Are you ready to get out and see everything that the great outdoors of South Dakota has to offer? If you are a native, you have probably seen our famous landmarks more times than you can count, but there is another way to enjoy the Mount Rushmore State, which is via the 20 miles of incredible trails at the hidden Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park.
Located in Rapid City, the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park is an enchanting park that spans 300 gorgeous acres of Black Hills splendor.
Established in honor of longtime rancher and resident Edna Marie “Eddie” Larsen and her parents, Ed Larsen and Etta Hanson-Larsen, the park is privately funded and takes neither tax dollars nor public funding, making it as unique as it is jaw-dropping.
Boasting views of the colorful Black Hills, plus Mt. Rushmore, Black Elk Peak, Bear Butte, and the Badlands, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon, thanks to not only the landscape but also its 20 miles of recreational trails.
Whether you are a walker, runner, hiker, or biker, you are guaranteed to find something to love along the trails of Hanson-Larsen, which range from short and sweet to rough and rugged.
Please note: Since Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park is privately owned, operating hours may vary, so before you go, please call Rapid City Parks and Recreation at (605) 394-4175 to check current hours of operation.