Badlands National Park

Prairie, buttes, and one of the world's greatest treasure troves of fossils highlight the diversity of Badlands National Park.

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Badlands National Park Details

Nestled in the southwestern part of South Dakota, Badlands National Park is a captivating natural wonder spanning 244,000 acres. It boasts a remarkable combination of prairies, buttes, and an unparalleled collection of fossils, making it a truly unique destination. With 64,000 acres of backcountry wilderness and the largest undisturbed remnant of the Great Plains in the United States, the park is a haven for wildlife, including the iconic bison. One of the best ways to explore Badlands is by driving along the 36-mile State Road 240, which forms a loop through the park and offers stunning vistas of the 60-mile line of buttes known as the Badlands Wall. However, to truly appreciate the park's most awe-inspiring features, it's worth getting out of the car and exploring up close. The park's mammalian fossil beds are particularly fascinating and can be explored on trails such as the 10-mile Castle Trail, which connects to other captivating loop trails like the Fossil Exhibit Trail. For a deeper understanding of the park's ecology, human history, and paleontology, a visit to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is a must. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in informative exhibits and also participate in ranger-led programs. The Stronghold Unit of the park, which is co-managed with the Oglala Lakota tribe, offers a separate visitor's center called White River. This rugged section of the park played a significant role in the Ghost Dances of the 1890s and is home to Red Shirt Table, the park's highest point. Another accessible attraction is Sheep Mountain Table, which can be reached via a scenic four-mile drive from the town of Scenic, rewarding visitors with majestic views. When planning a trip to Badlands National Park, it's essential to come prepared. The park experiences extreme weather conditions, with scorching summers and bitterly cold winters, so dressing in layers and carrying adequate water is crucial. Camping is a popular activity, and there are two campgrounds within the park, Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground, both offering stunning natural surroundings. While exploring Badlands, it's worth considering nearby attractions as well. The famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located about 90 miles west of the park, showcases the colossal sculptures of four U.S. presidents and is a must-visit destination. Custer State Park, known for its abundant wildlife and scenic drives, lies about 70 miles southwest of Badlands and offers a diverse range of recreational activities.

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South Dakota