Join us for this incredible, spiritual experience to commemorate the day that Black Elk took Neihardt to the top of Black Elk Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota to share his vision.

Gather at 9 am on May 30 at the Sylvan Lake trailhead outside of Custer, SD for the 4-5 hour hike. Meet in the parking lot of Sylvan Lake at the trailhead by the visitor’s center, gather for a prayer led by Myron Pourier (great-great-grandson of Black Elk and Neihardt Foundation Board member), and set off on a self-paced hike.

No registration required. No fee. All are welcome to participate.

Hike Time: 3-4 hours. Elevation Gain: 1100ft – 2200ft, depending on the route.

Hiking boots, walking sticks, lunch in a backpack, and bottled water are recommended.

For more information, contact the Neihardt Foundation at 402-648-3388 or email neihardt@gpcom.net.

This event is organized by the John G. Neihardt Foundation. The Foundation assumes no liability. Details to come!

More information from Paul Hammel:

Some news prior to the annual hike up Black Elk Peak by fans of the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site

The Great Sioux Nation and the U.S. Forest Service have signed a co-stewardship agreement for the 13,534-acre Black Elk Wilderness in the Black Hills.

Signed on March 19, 2026, at Sylvan Lake Trail, the Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for ongoing Tribal consultation on land management — including recreation, habitat and wildlife work, invasive species mitigation, and protection of cultural sites and access.

“Our most sacred lands are the Black Hills… it is an honor for us to care for these lands at Black Elk Wilderness.”

— Wayne Boyd (Rosebud Sioux Tribe)

Tribal leaders and U.S. Forest Service officials marked the signing with a hike to Black Elk Peak.

The agreement maintains federal management while formally establishing an ongoing partnership with 11 Sioux Nation Tribes in stewardship planning and implementation.