Earl Mccart Fields

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Earl McCarty Fields is a popular destination in South Dakota.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a vast grassland with rolling hills, prairie flowers, and a rich history. The area is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

There are many points of interest in the area, including the Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park. Visitors can also explore the local history through the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, the Pioneer Auto Museum, and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once home to massive herds of bison, which were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s. The area is also home to many dinosaur fossils and footprints, which can be seen at the Dinosaur Park and Museum in Rapid City.

The best time to visit Earl McCarty Fields is in the summer months, between June and August, when the weather is warm and dry, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden storms and thunderstorms that can occur in the area.

Overall, Earl McCarty Fields is a beautiful and fascinating destination in South Dakota, with something to offer every visitor.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks