Badlands National Park Travel Guide

Explore South Dakota's Badlands National Park with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, and where to stay in the park.


Introduction to Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a hidden gem in the Great Plains of South Dakota, United States. With more than 200,000 acres of stunning landscapes, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking an adventure. The park is most famous for its rugged terrain, colorful rock formations, and herds of bison.

List of Places to Visit in Badlands National Park

There are several cultural and natural attractions that visitors must explore while at Badlands National Park. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ben Reifel Visitor Center - This visitor center is the gateway to the park, and it provides information about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site - This site is dedicated to preserving the history of the Cold War and the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System.

Natural Attractions of Badlands National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fossil Exhibit Trail – This trail offers an opportunity to discover ancient fossils embedded in the rocks.
  • Pinnacles Overlook – This overlook provides panoramic views of the Badlands formations.
  • Badlands Loop Road – Drive this scenic drive to marvel at the stunning landscapes of the park, including prairies, canyons, hoodoos and cliffs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park offers hiking and biking opportunities for people of all abilities. With over 100 miles of trails offering varying degrees of difficulty, visitors can choose their preferred level of challenge. Here are some of our favorite hikes:

  • Notch Trail - 1.5 miles, moderate
  • Castle Trail - 10.8 miles, easy to moderate
  • Medicine Root Loop Trail - 4 miles, easy

Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park: Activities and Tours

Badlands National Park offers several activities and tours for adventure seekers. Here are some of the best things to do while in the park:

  • Bison Safari - Take a guided safari tour to see the park’s herds of bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, deer and coyotes.
  • Night Sky Program - Attend an evening ranger-led program to learn about the park’s dark skies and stargaze through telescopes.
  • Horseback Riding Tour - Explore the park’s trails on horseback for a unique and serene experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Badlands National Park

Here’s a week-long itinerary to make the most out of your vacation at Badlands National Park:

Day Activities
Day 1 Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Fossil Exhibit Trail, Pinnacles Overlook
Day 2 Castle Trail, Badlands Loop Road,
Day 3 Bigfoot Pass Trail, Bison Safari, Notch Trail
Day 4 Roberts Prairie Dog Town, Saddle Pass Trail, Cliff Shelf Trail
Day 5 Ryan Dam Overlook, Medicine Root Loop Trail, Horseback Riding Tour
Day 6 Strike Ravine Trail, Panorama Point, Badlands Astronomy Program
Day 7 Minuteman Missile NHS, Sheep Mountain Table Road, Door Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Badlands National Park

After a long day of exploration, indulge in some culinary delights of Badlands National Park. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Frybread - Indian flatbread that is deep-fried.
  • Chislic - Fried cubes of meat that are served as an appetizer or a snack.

Local Beverages

  • Water - Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Sage Tea - A refreshing herbal tea made from sagebrush, which is found in the park.

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

Badlands National Park offers a selection of lodging options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Cedar Pass Lodge - This is one of the most popular lodges in the park, with several options ranging from cabins to hotel rooms.
  • Badlands Interior Campground - This camping site features primitive and tent-only sites.

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

Take a piece of Badlands National Park home with you with these souvenirs and local products:

  • Badlands-themed clothing - Purchase clothing featuring Badlands-inspired designs to remember your trip.
  • Native American Artifacts - Visit local shops and purchase handmade Native American artifacts.

Local Culture and Customs of Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is home to Oglala Sioux Tribe, which has inhabited the region for several centuries. Visitors should respect their culture by not disturbing any historical or religious sites. Make sure to read the rules and regulations of the park before planning your trip.

Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park

The best time to visit Badlands National Park is between April to October. The weather during this period is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Please note that summer months particularly July and August could be extremely hot. Autumn’s leaves turn rusty hues making October an extremely popular month. With temperatures dipping and fewer crowds, its a delightful time of the year to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Badlands National Park

Do:

  • Respect the environment by not littering and not leaving any waste behind.
  • Follow the trail etiquette and stick to the designated trails. Stay away from wildlife and do not disturb them.

Don’t:

  • Do not bring any pets into the park, it can disturb the wildlife and be dangerous to both the pet and wildlife.
  • Don’t take anything from park, including rocks, fossils, or any natural or cultural features.

Safety and Health

Safety in Badlands National Park

  • Watch out for snakes; they often sun themselves along the porous rocks of the cliffs
  • It is important to carry ample water while hiking.
  • Don’t underestimate sudden changes in Badlands weather, it can have a drastic effect.

Health in Badlands National Park

  • Carry a first aid kit and always inform someone about your hiking plans.
  • It is recommended to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Getting to Badlands National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Badlands National Park is located in rural South Dakota and visitors typically get there by driving or taking a bus. Here are the transportation options available:

Airports Near Badlands National Park

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 77 miles
  • Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) - 309 miles
  • Denver International Airport (DEN) - 400 miles

Bus Stations Near Badlands National Park

  • Rapid City Bus Depot - 80 miles
  • Mitchell Greyhound Station - 120 miles
  • Sioux Falls Bus Depot - 266 miles

Other Options

  • Rental car services - Rent a car from one of the car rental services available.

How to Get Around in Badlands National Park

The best way to see the park is by car and with several viewpoints and trails along the way, its best to drive slowly to make the most of the views. Most of the popular trailheads are also easily accessible by vehicle. Visitors also have the option to take guided tours of the park.

Where to Go Next from Badlands National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions to Badlands National Park for a more complete vacation.

  • Custer State Park - South Dakota’s first of its kind, this state park is located in the midst of Black Hills and provides visitors a chance to see bison up and close.
  • Devil’s Tower National Monument - Located in Wyoming, this iconic monument was featured in the 1977 movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Conclusion

Badlands National Park is a remarkable destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in history or nature, this park has something for everyone. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan a memorable trip!

Badlands late summer scene Badlands late summer scene