The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was established by Congress in 1920 “for the protection of game animals and birds and to be recognized as a breeding place thereafter”.

Willow Creek Ride

The 1 hour 20 minute Willow Creek Trail gives you and your family a true understanding of why this scenic area was set aside as a nature preserve. This is a mountain trail filled with granite rock formations, creek crossings, and an abundance of nature.

Adults $40.00 Children (6 to 12 years) $35.00

Interpretive Trail Ride

Adults only (12 years or older)

The Interpretive Ride is a unique riding option for the mature rider. This is a 2 hour 15 minute outing for the rider who wants to learn about the natural, and cultural history of the region, while at the same time enjoying the pleasures of a relaxing horseback experience. There is a short hike associated with this activity.

"there is a tremendous amount of fascinating local history to learn about if you are interested".

The two hour ride winds through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, stopping at points of interest to discuss local history, management of the preserve, both past and present, wildlife, and various other topics of interest.

Our trip leaders are mature, knowledgeable guides with years of expertise in this field, who are comfortable with people and have life experience in the local area.

"An interpretive guide builds bridges between landscapes, people, and history; reveals stories behind the scenery; and creates memorable and inspiring experiences. Connecting you and the Black Hills National forest"

Adults Only $50.00

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Black Hills National Forest

Elkhorn Trail Ride

The Elk Horn Trail was newly created in 2008. This 1 hour 30 minute ride offers a different perspective of the surrounding forest. The topography is less rugged,so rider can relax and the horses can cover more ground in less time.. The forest is more open showcasing grassy meadows and great views of Harney Peak and Elk Horn Ridge

Adults $40.00 Children (6 to 12 yrs) $35.00

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Black Elk Wilderness Area

The Black Elk Wilderness Area was established by Congressional act in 1980 and is the crown jewel of the Black Hills National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a natural mountain wilderness this 13,000 acre forest is accessible by foot or horseback only.

3 Hour Ride

The popular 3 hour ride gives you a chance to split off the Willow Creek trail and experience an introduction to the Black Elk Wilderness. You will venture up the trail to see an interesting rock formation known as Split Rocks as well as have an opportunity to dismount and hike up to Mushroom Rock where you can explore one of the best views of Harney Peak.

$80.00 per rider

4-1/2 Hour Ride

A more challenging ride is the 4-1/2 ride. This trail takes you up- up- and up a steep mountain trail to a beautiful lookout area called the Upper Bench. Here you will have a short time to take it all in. Bring your camera on this one and be ready for the ride down!  Participants must meet health and weight restrictions.

$100.00 per rider

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PALMER GULCH CHUCK WAGON SUPPER SHOW

Do not miss the most authentic chuck wagon supper show in the Black Hills. This open air dinner consists of a bona fide chuck wagon campsite nestled off the beaten path in a remote mountain meadow, a full blown steak dinner, a cracklin’ campfire, and a great cowboy music show.

A leisurely (30 min) horse drawn covered wagon ride. The wagon train departs from the Lodge at 5:00 PM and travel into the Black Hills National Forest to a picturesque chuck wagon camp where guests are greeted by the entertainers, cooks and a beautiful view of Harney Peak. Our wagon drivers are very experienced teamsters with years of draft horse knowledge. A great cowboy music show featuring the baritone voice of Paul Larson, with a dash of western humor and cowboy poetry from local rancher Donley Hewett. A fantastic STEAK dinner cooked to order, over an Aspen wood fire by Clayton and Rhonda Sanders, a renowned chuck wagon cooking couple. This meal also includes Dutch oven prepared side dishes, desert and beverages. (Fire roasted potatoes and special cowboy beans)(Hotdogs are available for kids if they desire). Guests can choose to dine at open air picnic tables or under a canvas covered shelter. Wagons return to the Lodge around 7:30PM Weather permitting conditions

CHUCK WAGON DINNER SHOW: SUMMER 2011 DATES
JUNE 14,15,16,21,22,23,28,29,30
JULY 2,5,6,7,9,12,13,14,19,20,21,26,27,28
AUGUST 2,3,16,17,18,23,24,25

Reunion groups of 40 or more can be booked on special dates with prior approval The four wagons can accommodate 75 people maximum. Horse drawn wagon Adults $45.00 Children (6 to 12 yrs) $30.00 Children (3 to 5 yrs) $5.00

Finding activities that have real value, are memorable and can be enjoyed by everyone in the group can be difficult to find. The Husted’s chuck wagon camp has been featured in the Chicago Sun Times, Western Horseman Magazine, Family Fun Magazine, and South Dakota Magazine, as a quality family experience.

MAKE YOUR PLANS TODAY for an evening of delicious western cookery, and live cowboy entertainment under a big Black Hills sky.

Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted

Palmer Gulch Stables operates with a special use permit issued through the U.S. Forest service.

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