Badlands National Park — 30 Things To Do!

The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a place where the rugged beauty of nature is on full display. Known for its striking landscapes, with sharp ridges, deep gorges, and layered rock formations, this park offers a unique glimpse into the geological history of the region. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers in South Dakota.

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1. Must-See Attractions

Big Badlands Overlook

The Big Badlands Overlook is located near the northeast entrance and offers a wide view of the rugged landscape that defines the Badlands. From here, visitors can see the dramatic layers of colorful rock formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Early morning and late evening are great times to visit, as the changing light brings out the rich colors of the rocks and creates stunning shadows. Photographers will find opportunities to capture the beauty of the Badlands. Informative signs at the site provide context about the geology and history of the area, adding to the experience.

Yellow Mounds Overlook

The Yellow Mounds Overlook offers a view of the yellow-colored hills, which are made of ancient soils that have been exposed over millions of years. These yellow mounds stand out against the other formations in the park, creating a colorful landscape. The layers of rock visible here tell a story of the area’s natural history, with each color representing different time periods and changes in the environment. It’s a peaceful spot for visitors to take in the beauty of Badlands while enjoying a closer look. Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit, as the light enhances the colors to the scenery.

South Unit of the Badlands

The South Unit of Badlands National Park offers a unique and less-traveled experience for visitors looking to explore the park. This area is managed in partnership with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Lakota people. The South Unit features rugged landscapes similar to the rest of the park, with rock formations and wide-open prairies, but visitors can learn about the history and heritage of the area. Visitors to the South Unit can explore its scenic beauty while exploring the connection between the land and the Lakota culture.

Badlands Loop Road

Badlands Loop Road is a 39 mile scenic drive takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, with several overlooks and pull-offs to enjoy the views. Along the road, you’ll see striking rock formations, deep canyons, and colorful layers of sediment that tell the park’s geological story. The road is easy to navigate and offers plenty of chances to photograph the unique beauty of the Badlands. The drive includes short trails that you can explore, such as the Fossil Exhibit Trail, where you can learn about the prehistoric life that once thrived in the area.

Sage Creek Rim Road

Sage Creek Rim Road stretches for 25 miles, taking you through the park’s less-traveled areas where the place feels untouched. Along the way, you’ll find overlooks that provide unique view of rock formations of the park. The road is also a great place for wildlife viewing, with bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep often spotted in their natural habitat. Unlike the more developed areas of the park, Sage Creek Rim Road gives you a sense of lonely place in the wild landscape. The road is accessible to most vehicles, although it’s best to check the weather and road conditions before setting out.

Prairie Dog Towns

Prairie Dog Towns are a lively and fascinating part of the park that every visitor should explore. These open grassland areas are home to black-tailed prairie dogs, small, social animals that live in large colonies. As you approach, you’ll see these animals standing upright near their burrows, keeping an eye out for potential threats. Their high-pitched chirps serve as alarms, alerting the group of any dangers. These towns are not only interesting to observe but also play an important role in the ecosystem, supporting other wildlife like burrowing owls and predators such as coyotes.

Bison Viewing

Bison viewing in Badlands National Park, is a truly remarkable experience that gives visitors a chance to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The park is home to a large herd of bison, and they can often be spotted grazing in the open grasslands or moving along the rolling prairies. Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the best places for bison viewing, offering visitors the opportunity to see them up close while enjoying the park’s scenic beauty. The slow pace of the road allows plenty of time to observe the animals safely from your vehicle or designated viewing areas.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Geology Tours

Geology tours are often led by park rangers or experts, explain how the rock formations were shaped over millions of years by erosion, deposition, and other natural forces. Participants learn to identify the colorful sediment layers visible in the park, each representing a different period in Earth’s history. The tours often include visits to key sites like Yellow Mounds Overlook or Fossil Exhibit Trail, where the geology is prominent. During these tours, you also get insights into the prehistoric life that once thrived in the region, as fossil findings play a big role in understanding the area’s past.

Notch Trail

The Notch Trail is an adventure-filled hike that offers incredible views and a taste of the park’s rugged beauty. This 1.5 mile round-trip trail is one of the park’s most popular, taking visitors through a canyon and up to a spectacular overlook. The trail starts with a walk through a flat area surrounded by unique rock formations. As you progress, you’ll encounter a wooden ladder that adds a fun and slightly challenging element to the hike. Climbing the ladder leads to a rocky path with narrow ledges, so caution is important, especially for families with children or those who are afraid of heights.

Window Trail

The Window Trail is a short and easy hike that leads to an amazing natural viewpoint. The trail is only about a quarter-mile long and begins near the Window Trail parking area and takes you along a well-maintained boardwalk. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Badlands, with its unique rock formations and sweeping views. The highlight of the trail is the “window” itself, a natural opening in the rock that frames a stunning view of the eroded canyons and cliffs beyond. This spot is perfect for taking photos or enjoying the quiet beauty of the landscape.

Castle Trail

The Castle Trail is the park’s longest hike, offering a chance to truly enjoy its incredible landscape. This 10 mile round-trip trail takes you through a mix of grassy plains, rugged rock formations, and open valleys that define the beauty of the Badlands. The trail is mostly flat and accessible for hikers with moderate experience, though its length requires planning and preparation. Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky spires and layered formations that give the trail its name. The hike includes access to other shorter trails, like the Window and Door Trails, if you prefer a shorter adventure.

Fossil Exhibit Trail

Fossil Exhibit Trail is a short and family-friendly trail that offers a glimpse into the park’s ancient past. This trail is only a quarter-mile long making it easy for visitors to enjoy. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find displays and fossil replicas that tell the story of the prehistoric animals that once roamed this area, such as ancient horses, rhinoceroses, and saber-toothed cats. The trail highlights the rich fossil history of the Badlands, which is one of the reasons the park is so unique. The exhibits explain how fossils are formed, discovered, and studied, offers an educational experience.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

The Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is a short but rewarding hike and it’s about half a mile long, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking for a scenic walk. The trail leads through a juniper forest, which is a rare sight in the Badlands, providing a refreshing contrast to the dry, rugged terrain. As you walk, you’ll pass by several boardwalk sections and gentle slopes, eventually reaching a viewpoint that overlooks the nearby cliffs and formations. Informative signs along the way explain the area’s geology, plant life, and history, offers a fun and informational experience.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to experience Badlands National Park’s landscapes up close. The wide-open spaces and rugged terrain make it an ideal location for exploring on horseback. Riders can enjoy the surroundings as they travel through grassy prairies and along the base of the park’s iconic rock formations. The park allows horseback riding in most areas, as long as visitors follow specific guidelines to protect the environment. Many visitors bring their own horses, but nearby outfitters outside the park offer guided rides for those without their own equipment.

3. Iconic Landmarks

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles is one of the park’s most captivating spots, offering unforgettable views of the dramatic landscape. This area is known for its towering rock formations and vast open spaces that highlight the rugged beauty of the Badlands. Visitors can stop at the Pinnacles Overlook to admire the layered cliffs and canyons that stretch as far as the eye can see. This overlook is also a great place for wildlife watching, with bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs often visible in the surrounding areas. Informative signs at the site provide context about the geology and history of the area.

White River Visitor Center

Located on the southern edge of the park, White River Visitor Center is quieter and less crowded than others, providing a more peaceful atmosphere. The center is run by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and highlights the cultural and historical significance of the area to the Lakota people. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that share stories about the Lakota’s connection to the land, alongside information about the park’s geology and wildlife. The center also provides maps, brochures, and advice for planning your trip, especially if you’re exploring this less-traveled section of the park.

Fossil Preparation Lab

The Fossil Preparation Lab gives a behind-the-scenes look at how paleontologists study and preserve fossils. Visitors can watch experts clean and prepare fossils that have been found in the park. The work being done in lab helps scientists understand the ancient animals that lived in this region millions of years ago. Informative signs near the lab explain the process of fossil preparation, from the careful extraction of fossils in the field to their detailed examination in the lab. Visitors can learn about the tools and techniques used by paleontologists to uncover clues about the past.

Ben Reifel Visitor Center

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center serves as a gateway to understanding the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Inside, visitors will find informative exhibits that explain how the landscapes of the Badlands were formed over millions of years. The center features displays about the fossils found in the park, provide insights into the ancient creatures that once lived here. Rangers at the visitor center provide maps, trail recommendations, and updates on road or weather conditions to ensure an enjoyable visit. The center also includes a small theater where you can watch a short film about the park.

Prairie Dog Town Visitor Center

The Prairie Dog Town Visitor Center allow visitors to learn about the park’s wildlife, especially the black-tailed prairie dogs. This center provides an opportunity to observe these animals up close while gaining insights into their behavior and role in the prairie ecosystem. The displays inside the center explain the importance of prairie dogs as a keystone species and how their presence supports other wildlife, including burrowing owls and predators like coyotes. Outside, you can watch the prairie dogs as they pop in and out of their burrows, chirping to communicate with one another.

Badlands Wall

The Badlands Wall stretches for miles, showcasing steep cliffs, jagged ridges, and sharp peaks that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. The Wall serves as a natural divide between the upper and lower prairie, creating a backdrop for visitors exploring the area. Its colorful layers of rock, formed by sediment deposits over time, tell a story of the Earth’s ancient history. The Wall is visible from several points in the park, including scenic overlooks along Badlands Loop Road, where you can enjoy the views and learn more about its geology from interpretive signs.

Limestone Canyon

Limestone Canyon showcases the park’s rugged beauty and unique geology. This area is less visited than some of the park’s more popular spots, making it a peaceful spot to explore off the beaten path. The canyon features steep limestone walls and layered rock formations that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. Its quiet surroundings provide a chance to connect with nature and experience the raw, untouched side of the Badlands. Hikers can explore canyon’s floor, where the contrast between the limestone walls and the prairie landscape creates a magic scene.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Badlands Astronomy Festival

Held annually, the Badlands Astronomy Festival brings together astronomy enthusiasts, park visitors, and experts for an unforgettable experience under one of the darkest skies in the region. During the festival, visitors can join stargazing sessions where telescopes are set up to view stars, planets, and even distant galaxies. The clear skies of the Badlands make it a perfect spot to witness the wonders of the universe. The festival also includes guest speakers who share insights about space science, the importance of dark sky preservation, and the cultural significance of the stars.

Guided Tours

Guided tours in Badlands, offer a wonderful way to explore the park while learning about its unique features. These tours, led by park rangers, provide insights into the park’s history, wildlife, and geology. One of the highlights of guided tours is a chance to visit areas you might not explore on your own, all while hearing fascinating stories about the Badlands. Some tours focus on the park’s ancient fossil history, giving visitors a closer look at its rich paleontological past. Many tours take you to scenic spots that include short hikes, making them a great way to connect with the landscape up close.

Night Sky Programs

In Badlands, Night Sky Programs are hosted by park rangers, allow visitors to learn about the stars, planets, and constellations visible in the clear night sky. In the evening, the program begin with a short talk about astronomy and importance of protecting dark skies. Visitors can then enjoy looking through telescopes provided by the park, which offer close-up views of celestial objects like the moon, planets, or distant galaxies. On clear nights, you can even spot the Milky Way stretching across the sky. These programs are great for families, couples, or anyone with an interest in the stars.

Field Trips

Field trips offer students and visitors to explore Badlands. These trips combine education and adventure, gives a memorable experience for young learners. Park rangers often lead programs that focus on the geology, fossils, wildlife, and history of the park. Students can walk short trails, visit overlooks, and observe the unique landscapes while exploring the park. Activities like fossil exploration and hands-on learning sessions help bring science lessons to life. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is a key stop during field trips, offering exhibits and educational materials to enhance the visit.

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program is designed to engage young visitors through educational activities that teach them about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and preservation efforts. Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, which includes tasks like puzzles and questions to complete during their visit. As they explore the park, children can learn about its unique features while earning their Junior Ranger badge upon completing the booklet. Rangers guide kids through the activities and answer any questions, to make their experience unique.

5. Nature Programs & Workshops

Educational Programs

Educational programs allow visitors to learn about the park’s features while exploring its beauty. These ranger-led programs cover topics like the park’s geology, fossil history, and diverse wildlife. They are held at various locations, including overlooks and visitor centers, providing engaging insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. Kids can enjoy the Junior Ranger Program, which offers fun, interactive activities that teach them about the park while earning a badge. Seasonal events like night sky programs and geology tours give visitors unique views of the park.

Photography Workshops

Photography workshops are often led by professional photographers who know the best spots to shoot and the ideal times of day to capture the beauty of the Badlands. Participants learn techniques for photographing the park’s unique features, like its rugged rock formations, layered colors, and open prairies. Sunrise and sunset sessions are popular, as the soft light during these times enhances the colors and shadows of the landscape. Wildlife photography is another focus, with opportunities to capture animals like bison, prairie dogs, and deer in their natural habitat.

Spotting Wildlife in the Badlands

The Badlands is home to a diverse range of animals that thrive in a mix of prairie and rugged terrain. One of the most iconic sights is the bison, often seen grazing in open areas, moving slowly in the landscape. Prairie dog colonies are another favorite for visitors, as these small creatures are always active and fun to watch. If you’re lucky, you might spot bighorn sheep roaming in rocky formations. Coyotes and foxes are also part of the park’s ecosystem, though they are spotted from a distance. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy watching hawks and other species flying above the park.

Camping Sites

Unlike traditional campgrounds, backcountry camping lets you experience the wide-open spaces of the Badlands. The park has no designated backcountry campsites, so you can choose your own spot as long as you follow guidelines like staying at least half a mile from roads and trails and out of sight of any road. The rugged terrain of the Badlands provides stunning views of rock formations, prairies, and the night sky, which is filled with stars far from city lights. It requires preparation, including carrying all your water, food, and gear, as there are no facilities in these remote areas.

Flora and Fauna

Badlands is a home to wide variety of plants and animals that belongs to this unique environment. The park’s rugged formations are connected with hardy plants like prairie grasses, wildflowers, and sagebrush. In spring and summer, the wildflowers add color to the landscape, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The park’s birdlife includes species like hawks, meadowlarks, and burrowing owls, which rely on the park’s diverse habitats for survival. Reptiles such as rattlesnakes and lizards can be seen hiding on rocks, while coyotes and foxes roam around the park.

How to Reach Badlands National Park

If you’re flying, the closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), located about an hour away from the park. From there, you can rent a car and take Interstate 90 east, following signs to the Badlands. Interstate 90 runs just north of the park, making it easy to reach from cities like Sioux Falls or Billings. The most commonly used entrances are the Northeast Entrance and the Pinnacles Entrance, both connected to Badlands Loop Road. These routes offer scenic views as you approach.

If you’re coming from Rapid City or nearby towns, the park is well-marked and easy to find. Public transportation options are limited, so having your own vehicle is highly recommended for flexibility and convenience. Be sure to check for road conditions, especially during the winter months, as weather can sometimes affect travel. Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns that make great stops for fuel, snacks, or a quick break. Planning your route in advance and ensuring you have a full tank of gas will help make your journey enjoyable.

Local Transportation

Local transportation in Badlands National Park, is largely centered around personal vehicles, as there are no shuttle services or public transportation options within the park. Driving your own car or renting one is the most convenient way to explore the park’s various attractions, including scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor centers. Badlands Loop Road is the main route that takes you through the heart of the park, offering access to key sites like Big Badlands Overlook and Pinnacles Overlook.

The road is well-maintained, making it suitable for most vehicles, but it’s a good idea to check road conditions, especially after heavy rains. For those who want to explore further, gravel roads like Sage Creek Rim Road provide access to more remote areas, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for these routes. If you’re camping or staying overnight in the park, having a vehicle is essential to move between locations comfortably. Visitors should plan their trips with enough fuel and supplies, as there are limited services within the park.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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