This Natural Sanctuary In South Dakota Is Like Something Out Of The Wild Wild West

When the early pioneers set out to tame the west, as they called it, they were met with vast prairies, rugged terrain, mighty rivers, and a plethora of wildlife including everything from massive bison herds to bands of wild horses. South Dakota was part of this untamed west. Today, most of that is no longer the same, but there are parts of our state that have been preserved in time and offer a glimpse into what was.

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is one of those places; a hidden gem that looks like something out of the wild west we imagine it used to be. The sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the spirit of the wild mustang and allows the horses to roam on over 11,000 acres of land in the same way they would have over a hundred years ago.

The sanctuary is hidden among some of the most beautiful areas of the Black Hills.

Gently rolling hills and steep canyon walls around the Cheyenne fill the sanctuary. The terrain shifts in many places but the mustangs seem completely capable of traversing it as they have been for hundreds of years. This is their natural environment, and they thrive.

On your tour of the sanctuary, you can see the mustangs from a distance...

...Or even up close and personal!

Watch the horses race across the land and be truly wild and free, or discover the friendliness of the animals that wouldn't mind a treat. Some of the mustangs here are very much wild and best viewed without disturbing them, while others are more comfortable getting near people and allowing you to pet them - or even sticking their noses in the car!

Not only can you view the creatures that were so important to history, but you can see parts of history important to the area.

The mustangs themselves are like living pieces of the past, but on the tour you will stop by a cliff face full of petroglyphs, or carvings in the wall, depicting the importance of the horse to the tribes who originally resided here.

Don't forget to bring a camera, because the views are absolutely stunning.

The wild wild west is true here and will give you an experience like no other. The landscapes and the majestic animals together create images that seem almost unreal and memories that are unforgettable. Plus, with the chance to see some cute foals, you'll definitely want to be able to capture the picture-perfect scenes.

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary has over 600 mustangs happily roaming the land where they will be protected throughout their entire lives. The sanctuary survives on donations from those who visit or donate online. Take a trip yourself or sponsor your own mustang by learning more here.

Wouldn't it be amazing to see what it was like here when the mustangs were truly wild and free? Though you can't go back in time, you can revisit it through photographs. Check out these rare, vintage photos of South Dakota back then and see for yourself.