Above the famous Wind Cave, miles of natural mixed-grass natural prairie cover the Black Hills. In summer, the lush grasses attract the park's free-roaming bison herd as well as elk, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.

One of the best spots for capturing sunset over the prairie is from Gobbler Pass, on the SE side of the park. You can park at the pass and walk along the road to find panoramic views of the park as well as the occasional wildlife. Late spring and early summer are the best times to catch the prairie at its greenest.