Located behind Legion Lake in CusterState Park sits a four-room log cabin made of ponderosa pine and native rock. The home of Charles Badger Clark, nicknamed „The Badger Hole“, now acts as a dedication to the work and life of Badger Clark.
Pierre, South Dakota – Badger was a very kind individual who expressed his feelings through his writings. His most famous works include: „A Cowboy’s Prayer“, „Sun and Saddle Leather“ and „Sky Lines and Wood Smoke“. Many of his poems reflect his love for the West, especially for the majesty and beauty of the Black Hills.
The cabin remains as Badger left it. His favorite books line the shelves, his boots neatly lined along the bedroom wall and his photograph collection lining one wall. The Badger Clark Historic Trail sits nearby, where visitors can read his poetry at quiet stops among the pines.
After his death in 1957, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks purchased the cabin and dedicated it as the Badger Clark Memorial.
The Marks of History series is a project of the South Dakota Office of Tourism designed to highlight historical markers all across South Dakota. Click on the special „Marks of History“ link at www.MediaSD.com to access the complete list of articles.
The Marks of History series is part of Goal 1 of the 2010 Initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota and Goal 4 to enhance history and arts as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism in South Dakota. The Office of Tourism serves under the direction of Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development.