Since 1946
Supporting
Wonder &
Exploration
We connect people with the public lands of the Black Hills and western Nebraska through park stores, educational programs, and support for our agency partners.
Start here
What brings you out today?
Explore the Black Hills and western Nebraska. Plan a visit, try a program, or support your public lands.
Black Hills and western Nebraska
Find your next place to explore
- Choose a placeTour Wind Cave or Jewel Cave. Travel on the Oregon Trail. Or explore forest trails and fossil beds.
- Go at your paceHave an hour or a few days? Find walks, cave tours, and scenic drives that fit your plans.
- Check the detailsCheck our forest and park site hubs for hours, tour reservations, and the best things to see. Then check the official government partner sites for alerts and closures.
Before you goSave maps for offline use, or plan ahead by buying a map or field guide. Always check the weather and pack for the adventure.
Workshops and events
Get to know nature
- Nature Connections WorkshopsLearn to read animal tracks, practice outdoor skills, or learn to connect by keeping a nature journal.
- Homeschool Nature AdventuresHands-on & in-the-field nature adventures for homeschool families. Check current sessions.
- Programs with our partnersJoin guided walks and evening programs at our partner parks and forests. From elk bugling to Moon Walks to indigenous voices.
Find your fitCheck our calendar often to see what’s coming up. We and our ranger partners add events and programs all the time!
Your nonprofit park stores
Take the parks home
- For your next visitOrder maps to daydream about your next hike and field guides for what you’ll see.
- For the memoriesNo room in the suitcase or trunk? Shop our online store to send home a book, a gift, or a souvenir from your favorite park.
- Online and at the parksWe’re the people who run the stores in the visitor centers. No dropshipping or knock-offs here. Stop in during your visit. Shop online from home.
Your purchase helpsStore proceeds support education, conservation, and visitor services at our seven partner sites.
Membership, giving, and volunteering
Help people connect with their public lands
- Become a memberJoin for $30 a year to support our work. In return, you’ll save 15% on eligible purchases in our stores and online. And get reciprocal discounts at park stores across the country.
- Make a donationHelp fund nature programs and visitor resources. Donations print Junior Ranger books, buy bison tracking collars, and bring Lakota and Cheyenne artists to share their stories.
- Share your timeHelp with programs, events, or visitor services. Find a volunteer role that fits your skills and schedule. Local in-person and remote online help is needed!
Working togetherWe’re the official nonprofit partner for these National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service sites. Your support helps us meet their education, interpretation, and resource protection needs.
Where we work
Explore the places we support
Explore our partner sites in the Black Hills and western Nebraska. Find visitor information and ideas for your trip.
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National ParkWind Cave
Explore a cave below the prairie. Watch for bison above ground.
Plan your visit -
National MonumentJewel Cave
See the cave formations on a ranger-led tour.
Plan your visit -
National ForestBlack Hills
Explore pine forests, granite peaks, and miles of trails.
Plan your visit -
National MonumentScotts Bluff
Follow the Oregon Trail story. Find trails and views over the North Platte Valley.
Plan your visit -
National MonumentAgate Fossil Beds
Explore fossil exhibits and walk the monument’s trails.
Plan your visit -
National Forests & Grasslands
Nebraska
Explore forests and open grasslands in Nebraska and South Dakota.
Plan your visit -
Visitor Center
National Grasslands
Start in Wall, South Dakota. Learn about grassland wildlife and history.
Plan your visit
Programs and events
On the calendar
Workshops, citizen science work days, and story times. The good ones fill up, so reserve ahead.
Why it matters
Your support at work
Your purchases, memberships, and gifts support our park and forest partners.
$221,000+
Partner aid and program support
FY2025
1,100+
Logged volunteer hours
FY2025
80
Years supporting public lands
Since 1946
7
Public land partners
Black Hills and Nebraska
Financial and volunteer figures are for fiscal year 2025.
From our park stores
Take the parks home
The real visitor center shelves, online. Proceeds support education, conservation, and visitor services at BHPFA partner parks and forests.
The Passport
The Ferret
Area Tokens
SmokeyJoin the association
Members make it possible
Membership supports educational work at the parks and forests you love. Join annually for $30 or choose Grass Roots monthly giving from $5.
- A 15% park-store discount on eligible purchases
- Early word on workshops and events before they fill
- Your dues fund field trips, Junior Ranger programs, and trail work