Educational Nature Programs

Angostura Recreation Area hosts an array of interpretive and educational activities during the summer season. Each program is geared for families with young children and will expose participants to the various natural and cultural features of the Southern Black Hills.

A few special events are also planned at nearby shelter houses for visitors wishing to participate in a mid-week activity or an evening program. For more specific information, please review the specific planned activity descriptions.

• Fee: Free for the general public
• Park Permit: Required
• Dates: June - August

Nature Day Camp - Kids' Fishing Day

Grab a fishing pole and take to the shoreline in search of walleye, bass, and other legendary South Dakota fish. Participants will learn how to tie a fishing knot, take part in a casting contest, boat and water safety, learn some tricks for cleaning the catch, and make fish prints to take home. Geared for kids ages 7‐12. Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a snack.

Father's Day Bluebird Box Workshop

Bring Dad and come on over to the host site at Horsehead Campground and make a bluebird box for the Mountain Bluebirds of the area. Participants will learn what makes the Mountain Bluebirds special to this area and learn some tricks to entice the bluebirds to use the crafted box. Bring a hammer and Dad!

Nature Day Camp - Follow that Footprint, Paw print, Hoof Print...

When many animals are nocturnal and most people are diurnal (awake during the day), it can be a mystery figuring out where an animal was going and what it was doing when only foot prints are left behind. Come learn about the many animals of the area, how to identify common animal tracks, and make an animal track to take home. You will be surprised what animals call Angostura home! Wear water shoes; bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a snack.

Nature Day Camp - Nature Explorers

Does catching insects, discovering tracks, smelling flowers, identifying animal droppings, looking at birds through binoculars, and just being outside sound fun to you? If so, come and spend the morning being a naturalist and exploring nature! Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a snack.

Astonomy Night

Spend a relaxing evening under the stars in perhaps one of the best astronomy settings in the southern Black Hills. Participants will take a tour of the night sky and learn how to find some common constellations. Bring a pair of binoculars and a chair.