Bear Butte
Also known as Mato Paha; Nowahawus
About Bear Butte
Bear Butte was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Jun 19, 1973. It was named a National Historic Landmark on Dec 21, 1981, one of 7 in South Dakota. It was among the first 1 of Sturgis’s 8 listings. The Register lists it for its native american, at the national level.
What it isMountain and Plains Indians religious site, host to a South Dakota state park in Meade County, South Dakota. From Wikidata (CC0). Read about it on Wikipedia ↗
PDFRead the original nominationThe form that put it on the Register, with its history, photos and a map · 45 MB · National Archives↗1973 to today
- 1973Added to the National Register of Historic Places
- 1981Named a National Historic Landmark
- 2026On the Register for 53 years
Finding Bear Butte
Near Sturgis, SD (5.9 mi from the town center)
No other Register listing is within a short walk.
Other National Historic Landmarks nearby
The nearest Landmarks with a photo, within 25 miles, and the year each was named.
Memories of Bear Butte
The record says what it is. Neighbors know what it means.
Your answer becomes a post in Town Square.
Questions about Bear Butte
Is Bear Butte on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes. It was added on Jun 19, 1973 (Register number 73001746).
Is Bear Butte a National Historic Landmark?
Yes, since Dec 21, 1981. South Dakota has 7 National Historic Landmarks.
Can you visit Bear Butte?
Our record doesn’t say whether it is open to visitors. Many listed buildings are private, so it may only be seen from the street.
Where can I read the history of Bear Butte?
In its National Register nomination, the form that put it on the Register: a 45 MB PDF at the National Archives, linked on this page.
Sources: National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places (05/22/2026) · National Archives catalog record 93205295 · Wikidata. Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.