What you will see in Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park
South Dakota’s Badlands National Park is the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The wide-open spaces are dotted with immensely beautiful spires, pinnacles, and buttes. There are many things to do in the badlands, so choose the activities that interest you the most.

Take Scenic Drives
One of the best ways to see nature’s variety contained within the national park is by driving slowly along the 31 mile Badlands Loop Road as it runs through most biospheres in the park. Make sure to take advantage of the 15 overlooks to get out and examine the scenery more closely. Additionally, eight trails leave from the road offering visitors the chance to get off the beaten path. The Notch Trail is highly recommended for its amazing views of the White River.

Additionally, make sure to go on the Sage Creek Rim Drive as it offers the best chance of seeing animals like bison and bighorn sheep near the road. It also offers the best long-distance view of the park. After about five miles, you will arrive at Robert’s Prairie Dog Town, where you will be amazed by the tunnels that the prairie dogs have made at this former homestead. Look carefully, and you may see the black-footed ferret in this area. This ferret is the most endangered mammal in North America. Campers adore staying in the undeveloped campground located near this drive.

Learn at the Fossil Preparation Lab
Many fossils have been found in the Badlands. While park visitors should always just take pictures, trained experts study some of the fossils at the Fossil Preparation Lab. Visitors can talk to these experts and watch them work. 

Fossils found in the park include:

• Camels


• Horses


• Oreodonts


• Pigs


• Rabbits


• Rhinoceroses


• Rodents


• Sable

On occasion, visitors can even accompany scientists on digs to collect new fossils or watch them working in the field.

Go Backcountry Camping in the Stronghold Unit
The Stronghold Unit located at the southern part of the park is a great place to go backcountry camping. While this area is part of the Badlands National Park, it is also part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Occasionally, you may see brightly colored fabric tied to shrub there along with prayer sticks. These fascinating pieces of Native American culture should be left alone.

The United States Air Force used this as an aerial gunner during World War II. Campers often see relics left behind from that time. You are allowed to camp on parkland that is located at least 800 meters from an established road or trail, but make sure that you do not enter private land without permission.

The area is barely accessible by four-wheel drive utility vehicles. Therefore, campers need to be prepared to carry their camping supplies in and out. As always, make sure to follow no-trace-left-behind principles.

Attend a Night Program
Rangers regularly give programs beginning at 9 PM at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center. While the park is beautiful during the day, the dark skies make it an even more special place at night. In addition to learning about the night sky, these talks are a great way to learn more about the national park, the animals that live there, and the geology of the area. Children adore meeting with the rangers because they can become junior park rangers by completing special activities during their stay.

Visiting the Badlands National Park is a wonderful adventure. Most visitors will go on a scenic drive often ending up at the largest prairie dog village in South Dakota. Others will see the fossil work being done within the park that often leads to exciting discoveries. The more adventurous will enjoy a backcountry camping trip. Whichever adventure you choose, make sure to attend one of the special ranger programs.