History of Badlands National Park

The vast treeless sea of grass we call the Great Plains in fact began as a vast sea of water. This warm ocean gathered and stacked sediments from many sources. Erosion carted in material and hauled off other material – again and again. Today's Badlands is the latest rendition of the continuing process. Water is still the primary creative and destructive force, furrowing the landscape with countless small gully drainages, and it's thought that the Badlands will eventually erode into non-existence.

People have inhabited the Badlands area for at least eleven thousand years. First came mammoth hunters, then nomadic tribes of bison hunters, the last of whom were the Lakota, who still live here. As one spends time in these exquisitely carved drainages that spread from the Wall, a long scarp across the northern lobe of the park, they may wonder why this place wasn't called the Weirdlands instead. In 1849, reports have one visitor describing the Badlands as an "immense city surrounded by walls and bulwarks, containing a palace crowned with gigantic domes and monuments of the most fantastic and bizarre architecture."

As if that's not enough, the Badlands are like a huge city inhabited by monsters, millions of years worth of nature's early experiments in its ever-popular product line of mammals. Hundreds of thousands of fabulous fossils of clams, crabs, turtles, flying reptiles, and ancient fish have been found in the park, and these are considered so valuable to modern science, that removing any fossils from the Badlands is a serious criminal offense.

Known as a 'Priceless Bone Yard' to serious anthropologists and archaeologists, Badlands National Park's rock strata encompasses one of the world's richest Oligocene fossil beds. It preserves an irreplaceable record of vertebrate animals that lived 23 to 35 million years ago. Today, there are no large mammoths, but visitors will encounter mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison, coyotes, friendly prairie dogs, many birds of prey, and the nearly extinct black-footed ferret.

Learn more about the rich history of Badlands National Park at the Museum at Black Hills Institute in Hill City, South Dakota, an extension of the park's services.

Activities and Things to Do in Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park activities and attractions are of course the stunning scenery and the amazing collections of fossils. Whether one is gazing at the wildflowers and nature grazing in the prairie lands or taking a glance at the majestic Vampire in the Sun monument, there's always something to see at the Badlands National Park.

Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park – Badlands hiking trails are certainly very popular, particularly when the climate is fair to moderate. The Door Trail, the Window Trail, and the Notch Trail all are extremely easy hikes in Badlands, and they offer great views of the canyon and the White River Valley. Those looking to get into some more serious hiking will like the Medicine Root Loop, which connects with the Castle Trail near Old Northeast Road and then again with the Saddle Pass Trail. In all, one can hike 5 to 12 miles of some of the Badlands best scenery along these routes.

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is the most popular short trail in the park and is where visitors can see the fossil replicas and many exhibits of extinct creatures that once lived in the Badlands. The trail is five miles west of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at the Park Headquarters, and this trail is easily accessible.

Stargazing in these nice dark skies is truly spectacular, and every August brings the Badlands Astronomy Festival; however, throughout the summer months, their rangers hold night sky viewings at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater from Friday through Monday nights. The park even provides telescopes as the rangers point out the most impressive objects in the night sky over the Badlands.

Mountain biking and motorcycling enthusiasts relish in the Badlands, where the spires and buttes seem to just be a reach away when there's no windshield impeding the expansive vistas cruising through these landscapes. However, even cyclists are not permitted on hiking trails and off-road or backcountry areas.

Travel and explore by horseback or mule, or take to the skies for a helicopter or plane tour of the Badlands. ATV rentals and even kayak tours make for great day outings for the whole family. Check out the park's ranger schedule and various outfitter tours to plan a Badlands adventure today.

Lodging in Badlands National Park – Discover Badlands National Park Lodges

There are a few fantastic options when it comes to lodging in Badlands National Park that are perfect for groups of one plus a pet up to 30 friends and family traveling together.

Cedar Pass Lodge is one of the finest pet-friendly Badlands National Park lodges around, and the days will be filled with great scenery in the park and each evening will wrap up with posh amenities and cozy quarters. This distraction-free lodging in the Badlands National Park has been servicing park guests since 1928, and this historic Badlands lodging option boasts onsite dining and a gift shop.

Those looking for family style lodges in the Badlands National Park will appreciate the affordable, yet comfortable quarters at pet-friendly The Hitching Post and the family-friendly Best Western Plains Motel, which also features a game room that keeps kids entertained and engaged. Large groups or those looking for lodging for a family reunion at Badlands will find the Badlands Resort & Ranch the perfect place to host up to 30 guests.