Stronghold Unit

These park lands, which include the Stronghold Table, are on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and are owned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

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Stronghold Unit Details

These park lands, which include the Stronghold Table, are on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and are owned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The Stronghold Unit was added to the Badlands National Monument in 1976, and is also known as the park's South Unit. Once a military gunnery range, Stronghold Table is believed to have been the site of the last Ghost Dance of the Lakota Tribe, part of a Native American spiritual movement in the late 19th century that aimed to restore native culture and prosperity in the face of European conquest. This highly sacred religious site, still used by the Lakota, includes relics of traditional worship; please respect the land and tradition and leave any objects you may find on the ground. The highest point in Badlands National Park, Red Shirt Table at 3,340 feet, is located in the Stronghold Unit; there's an overlook on the unit's western border. A good starting point for exploring this area is the White River Visitor Center. Traveling on foot is best in this area; backcountry camping is permitted, but check in with park rangers first.

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Low

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Nearby Parks Around Stronghold Unit

Compare nearby parks around Stronghold Unit when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Badlands

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Yellowstone

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Grand Teton

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Great Sand Dunes

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Stronghold Unit

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10.0 mi away

Sheep Mountain Table

On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is Sheep Mountain Table, a large mesa in the Stronghold (South) Unit of Badlands National Park.

10.9 mi away

White River Visitor Center

The White River Visitor Center serves the Stronghold Unit of Badlands National Park and is only open during the summer.

15.2 mi away

Scenic, S.D.

The town of Scenic, S.D., is about 50 miles southeast of Rapid City, along Highway 44.

24.3 mi away

Badlands Wilderness Area

In 1976, Congress designated 64,114 acres of wilderness in Badlands National Park.

25.5 mi away

Sage Creek Campground

Camping is free at the primitive Sage Creek Campground.