Hot Springs National Cemetery
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hot Springs National Cemetery is a beautiful and historic site located in the state of South Dakota.
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Summary
This cemetery is a final resting place for thousands of veterans and their families, and is a popular destination for those interested in history, nature, and culture.
One of the main reasons to visit the Hot Springs National Cemetery is to pay respect to the brave men and women who fought for their country. The cemetery is a solemn and peaceful place, and visitors can pay their respects at the many gravesites, memorials, and monuments throughout the area.
Another point of interest is the Hot Springs VA Medical Center, which is located adjacent to the cemetery. This facility serves veterans from all over the country, and visitors can learn more about the services and programs that are offered to veterans and their families.
There are also many interesting facts and stories about the history of the Hot Springs National Cemetery. For example, the cemetery was established in 1890, and is one of the oldest national cemeteries in the country. Additionally, the cemetery is home to several notable figures, including Medal of Honor recipients and Buffalo Soldiers.
The best time of year to visit the Hot Springs National Cemetery is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the area is in full bloom. However, visitors can also enjoy the stunning fall foliage and snow-covered landscapes during the autumn and winter months.
Overall, the Hot Springs National Cemetery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and culture. It is a beautiful and reverent place that honors the brave men and women who served their country, and offers a unique insight into the rich history of South Dakota.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
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