Black Hills National Cemetery
A serene and impeccably maintained national cemetery in the scenic Black Hills, honoring fallen heroes with dignity and respect.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Black Hills National Cemetery
Best Time
Best visibility for navigation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene and impeccably maintained national cemetery in the scenic Black Hills, honoring fallen heroes with dignity and respect.
"Gorgeous, super well-maintained veteran cemetery. Emotional visit... so many veterans, so much sacrificed."
🎯 Use the Grave Finder
Locate loved ones easily using the alphabetical listing in the visitor box near the office. :world_map:
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a place of honor. Maintain a quiet demeanor and dress appropriately. 🙏
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 64 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Fields of Headstones
Throughout the cemetery
Rows upon rows of pristine white headstones create a powerful and humbling visual testament to service and sacrifice.
Administrator's Office Visitor Box
Near the entrance
An essential resource for locating graves, this box contains an alphabetical listing of those interred.
Scenic Black Hills Landscape
Surrounding the cemetery
The cemetery is set against the backdrop of the picturesque Black Hills, offering a serene and beautiful final resting place.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Locating Graves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Grave Finder
Locate loved ones easily using the alphabetical listing in the visitor box near the office. :world_map:
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a place of honor. Maintain a quiet demeanor and dress appropriately. 🙏
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is usually available, but be mindful of designated areas. 🚗
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water as there are limited facilities. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Grave Finder
Locate loved ones easily using the alphabetical listing in the visitor box near the office. :world_map:
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a place of honor. Maintain a quiet demeanor and dress appropriately. 🙏
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is usually available, but be mindful of designated areas. 🚗
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water as there are limited facilities. :droplet:
🤝 Ask for Help
Staff are often available and very helpful if you have trouble finding a grave. :handshake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Black Hills National Cemetery for its immaculate condition and the profound sense of peace and respect it evokes. The helpfulness of staff in assisting with grave location is frequently highlighted, making it a deeply moving and well-managed tribute to fallen heroes. While the solemn nature of the site is inherent, the overall sentiment is one of deep gratitude and admiration.
"Gorgeous, super well-maintained veteran cemetery. Upon entry, on right-side, is the administrator office... a graveside listing is on the wall in a visitor box. Alphabetical listed make it impossible "not" to find your person. Headstones are numbered on backside that correlates with personal listing. Emotional visit... so many veterans, so much sacrificed. GOD bless America"
james duncan
"Visited this beautiful cemetery for the first time in 2025 to see the gravestones of 5 friends. I had difficulty locating a few of the graves and a gentleman named Max went above and beyond being helpful and kind and took us straight to the graves we wanted to see. Max was exceptional and is a great representative of this amazingly well kept place."
Jared M
"BEAUTIFUL final resting place and very well taken care as well for those who served this Country. I know because I have 5 FAMILY members and several friends that are at rest now and a few more family members that will be laid to rest there in the next couple of years. Blessing, love and honor to all those who have served this country without question. Thank You!
Since the time I wrote this, we have laid my father in law to rest as well.
Four family members are now at rest in this beautiful place for our vets and spouses.
Sadly! My mother has passed and she will be laid to rest with my father, SFC Harvey Varns.
The National Cemetery makes the final preparations so comforting and easy.
What a Blessing all those who work to help with the final preparations at the National Cemetery truly are!"
Debbie Colvin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Black Hills National Cemetery is located in Sturgis, South Dakota. Visitors typically drive to the cemetery. Use GPS navigation for the most direct route. The surrounding Black Hills landscape offers scenic drives.
Public transportation options directly to Black Hills National Cemetery are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
From I-90, take Exit 30 for Sturgis. Follow signs for the cemetery. The cemetery is well-marked from the main roads in the area.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It is generally ample, but it's always good to be mindful of designated areas.
Absolutely! The cemetery is situated within the beautiful Black Hills region, making it a stop that can be incorporated into a scenic drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Black Hills National Cemetery. It is a national cemetery and is open to the public for respectful visitation.
The cemetery is typically open daily during daylight hours. It's advisable to check official National Cemetery Administration (NCA) sources for exact hours, which can vary seasonally.
No tickets are required to visit Black Hills National Cemetery. It is a public space for honoring veterans.
Yes, Black Hills National Cemetery participates in Wreaths Across America. This event typically takes place in December, where volunteers lay wreaths on graves.
Yes, Black Hills National Cemetery is accessible to the public for visitation. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the grounds and the solemn nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Near the administrator's office, there is a visitor box with an alphabetical listing of those interred. Headstones are numbered on the backside, which correlates with the listing, making it easier to find your person.
The cemetery is laid out in sections. Using the provided map or the alphabetical listing at the visitor box is recommended. Be prepared for walking.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available. It's wise to bring your own water, especially during warmer months, as amenities can be limited.
The atmosphere is deeply respectful, peaceful, and humbling. It's a place of honor and remembrance for those who served the country.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during ceremonies or near active services.
📸 📸 Photography
The sweeping vistas of headstone rows against the Black Hills backdrop are particularly striking. Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, evocative shots.
While generally allowed for personal use, be mindful of the solemnity of the location. Avoid disruptive photography, especially during services or ceremonies.
Expect to capture images of vast, orderly rows of headstones, the serene landscape, and perhaps memorial markers. It's a place for respectful, reflective photography.
It's best to avoid selfies. The focus should be on honoring the veterans. If you take photos, ensure they are respectful and do not detract from the solemnity of the site.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the landscape and the headstones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit