Badlands Travel Guide

Explore the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, outdoor adventures, best things to do, food scenes, and more with our comprehensive guide to Badlands, North Dakota.


Introduction to Badlands

Located in North Dakota, in the Great Plains region of the United States of America, Badlands is known for its rugged terrain, dramatic landscapes, and diverse wildlife. The park is characterized by its layered rock formations, deep canyons, and eroded spires, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families.

List of Places to Visit in Badlands

Badlands has numerous places to visit, and experiencing them all can be quite overwhelming. Here is a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chateau de Morès State Historic Site - This historic site was the home of Marquis de Mores, who arrived in the area in 1883 and founded the town of Medora. Visitors can experience the opulence of the Chateau and learn about the entrepreneurial spirit of the Marquis de Mores.

  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame - The Cowboy Hall of Fame celebrates the history and culture of the American cowboy and features exhibits on rodeo, ranching, and Native American traditions.

  • Petrified Forest Loop - This 10-mile scenic drive offers visitors the opportunity to see petrified wood, colorful badlands, and breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River.

Natural Attractions of Badlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Badlands National Park - The park features over 244,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique geological formations. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, and drive along the scenic byway to experience the beauty of Badlands.

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park - Located in the north unit of the park, visitors can explore the rugged terrain, panoramic views, and the site where Theodore Roosevelt first ventured into the western wilderness.

  • Little Missouri National Grassland - Visitors can experience the beauty and tranquility of this rugged landscape, hike the trails, and go on horseback riding adventures.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Badlands

Badlands offers numerous hiking and biking trails, each with its own set of spectacular views and unique challenges. Some of the popular ones include:

  • Castle Trail - This 10-mile trail is the longest in the park and offers hikers the chance to explore some of the most spectacular views in Badlands.

  • Saddle Pass Trail - This trail takes visitors up the steep terrain of Badlands and rewards them with stunning views of the surrounding area.

  • Medora Maah Daah Hey Trail - This 96-mile trail is a popular destination for mountain bikers and hikers, offering stunning views of the North Dakota Badlands.

Best Things to Do in Badlands: Activities and Tours

Visitors to Badlands won’t be short of things to do. Here are the best activities and tours you can experience:

  • Badlands Scenic Drives - Visitors can experience the beauty of Badlands from the comfort of their cars by taking the scenic drives along the park’s byways.

  • Fossil Tours - The park is home to numerous fossils, including saber-toothed cats, ancient rhinoceroses, and camels. Visitors can take guided fossil tours to learn more about these prehistoric creatures.

  • Sunset Tours - The beauty of Badlands is magnified during the golden hour. Visitors can take sunset tours to experience the park’s beauty at its most magical moment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Badlands

A week in Badlands provides an excellent opportunity to explore everything the park has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Chateau de Morès State Historic Site and dine at the outdoor patio of the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora.
2 Hike the Saddle Pass Trail, enjoy sunset at the Pinnacles Overlook, and camp at Cedar Pass Campground.
3 Take a fossil tour, and visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history.
4 Rent a bike and explore the park’s biking trails, have a picnic lunch at the Fossil Exhibit Trail, and watch the sunrise at the Big Badlands Overlook.
5 Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, hike the Caprock Coulee Trail and visit the Maltese Cross Cabin.
6 Go on a horseback riding adventure in the Little Missouri National Grassland, and dine at Pitchfork Steak Fondue.
7 Take a scenic drive along the park’s byways, before heading to your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Badlands

The Badlands region has a unique culinary culture. Visitors can try the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bison burgers - Made from the locally cultivated bison meat, bison burgers are a staple in the region, and they’re available nearly everywhere.

  • Frybread - This Native American delicacy is a must-try. It’s a flatbread made from flour, sugar, and baking powder, deep-fried, and served with a variety of toppings.

  • Chokecherry jelly - Made from the berries found in the region, chokecherry jelly is a tart, delightfully sweet addition to toast and biscuits.

Local Beverages

  • Kombucha - This fermented tea is becoming increasingly popular in the region for its reputed health benefits.

  • Craft Beer - The region has a growing craft beer scene, and visitors can try different varieties at local breweries.

Where to Stay in Badlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Badlands has a variety of accommodation options for budget travellers and luxury seekers. Here are some suggestions:

  • Cedar Pass Lodge: This is the only hotel inside the park, with breathtaking views of Badlands. It offers rooms, cabins, and campsites.

  • Badlands Motel: Located in the town of Interior, this motel offers affordable rates and is a great option for budget travellers.

  • Peaceful Valley Ranch: For those looking for a unique experience, Peaceful Valley Ranch provides glamping options in canvas tents, cabins, and tipis.

What to Buy in Badlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Badlands can take home a piece of North Dakota’s unique culture and history. Here are some things you can buy:

  • Badlands souvenirs - The park offers a variety of souvenirs, such as postcards, t-shirts, and keychains, to commemorate your visit to the region.

  • Native American crafts - The region has a rich Native American culture, and visitors can find locally made crafts such as pottery, jewelry, and blankets.

  • Bison jerky - Made from the locally cultivated bison meat, bison jerky is a popular snack to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Badlands

The Badlands region has a rich history and culture, and it is essential to respect the customs and traditions of the locals. Here are some tips:

  • Respect the wildlife - The park is home to numerous animal species, and it’s important to keep a safe distance and refrain from feeding them.

  • Be mindful of cultural sites - The region has significant historical and cultural sites, and it’s important to respect them by not disturbing the environment.

Best Time to Visit Badlands

The best time to visit Badlands is from May to September, as the weather is mild, and the park offers numerous activities and programs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Badlands

Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting Badlands:

Do:

  • Take plenty of water - The region gets hot and dry, so it’s important to stay hydrated.

  • Prepare for the weather - The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s critical to bring appropriate clothing and gear.

Don’t:

  • Litter- Visitors should keep the park clean and leave no trace.

  • Interact with wildlife - Visitors should respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance.

Safety and Health

Safety in Badlands

The Badlands region has unique safety concerns that visitors should be aware of. Here are some tips:

  • Stay on designated trails - Visitors should stay on designated trails to avoid dangerous terrain and prevent damage to the environment.

  • Watch for flash floods - The region is susceptible to flash floods, and visitors should avoid canyons and low-lying areas during heavy rains.

Health in Badlands

The region is hot and dry, and visitors should take extra precautions to stay healthy. Here are some tips:

  • Stay hydrated - Visitors should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.

  • Protect against the sun - The region’s high elevation and intense sun require sunscreen and protective clothing.

Getting to Badlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Badlands can be reached by air, bus, or car. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Badlands

  • Bismarck Airport - Located 131 miles east of Badlands, Bismarck is the closest airport with commercial flights.

  • Rapid City Regional Airport - Located 84 miles west of Badlands, Rapid City is another nearby airport option.

Bus Stations Near Badlands

  • Greyhound Bus - The Greyhound bus has a station in Rapid City, which is about 1.5 hours from Badlands.

Other Options

  • Car rental - Visitors can rent a car from Bismarck or Rapid City airports to reach Badlands.

  • Private shuttle - A private shuttle can be booked from Bismarck or Rapid City airports to reach Badlands.

How to Get Around in Badlands

Visitors can navigate the park by car, bike, or foot. Car rentals are available in the town of Interior, but visitors should be aware of the limited gas stations within the park.

Where to Go Next from Badlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Badlands region is home to several attractions. Here are some suggestions for nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Mount Rushmore - Located about two hours west of Badlands, Mount Rushmore features the faces of four US presidents carved into the mountainside.

  • Devils Tower National Monument - Located five hours north of Badlands, Devils Tower is a unique geological feature, reaching 867 feet above the Belle Fourche River.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or history buff, Badlands has something to offer everyone. With its unique landscape, rich history, and diverse wildlife, Badlands is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through North Dakota.

View of the North Dakota Badlands View of the North Dakota Badlands


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