Prairie with American Prairie Naturalists
Monday August 3, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1
Step off the beaten path and into the complex, interconnected world of the American prairie. While the grasslands may look like an open expanse at first glance, they are actually a bustling, intricately woven ecosystem shaped by remarkable inhabitants. Join naturalists from American Prairie for an immersive walk in the prairie. On this casual walk, we will journey near a thriving prairie dog town and explore how three keystone species—bison, beavers, and prairie dogs—act as nature’s ultimate architects. You will discuss phenology and other seasonal observations, and the important role of disturbance ecology in shaping the plains. The walk will also discuss historic species loss on the plains, as well as and the work and research underway to help recover the populations and restore ecological processes of the prairie. 
American Prairie is a nonprofit with a mission is to create one of the largest nature reserves in the United States, a refuge for people and wildlife preserved forever as part of America’s heritage. They work with organizations such as the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Geographic.


Faculty
avatar for American Prairie

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1 Transportation Area
  Ramble

8:30am MDT

History of Custer State Park
Monday August 3, 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
CS
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Heddy Draw Ramble
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Ramble Van 1
Heddy Draw is a 15-minute drive from the State Game Lodge. The trail begins with a flat paved section that borders a section of the 2017 Legion Lake Fire, third-largest fire in South Dakota history. This trail is still heavily wooded and provides an opportunity to talk about fire ecology. A beautiful wooden shelter & platform give us a chance to take in the incredible view. We’ll continue on the level gravel path on this ridge, before turning around to complete the ramble. Total distance is approximately three quarters of a mile.
Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

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 →

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Ramble Van 1 Transportation Area
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy
 
Tuesday, August 4
 

8:30am MDT

Ramble - Sylvan Lake Ramble
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
This popular spot in Custer State Park gives us the chance to see awesome rock formations that line much of the shore of Sylvan Lake. It’s a sunny and pleasant level path, which we’ll do as an out & back ramble (close to 1 mile) due to a difficult section at the far end of the lake, which would not be suitable for a ramble. If time allows, we’ll explore the other side of the lake. We’ll drive via Needles Highway with a couple of stops along the way.
Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

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 →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Ramble- Coolidge Ponds
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

The park's #1 oasis, we'll hit most of all six ponds dammed in the 1930s by the CCC.  Our ramble will be at a relaxed pace through this beautiful shaded valley named not after President Coolidge but for his wife, Grace.  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).

The ramble will be 1-2 miles, to be determined by the group's pace, as this is an out-and-back trail. 
Faculty
avatar for Chris Estes

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 →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

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
CS
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
avatar for Betty Trummel

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
avatar for Betty Trummel

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 →
avatar for Chris Estes

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
 
Thursday, August 6
 

1:00pm MDT

Ramble- Legion Lake
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Join Chris Estes on a ramble at Legion Lake. He will talk about the relationship and history of his people with the local flora and fauna. The discussion will be guided by the tracks, plants, and animals you encounter on the trail. 
Faculty
avatar for Chris Estes

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 →

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Ramble

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Sylvan Lake Ramble
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
This popular spot in Custer State Park gives us the chance to see awesome rock formations that line much of the shore of Sylvan Lake. It’s a sunny and pleasant level path, which we’ll do as an out & back ramble (close to 1 mile) due to a difficult section at the far end of the lake, which would not be suitable for a ramble. If time allows, we’ll explore the other side of the lake. We’ll drive via the famous Needles Highway with a couple of stops along the way.
Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy
 

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