In the arid Badlands of southwestern North Dakota, White Butte is the highest point in the state at 3,507 feet above sea level but this peak does reside on private property and visitors are encouraged to call ahead to pay the suggested admission fee.
White Butte gets its chalky color from the bentonite clay that makes up the butte which was formed by glacial runoff thousands of years previous. As only the 30th tallest state high point, the hike to the top of White Butte is not exceedingly challenging, with a one mile trek to the summit from the old farmhouse that marks the start of the trail. However, the countryside crawls with prairie rattlesnakes in the summer which can make the trip more strenuous. Not to mention the owners of the land.
The butte and surrounding lands are owned by Daryle and Mary Dennis, who reportedly request a $10 donation per vehicle from visitors, who are also asked to call ahead and let them know if you will be making the trek. However if they are unavailable, the trip to the top of the butte can simply be undertaken without permission. Any proceeds that are offered to the family go to maintaining the site itself.
