Top 15 Things to Do in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is a geological wonderland known for its striking landscapes of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Covering nearly 244,000 acres, this park offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities.

Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or simply a lover of natural beauty, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 15 things to do in Badlands National Park.

Table of contents: (Hide)

• What’s the Story of Badlands National Park?
• Top 15 Things to Do in Badlands National Park List
  • 1. Drive the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)
  • 2. Hike the Notch Trail
  • 3. Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
  • 4. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
  • 5. Explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail
  • 6. Camp Under the Stars
  • 7. Take the Castle Trail
  • 8. Spot Wildlife in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area
  • 9. Photograph Yellow Mounds Overlook
  • 10. Participate in a Ranger-Led Program
  • 11. Go Backcountry Camping
  • 12. Visit the Roberts Prairie Dog Town
  • 13. Drive to the Pinnacles Overlook
  • 14. Learn About Native American History
  • 15. Visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
• More Information on Badlands National Park
  • How to Get to Badlands National Park
  • Tips for Visiting During Each Season
  • Best Time to Go to Badlands National Park
  • Entry Fees for Badlands National Park
• Conclusion

Badlands National Park stretches for over 200,000 acres!

What’s the Story of Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, has a rich history that stretches back millions of years.

The park’s unique formations were shaped by layers of sediment deposited during the late Cretaceous period, followed by erosion caused by wind and water over millions of years.

Before becoming a national park, the area was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Oglala Lakota Sioux, who referred to the region as “Mako Sica,” meaning “bad land.”

This name reflects the challenging terrain and harsh conditions of the area, which made it difficult to traverse or inhabit, but also sacred and significant to the Lakota people.

In the 20th century, efforts to preserve the Badlands began. President Calvin Coolidge established it as Badlands National Monument in 1929, recognizing its geological and paleontological significance and protecting its vast expanses of prairie, dramatic rock formations, and extensive fossil record. 

It wasn’t until 1978 that the area was designated as a national park. Today, the park not only preserves its natural beauty but also serves as a historical site for the Lakota people and a reminder of the land’s deep cultural and geological importance.

Top 15 Things to Do in Badlands National Park List

Iconic “Buttes” seen among Badlands National Park

1. Drive the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)

Viewing Time: 2-3 hours
Location: Highway 240, accessible from the Pinnacles or Interior entrances.

This scenic route stretches 31 miles through the heart of the park, offering spectacular views of its iconic formations. Along the way, you’ll find numerous overlooks where you can stop to take photos, soak in the scenery, and spot wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep.

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Hikers wait their turn to climb down the ladder on the Notch Trail.

2. Hike the Notch Trail

Viewing Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Near the Door and Window parking area.

The Notch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. This 1.5-mile round-trip trail takes you through a canyon, up a wooden ladder, and onto a ridge with stunning views of the White River Valley. It’s an adventure suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness.

3. Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Viewing Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Near the Cedar Pass area.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your trip. Learn about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife through interactive exhibits, and pick up maps and tips from knowledgeable rangers. Don’t miss the educational films that provide a deeper understanding of the Badlands’ unique features.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center serves as the main hub for visitors to Badlands National Park. Located near the Cedar Pass area, the vistor center offers a wealth of resources, including interactive exhibits, educational films, and a bookstore.

Rangers are available to provide maps, advice on hiking trails, and updates on park conditions.

The center is open year-round, though hours vary by season. For those interested in Native American culture, the White River Visitor Center, operated by the Oglala Lakota Nation, provides insight into the historical and spiritual significance of the Badlands to the Lakota people.

4. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

Viewing Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Location: Pinnacles Overlook and Big Badlands Overlook.

The dramatic landscape of the Badlands becomes even more enchanting during sunrise and sunset. Pinnacles Overlook and Big Badlands Overlook are prime spots to watch the sky light up in hues of orange, pink, and purple.

Antelopes grazing near the Fossil Exhibit Trail

5. Explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail

Viewing Time: 20-30 minutes
Location: Along Badlands Loop Road, east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

This easy, 0.25-mile boardwalk trail is ideal for families and those interested in paleontology. Along the way, interpretive signs and replicas of fossils tell the story of the ancient animals that once roamed the area.

6. Camp Under the Stars

Viewing Time: Overnight
Location: Cedar Pass Campground or Sage Creek Campground.

Badlands National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic location for stargazing. Pitch a tent at Cedar Pass Campground or Sage Creek Campground to enjoy a night under a sky filled with countless stars.

The Cedar Pass Campground, located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, features modern amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and RV hookups, while the more rustic Sage Creek Campground provides a primitive experience with no water or electricity, ideal for those seeking solitude.

For the truly adventurous, backcountry camping allows you to immerse yourself in the park’s remote wilderness. Regardless of your camping choice, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and opportunities for stargazing in the park.

7. Take the Castle Trail

Viewing Time: 4-6 hours
Location: Trailheads near the Fossil Exhibit Trail or the Door and Window area.

At 10 miles round-trip, the Castle Trail is the longest hiking trail in the park. It’s a relatively flat hike that takes you through mixed-grass prairie and dramatic rock formations, offering a close-up look at the Badlands’ diverse ecosystem.

8. Spot Wildlife in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Viewing Time: 1-3 hours
Location: Sage Creek Rim Road, western area of the park.

This area of the park is home to bison, prairie dogs, coyotes, and more. Drive along Sage Creek Rim Road or hike one of the trails to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Remember to keep a safe distance.

Badlands National Park is a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem and supports iconic species such as bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs, which are frequently seen in areas like the Sage Creek Wilderness. Coyotes and foxes can also be spotted, often at dawn or dusk when they are most active.

Birdwatchers will delight in observing the park’s avian residents, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and burrowing owls.

Reptiles like rattlesnakes and bullsnakes thrive in the warmer months, so visitors should remain cautious when exploring trails.

With its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, the Badlands offers a rare glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the American Great Plains.

9. Photograph Yellow Mounds Overlook

Viewing Time: 20-30 minutes
Location: Along Badlands Loop Road.

One of the most colorful spots in the park, Yellow Mounds Overlook showcases layers of bright yellow and orange sediments. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon.

The Yellow Mounds are filled with textures of yellow, deep red, green, brown, and some tan.

10. Participate in a Ranger-Led Program

Viewing Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Various locations. Inquire at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Rangers offer guided hikes, talks, and evening programs on topics ranging from geology to stargazing. These programs are a great way to deepen your appreciation of the park while learning from experts.

11. Go Backcountry Camping

Viewing Time: Overnight
Location: Throughout the park, at least half a mile from roads and trails.

For those seeking solitude, backcountry camping is an incredible way to experience the park’s rugged beauty. With no designated campsites, you can choose your own spot, provided it’s at least half a mile from roads and trails.

Backcountry camping in Badlands National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its rugged beauty and solitude. Unlike many national parks, the Badlands does not have designated backcountry campsites, allowing visitors to choose their own spots.

However, campers must follow specific guidelines to protect the environment and ensure a safe experience.

No permit is required for backcountry camping, but you must set up your site at least half a mile from roads and trails and out of sight from the park’s roads.

• Strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles is essential, so campers should pack out all trash, minimize their impact, and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
• Since there are no water sources in the backcountry, you need to carry all the water you’ll require, along with adequate supplies and navigation tools.
• The terrain can be challenging, so sturdy footwear is a must.
• Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including high winds, intense heat, and sudden storms by checking the forecast before heading out.

12. Visit the Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Viewing Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Location: Near the western side of Sage Creek Rim Road.

Get up close (but not too close) to one of the park’s most entertaining residents: prairie dogs. This bustling town of burrowing rodents is a hit with visitors, especially kids.

Looking out onto the vast expanse of Badlands National Park

13. Drive to the Pinnacles Overlook

Viewing Time: 20-30 minutes
Location: Western section of Badlands Loop Road.

Located on the western side of the park, Pinnacles Overlook offers sweeping views of the Badlands’ rugged terrain and is a great place to spot wildlife. It’s also a fantastic spot for sunset photography.

14. Learn About Native American History

Viewing Time: 1-2 hours
Location: White River Visitor Center.

The Badlands are rich in Native American history and culture. Stop by the White River Visitor Center, operated by the Oglala Lakota Nation, to learn about the significance of the land to the Lakota people.

The land that now comprises Badlands National Park has been home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, most notably the Oglala Lakota Sioux.

Known as Mako Sica or “Bad Land,” the area holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Lakota people.

It served as a place for hunting, gathering, and ceremonial practices.

Visitors can learn more about this rich history at the White River Visitor Center, where exhibits and presentations by members of the Oglala Lakota Nation offer a deeper understanding of the park’s importance to their heritage.

The Badlands stand as a testament to the resilience and connection of the Lakota to the land.

15. Visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Viewing Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Just north of the park off Interstate 90.

Just outside the park, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site offers a fascinating look at Cold War history. Tour a missile silo and learn about the role of the Great Plains in America’s nuclear defense strategy.

Towering mounds of rock sit above the yellow-covered grassland in Badlands National Park

More Information on Badlands National Park

How to Get to Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and is easily accessible by car. The closest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport, approximately 70 miles from the park. From Rapid City, take Interstate 90 east to Exit 110 for Wall or Exit 131 for Interior, both of which lead to park entrances. If you’re driving from further afield, Interstate 90 provides a direct route across South Dakota. Public transportation options are limited, so having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the park.

Tips for Visiting During Each Season

Visiting the Badlands offers unique experiences year-round, but preparation is key. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, but be ready for occasional rain. Summer is the busiest season with warm temperatures, so bring sunscreen, water, and a hat to stay cool. Fall offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for hiking and photography. Winter transforms the park into a serene snow-covered landscape, but be prepared for cold temperatures and possible road closures due to snow or ice.

Best Time to Go to Badlands National Park

The best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, wildlife is active, and the park is less crowded than in summer. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to experience the park’s dramatic landscapes, regardless of the season.

Entry Fees for Badlands National Park

The entrance fee for Badlands National Park is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per individual (pedestrian, bicycle, etc.), all of which grant access for seven consecutive days. An annual park pass is available for $55 and allows unlimited visits for one year. Visitors can also use the America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 annually and provides access to all U.S. national parks and federal recreation lands.

Conclusion

Badlands National Park is a destination like no other. With its otherworldly landscapes, diverse wildlife, and wealth of activities, it promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re driving through, hiking its trails, or gazing at the stars, the Badlands will leave you in awe of nature’s raw beauty.