WUDN

March-2024

Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Must-Visit Features of Every National Park in the United States

WUDN Outdoor Adventure (National Park Series)

svg_badlands.svg__PID:7e8a4020-9482-43fd-9399-011c56381483

Part 33 of Our National Park Series

Badlands National Park

National Park Series > Midwestern US > Badlands National Park

Back to the Table of Contents

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park is a pristine wilderness of towering peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems, the park offers visitors a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are the top five activities to experience during your visit:

34.01 Badlands National Park.jpg__PID:5756ef85-3385-47ef-9229-383a695923a1

34. Badlands National Park - Photo by Matan Levanon on Unsplash

Top 5 Outdoor Adventures in: Badlands National Park

1. Badlands Loop Road

Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park from the comfort of your car with a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road. This 31-mile route winds its way through the park's otherworldly landscape, offering panoramic views of colorful rock formations, steep canyons, and expansive prairies.

2. Notch Trail

For a closer look at the park's unique geology, lace up your hiking boots and tackle the Notch Trail. This moderate hike leads adventurers through a picturesque canyon before ascending a wooden ladder to a stunning overlook with sweeping views of the Badlands below.

3. Fossil Exhibit Trail

Step back in time and discover the prehistoric wonders of Badlands National Park on the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This short, accessible boardwalk trail features interpretive exhibits showcasing fossils of ancient mammals such as saber-toothed cats, giant rhinos, and three-toed horses.

4. Wildlife Viewing

Keep your eyes peeled for Badlands' diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and elusive black-footed ferrets. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and other raptors soaring high above the rugged landscape.

5. Night Sky Photography

Capture the beauty of the night sky with a photography expedition to Badlands National Park. With its expansive vistas and minimal light pollution, the park offers endless opportunities for astrophotography, from capturing the Milky Way arching overhead to photographing meteor showers streaking across the sky.

In Badlands National Park, some of the top attractions that draw visitors from around the world include:

Badlands National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and unique geological formations, offers visitors a plethora of stunning attractions to explore. Here are the top four must-see attractions in Badlands National Park:

1. Badlands Loop Road:

One of the best ways to experience the park's rugged beauty is by driving along the Badlands Loop Road. This scenic drive winds its way through the heart of the park, offering panoramic views of the colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive prairie landscapes. Along the route, visitors can stop at numerous overlooks and viewpoints to admire the breathtaking vistas and capture memorable photographs of the Badlands' iconic scenery.

2. Window Trail:

The Window Trail is a popular hiking trail that provides visitors with an up-close and personal experience of the park's geological wonders. This moderate, 1-mile round-trip trail leads to a natural "window" formation in the rock, where visitors can peer out over the vast expanse of the Badlands below. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of the rugged terrain, colorful striated rock layers, and unique flora and fauna that call the Badlands home.

3. Notch Trail:

For those seeking a more adventurous hiking experience, the Notch Trail offers an exhilarating trek through some of the park's most spectacular landscapes. This 1.5-mile round-trip trail leads hikers through narrow canyons, up steep ladders, and along rugged ridges to an overlook with sweeping views of the White River Valley below. Along the way, hikers may encounter ancient fossilized remains, unique rock formations, and abundant wildlife, making it a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure.

4. Fossil Exhibit Trail:

History buffs and amateur paleontologists will delight in exploring the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which showcases the park's rich paleontological heritage. This short, wheelchair-accessible loop trail features interpretive exhibits and displays of fossils embedded in the rock formations, providing insights into the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Badlands millions of years ago. Visitors can learn about the park's ancient ecosystems, discover fossilized remains of mammals, reptiles, and plants, and gain a deeper appreciation for the geologic forces that shaped the landscape over millennia.

These are just a few of the must-see attractions that await visitors to Badlands National Park. Whether driving along scenic roads, hiking through rugged terrain, or exploring ancient fossil beds, the park offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences that showcase the unique beauty and geological wonders of the Badlands.

Some Real Wooden Style for Your Trip

We are working on more branded merch to accompany your trip. In the meantime, here is a pair of real wooden shades for some excellent style while you hike the back-country of Badlands National Park.

6 oz. Wooden Hip Flask (US National Park Collection in Mahogany)

6 oz. Wooden Hip Flask (US National Park Collection in Mahogany)

$ 25.00

View Details

How to Get To Badlands National Park

To reach Badlands National Park, visitors have several options depending on their starting point and mode of transportation:

1. By Car: The most common way to reach Badlands National Park is by car. The park is located in southwestern South Dakota, approximately 60 miles east of Rapid City. From Rapid City, visitors can take Interstate 90 eastbound and then exit onto South Dakota Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) to access the park's north entrance. Alternatively, visitors traveling from the east can take Interstate 90 westbound and exit onto South Dakota Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) to access the park's south entrance.

2. By Air: The nearest major airport to Badlands National Park is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), located approximately 75 miles west of the park. From the airport, visitors can rent a car and drive to the park, or arrange for shuttle or taxi service to their accommodations near the park.

3. By Bus: While there are no direct bus routes to Badlands National Park, visitors can take Greyhound or other bus services to Rapid City and then rent a car or arrange for transportation to the park.

4. By Train: Amtrak offers train service to Rapid City via its Empire Builder route, which runs between Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle/Portland, Washington. From the Rapid City Amtrak station, visitors can rent a car or arrange for transportation to Badlands National Park.

Once inside the park, visitors can explore its scenic drives, hiking trails, and viewpoints by car or on foot. The park is open year-round, but services and facilities may vary depending on the season, so it's essential to check the park's website or contact the visitor center for current information before planning your trip.

Google Maps is loading

History and Creation of Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is renowned for its rugged beauty, striking geological formations, and rich paleontological history. The park's history and creation are deeply intertwined with its unique landscape and cultural significance.

The Badlands region has been inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, for thousands of years. These indigenous peoples revered the land for its spiritual significance and utilized its resources for hunting, gathering, and ceremonial purposes.

In the late 19th century, European settlers began to explore and settle in the Badlands region, drawn by its fertile grasslands and abundant wildlife. However, the harsh climate, rugged terrain, and scarcity of water made farming and ranching challenging, leading to the eventual abandonment of many homesteads.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to preserve the unique landscape of the Badlands. In 1929, President Herbert Hoover signed a proclamation establishing Badlands National Monument, protecting a portion of the region's distinctive rock formations and fossil beds. Over the years, additional lands were added to the monument, expanding its boundaries and protecting its natural and cultural resources.

In 1978, Badlands National Monument was redesignated as Badlands National Park, further solidifying its status as a protected area managed by the National Park Service. Today, Badlands National Park encompasses over 240,000 acres of prairies, buttes, and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems, providing habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species.

In addition to its natural beauty, Badlands National Park is renowned for its rich paleontological resources, including fossils of ancient mammals such as saber-toothed cats, rhinos, and horses. The park's fossil beds provide valuable insights into the prehistoric past of North America and attract scientists and researchers from around the world.

Visitors to Badlands National Park can explore its otherworldly landscapes via scenic drives, hiking trails, and interpretive programs offered by the park. Whether marveling at its towering rock formations, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, or learning about its rich cultural heritage, Badlands National Park offers a wealth of experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of the American Great Plains.

/Fin. Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park captivates visitors with its striking landscapes and rich geological history. From the rugged terrain of its iconic badlands formations to the vast expanses of prairie teeming with wildlife, the park offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the forces that have shaped the American Midwest over millions of years. Whether hiking through otherworldly landscapes, marveling at fossilized remains of ancient creatures, or stargazing beneath the expansive night sky, every moment in Badlands National Park is an opportunity for exploration and discovery. As one of America's most unique and captivating wilderness areas, the park invites visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and uncover the secrets of its ancient past.