j.h. keith park and whitney preserve at cascade springs

This is a set of springs in a very dry area south of town. Place to picnic and soak your feet. A mile further south is Cascade park which is a swimming hole with very clean water since it originates in the springs.

My son wanted to see buffalo on our road trip to Deadwood SD. We were able to barely see three at Bear Country, of course fenced in and sitting in the grass. On our way to Hot Springs on Hwy 385, right before sunset we came across a herd of buffalo crossing the highway. We had to stop to let them cross & take photos. It was absolutely breathe taking to see these gorgeous animals up so close. We could of stay until they all crossed but I don't like to drive at night. It was a wonderful & memorable trip. AUG.17 2013

Decided to check it out and have a picnic. Nice place,but a bit secluded. Jumped in with four kids to catch some little "minows" at the bottom of the crystal clear pool. Very refreshing, no snakes seen or heard. Kids had a nice time and it's all free.

Friends talked us into a stop at Keith Park and Whitney Preserve, actually two different places, but close by on South HWY 71 (Cascade Road). Keith Park has good picnic areas and the springs and bridges are enjoyable. Don't get too lost in the beauty because there is ample poison ivy, the possibility of snakes, and biting insects. But welcome to summer. We didn't have as much time as wanted to enjoy a long walk at Whitney Preserve, but again, with planning for a longer walk, we'll be back. The usual warnings: poison ivy, snakes and insects.

We like to stop at this little spot when ever we go by especially on the motorcycle....it is amazing to see the Crystal clear spings flowing out of the old cisterns only takes a few minutes but has nice places to sit and relax off the road

These are actually two separate, but nearby destinations, about 8 miles south of Hot Springs, SD on State Highway 71 (Cascade Road). You can walk from one to the other, although each has a small parking lot. Keith Park is a scenic place to visit or perhaps have a light picnic. The highlight is a beautiful flowing warm-water spring, surrounded by lush vegetation. Just "downstream" or to the south, is the Whitney Preserve, located in what remains of the ghost town of Cascade Falls. The Nature Conservancy-managed preserve has a nice trail of less then a mile in length, which passes over spring fed creeks, and provides a nice look at high desert vegetation and trees. We visited on a pleasant February day and thoroughly enjoyed our walk along the level and meandering trail. Bottom line: a great place to visit when in the Hot Springs area.