Description
What is the Ft. Pierre National Grasslands patch?
An embroidered patch for Ft. Pierre National Grassland, a 115,890-acre U.S. Forest Service grassland spread across Lyman, Stanley, and Jones counties in central South Dakota, southwest of Pierre. Made by L.W. Bristol Classics, a family-owned manufacturer in Bristol, Tennessee that has produced collectible patches and hiking medallions for national parks, forests, and grasslands across the country for decades.
At 3 inches in diameter, this is a round patch, the same standard format used for the Wind Cave and Jewel Cave patches in the BHPFA store. Fully embroidered on the front, iron-on adhesive backing on the reverse. Weighs 0.2 oz. Available at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, SD, and through BHPFA’s online shop.
About Fort Pierre National Grassland
Fort Pierre National Grassland is mixed-grass prairie. The land was originally homesteaded and farmed, then acquired by the federal government during the 1930s drought and Depression as part of the Land Utilization Program, and eventually transferred to the Forest Service. It has been managed for grazing, wildlife, and recreation since.
The grassland is home to pronghorn, mule deer, prairie dogs, and sharp-tailed grouse. The greater prairie-chicken, a ground-nesting bird closely associated with central plains prairie, has been documented in the region as well. The open mixed-grass landscape and expansive sky are the defining features of the place.
Fort Pierre National Grassland is administered by the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands office in Chadron, Nebraska. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands is one of BHPFA’s two USFS partner units. The National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, SD, operated in partnership with BHPFA, is the information hub for all the USFS grasslands in the region.
Specifications
- Diameter: 3″ (round)
- Weight: 0.2 oz
- Construction: Fully embroidered fabric
- Backing: Iron-on adhesive (can also be hand-sewn)
- Manufacturer: L.W. Bristol Classics, Bristol, TN
- Country of Origin: Unknown (verify with HQ)
Who is this for?
Patch collectors building a set of BHPFA public lands patches will want this to complete the grasslands section alongside the Buffalo Gap and National Grasslands Visitor Center patches. The round 3″ format matches the Wind Cave and Jewel Cave patches, so it integrates into an existing collection without standing out awkwardly in size or shape.
For visitors who have driven the country between Pierre and the Badlands and want something that represents that specific piece of mixed-grass prairie, this is the direct pick. Ft. Pierre does not have many souvenir options, which makes this one of the few collectibles made specifically for the grassland.
At 0.2 oz and 3″ round, it fits on a hat brim, jacket sleeve, or pack strap without adding bulk. It ships easily alongside other BHPFA collectibles.
How to attach the patch
The patch has an iron-on adhesive backing. Place it face-up on the fabric, cover with a thin pressing cloth, and press with a hot iron (no steam) for 20 to 30 seconds. For outdoor gear or anything that gets regular washing, sew around the perimeter with a few hand stitches after ironing for a permanent hold. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water and air dry. Do not bleach or tumble dry on high heat.
Frequently asked questions
What does the patch design show?
The patch features a Ft. Pierre National Grassland design. If you have a question about the specific artwork, contact BHPFA at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, SD.
How big is this patch?
3 inches in diameter, round. It weighs 0.2 oz. At that size, it fits on a baseball cap front panel, a jacket sleeve, or the main body of a daypack without pulling the fabric.
How does the patch attach?
Iron-on adhesive backing. Place face-up on the fabric, cover with a pressing cloth, and press with a hot iron (no steam) for 20 to 30 seconds. The bond holds well on woven fabrics: denim, cotton, canvas, and most nylon. For synthetic fabrics or heavy-use gear, sew around the perimeter after ironing.
Does the patch stay on after washing?
Iron-on adhesive holds well on woven fabrics but can lift at the edges after repeated machine washing. For long-term durability, add a few hand stitches around the border after ironing. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and air dry.
Is Fort Pierre National Grassland a national park?
No. Fort Pierre National Grassland is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, not the National Park Service. It is part of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands system. BHPFA is the official cooperating association for Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, which includes Fort Pierre, Buffalo Gap, and Oglala National Grasslands.
Can I get a Passport to Your National Parks stamp at Ft. Pierre?
No. The Passport stamp program is run by the National Park Service and covers NPS sites only. USFS sites do not participate. If you have a Passport book, the nearest BHPFA partner sites with stamps are Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
Does buying this support the grasslands?
Yes. BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, as well as the Black Hills National Forest and Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. Proceeds from every purchase support education programs, conservation projects, and visitor services at these sites.
Who makes this patch?
L.W. Bristol Classics, based in Bristol, Tennessee. They make collectible patches, hiking medallions, and souvenir pins for national parks, national forests, and monuments across the country.
What other Fort Pierre products does BHPFA carry?
BHPFA also carries the Fort Pierre National Grasslands Pin (SKU 3501). For more patches, browse the full patch collection.
What other grasslands patches does BHPFA carry?
The BHPFA shop carries patches for Buffalo Gap National Grassland (SKU 2197), the National Grasslands Visitor Center (SKU 3500), and other sites across the Black Hills public lands network. See the full patch collection and the National Grasslands items section.
