Visit one of the last frontier posts built in the Dakotas
Bureau of Land Management — Montana/Dakotas
The Bureau of Land Management — South Dakota Field Office manages approximately 6,700 acres of the original Fort Meade Military Reservation just east of Sturgis, South Dakota. Established in the 1870s, it was a peacekeeping post in the region between Fort Laramie (Wyoming) and existing forts in Montana. Fort Meade has been the home of nearly every cavalry regiment in the U.S. Army. In 1944 Fort Meade was officially closed as an active military post and jurisdiction was transferred to the Veterans Administration which later transferred it to the Department of the Interior in 1960.
Today, the Fort Meade Recreation Area (FMRA) is designated as an Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC) due to the numerous historical and archeological sites associated with one of the last frontier posts to be built in the Dakotas. It hosts a variety of recreation opportunities that the public can enjoy including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, camping and fishing.
The recreation area has two campgrounds on the south end that allow for tent camping and one campground that is set up for camping with horses. The area also has plenty of day-use facilities, along with fishing opportunities in Bear Butte Creek and Fort Meade Reservoir. The area includes over twenty-five miles of non-motorized recreation trails which traverse the entire area — from the prairies to the forested hills — connecting to both the City of Sturgis and the Black Hills National Forest trail systems.
The Fort Meade Backcountry Byway transects the southern half. The byway winds its way through the recreation area passing pine covered hills, grass-covered prairies, and steep, rocky ledges for five miles before it reaches the old Fort Meade Cavalry Post. Along this drive you will encounter roadside pullouts with informational kiosks showcasing the area, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous views — all from your vehicle. Along the byway you will pass the old post cemetery where soldiers and civilians are buried who resided at the fort and pass by the Camp Fechner CCC camp which was utilized in the 1930’s and 40’s.
The Fort Meade Recreation Area — with its rich history and abundant recreation opportunities — is a place that is treasured by locals from the area and quickly becomes a favorite for all who visit here.
More Info
PHONE:
605–892–7000
EMAIL:
ADDRESS:
South Dakota Field Office309 Bonanza StreetBelle Fourche, SD 57717
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE:
44.3725, -103.47297
DIRECTIONS:
Access to the South end of the Back Country Byway is at Exit 34 (BlackHills National Cemetery Interchange) from Interstate 90. The northernaccess to the Byway is approximately one half mile east of Sturgis onHighway 34/79.
EXTERNAL MAP:
https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/837627/blm-mtdakotas-fort-meade-recreation-area
