Badger Clark Historic Site
Step into the rustic cabin of cowboy poet Charles Badger Clark Jr. and explore his life amidst the beauty of Custer State Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Badger Clark Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the rustic cabin of cowboy poet Charles Badger Clark Jr. and explore his life amidst the beauty of Custer State Park. 
"A wonderful place to look at and contemplate his life. Definitely worth a little stop when in the Black Hills. "
🚶♀️ Hike the Poetry Trail
Read Badger Clark's poems posted along the trail for a deeper connection to his life and the landscape.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
The cabin is left much as it was when Clark passed, offering an authentic glimpse into his life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Badger Hole Cabin
Custer State Park
Explore the preserved three-room cabin of cowboy poet Charles Badger Clark Jr. See his original furnishings and feel the rustic charm.
+1
Badger Clark Poetry Trail
Adjacent to the cabin
Hike a peaceful trail featuring excerpts of Badger Clark's poetry, offering insight into his life and the surrounding nature.
Centennial Trail Access
Trailhead at Badger Hole
Access a beautiful section of the Centennial Trail, known for wildlife sightings and scenic Black Hills views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm
+1Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike the Poetry Trail
Read Badger Clark's poems posted along the trail for a deeper connection to his life and the landscape.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
The cabin is left much as it was when Clark passed, offering an authentic glimpse into his life.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for deer and other local wildlife along the trails, especially in the early morning.
📚 Browse His Works
Books and items related to Badger Clark's life and poetry are often available for purchase inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike the Poetry Trail
Read Badger Clark's poems posted along the trail for a deeper connection to his life and the landscape.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
The cabin is left much as it was when Clark passed, offering an authentic glimpse into his life.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for deer and other local wildlife along the trails, especially in the early morning.
📚 Browse His Works
Books and items related to Badger Clark's life and poetry are often available for purchase inside.
🚗 Scenic Drive Stop
A perfect, less crowded stop while exploring the scenic drives of Custer State Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Badger Clark Historic Site a peaceful and insightful stop, offering a genuine glimpse into the life of a cowboy poet. The preserved cabin and poetry trail are highlights, providing a quiet contrast to busier park attractions. Some note that the poetry reflects historical attitudes that may be sensitive today.
"Visited on 6/22/25
Nice spot to stop if doing the scenic drive through Custer State Park.
The home of Charles Badger Clark offers perspective of a man who wrote poetry, was never married, and was a true outdoorsman who would trek 8 miles back and forth into town if needing supplies.
There are books and items for sale inside the home including some of his poetry.
The male volunteer who was there on the date of our visit was welcoming and offered additional information based on additional research he had done.
Inside the cabin, the items were left just the way they were when he passed away."
Christopher Laufenberg
"There is a trail head for the centennial trail here, and the first mile and a half to two miles are outstanding. Tons of white tail deer, blue jays, magpies, etc. There are many shady areas and great landscapes. Frankly, it’s a nice change from the crowded parts of Custer state park. This is an enjoyable spot and surprisingly overlooked."
Thirteendays
"Definitely worth a visit. We took the stove out and cooked out lunch outside of it. Had no intention of going in. I walked up the trail a bit first and read some of Badger's poetry which was a nice touch and made me want to go into the cabin. The cabin has been left untouched more or less. What a wonderful place to look at and contemplate his life. Definitely worth a little stop when in the Black Hills"
Stephen Caulfield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Badger Hole is located in Custer State Park, about 1.5 miles east of Legion Lake. It's accessible by car and is a popular stop on scenic drives within the park.
Yes, the Badger Hole cabin and surrounding trails are located within Custer State Park, South Dakota.
Yes, exploring on bicycles is a great way to reach the Badger Hole, as it's situated along scenic routes within Custer State Park.
Badger Clark Historic Site is near other popular Black Hills attractions like Custer State Park's wildlife loop, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Limited parking is available near the cabin, especially for those accessing it by car. It's also a trailhead for the Centennial Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no separate ticket is required to visit the Badger Hole cabin itself, as it's part of Custer State Park. However, a park entrance license for Custer State Park is typically needed.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Custer State Park website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information on cabin access.
Yes, Custer State Park requires a park entrance license, which helps fund park maintenance and operations.
While the park is accessible year-round, the cabin's interior access might be limited during certain seasons or weather conditions. Check ahead for availability.
While not always formally scheduled, volunteers are sometimes present at the cabin to share insights. The poetry trail also offers a self-guided historical experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the preserved Badger Hole cabin, read Badger Clark's poetry along the adjacent trail, and access the Centennial Trail for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Yes, the cabin is furnished with Badger Clark's original belongings, offering an authentic look at his life and living conditions.
Visitors often report seeing white-tailed deer, blue jays, and magpies along the trails. Custer State Park is known for its diverse wildlife.
The Badger Clark Trail is generally considered an easy to moderate hike, suitable for most fitness levels.
Restroom facilities may be limited directly at the Badger Hole site. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby park areas like Legion Lake if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the cabin's exterior and interior, the scenic beauty of the surrounding ponderosa pines, and any wildlife encountered on the trails.
Photography inside the cabin is generally permitted, but it's always respectful to be mindful of the historical artifacts and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photographing the cabin and trails, especially with the surrounding trees.
The porch of the cabin offers a classic view, and the trails provide opportunities to capture the natural Black Hills landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check Custer State Park regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The preserved cabin provides a tangible look at how people lived in the past, which can be fascinating for children. Consider it a peaceful stop on a larger Black Hills adventure, offering a break from more intense activities. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📚 History Buffs and Literature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life and Legacy of Charles Badger Clark Jr.
His poetry often reflected the rugged beauty of the West, the lives of cowboys, and the indigenous peoples of the region, though some of his work has been noted to contain attitudes reflective of the time, including sexism and racism. Clark's work gained significant popularity, and he became a beloved figure in South Dakota. The Badger Hole cabin was later donated to the state and preserved as a historic site, allowing visitors to step into his world.
Walking the trails and reading his verses offers a unique perspective on a bygone era and the enduring spirit of the American West. Visitors often find the cabin and its setting to be a peaceful and contemplative place. The site serves as a tangible connection to a significant literary figure of the region, offering a quiet escape from the more crowded attractions in the Black Hills.
Exploring the Badger Clark Trail and Centennial Trail
This trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering a chance to connect with nature and the poet's words simultaneously. Crucially, the Badger Hole is also a trailhead for the Centennial Trail, a much longer trail system that stretches across South Dakota. The initial miles of the Centennial Trail accessible from Badger Hole are particularly scenic and often less crowded than other parts of Custer State Park.
Whether you're seeking a short, reflective walk or a longer adventure, the trails around Badger Clark Historic Site provide excellent opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and wildlife observation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit