Visiting the Remote Badlands South Unit

Image by merriehaskell via FlickrBadlands National Park, under control of the National Park Service is the part of the Badlands that most tourists see.

Half of the Badlands is under the control of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. This is the undeveloped area of the Badlands referred to as the South Unit.

The South Unit is beautiful, and treacherous. With the exception of a dirt (sometimes mud) road near Sheep Mountain, there are no developed areas or easily spotted trails.

The drive over Sheep Mountain is beautiful, but if you're planning on hiking here, make sure you are very experienced and well prepared.

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Visiting the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation: Tips for Travelers

Image via Wikipedia

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is the home of the Oglala Lakota or Sioux tribe, a band of the Oceti Sakowin (the Seven Council Fires of the Great Sioux Nation). The word Oglala means "they scatter their own" in the Lakota language.

In past times, the Oglala were generally the band that camped at the outer perimeter during gatherings of the Nation, serving as the protectors. Some famous Oglala leaders from the past include Chief Red Cloud and Crazy Horse.

From modern times, you may recognize the names of Russell Means and the White Plume family, well-known Oglala leaders and activists. Have you ever eaten a Tanka bar? They were developed right here at Thunder Valley.

And don't forget Olympic medalist Billy Mills, who grew up in Pine Ridge village.

 

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