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Southwest South Dakota is home to the untamed, eroded Badlands National Park, made up of gullies, sawtoothed divides and buttes. In 1939, it became a national monument and in 1978, it was made a national park. The park is divided into three units. The North Unit houses the Badlands Loop Road and park headquarters, almost entirely encircled by Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The Stronghold and Palmer Creek units are present in the Oglala Sioux Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, to the south. The Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway provides ample opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, such as antelope, bighorn sheep and deer.
Location
Photo: Martin Kraft / Wikimedia Commons
The Badlands National Park is home to the most endangered creatures in the world. The black-footed ferret was reintroduced to the wild at the Badlands Wilderness. This is situated within the White River watershed and safeguards 64,144 acres of the park’s North Unit as a designated wilderness area. The Badlands Loop Road and Sage Creek Rim Road are the two primary thoroughfares in the North Unit. Although there are no highways that run straight through the South Unit, visitors can choose to take a leisurely drive around the South Unit or drive up Sheep Mountain Table.
How To Reach
Photo: DimiTalen / Wikimedia Commons
Reaching the Badlands National Park is convenient by following the map. Here’s how you can get there:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), only 55 miles from Badlands National Park. It is easily accessible by car from many park overlooks. The Rapid City airport is used by Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, United, and Boutique Air.
By Rail: In the contiguous United States, Amtrak offers train service to national parks and monuments. You will need your own vehicle to explore Badlands National Park, though, as there is neither public transit nor a shuttle system within the park.
By Road: The North Unit of Badlands National Park may be seen spectacularly from the Badlands Loop Road (SD 240). All motor vehicles can use this two-lane paved route, however there are several steep passes and places with lower speed limits. There are more than a dozen breathtaking trailheads and vistas along Badlands Loop Road. Exit 110 (Wall) or Exit 131 on Interstate 90 will take you south to the Loop Road. In the village of Interior, SD 44 intersects SD 377 and offers a picturesque route to the park. The Interior Entrance is two miles north on SD 377 from the Interior, and Badlands Loop Road (240) is another half mile north.
Places To Visit In And Around Badlands National Park
Here are some remarkable places to explore in and around the Badlands National Park:
1. Loop Road
Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons
When visiting Badlands National Park, the majority of tourists take the Loop Road. Prepare to be awestruck by the stunning vistas, whether you explore the Loop Road’s overlooks or admire the scenery from your car. There are more than a dozen breathtaking trailheads and vistas along Badlands Loop Road. These offer access to hiking trails, park views, and educational displays.
Timings: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: $30 / ₹2530 per vehicle and $25 / ₹2110 per motorcycle
2. Badlands Wall
Photo: w_lemay / Wikimedia Commonsikimedia Commons
The main attraction of the North Unit of Badlands National Park (previously known as Badlands National Monument) is the Badlands Wall. A valley with badland formations on each side and an erosional “wall” on the north side that extends from east (near Kadoka, SD) to west (Wall, SD) was formed as the White River dug into the terrain. The park’s well-known rock formations, known as the Badlands Wall, divide the upper plains to the north with the lower prairie to the south.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: $30 / ₹2530
3. Notch Trailhead
Photo: DrunkDriver / Wikimedia Commons
Notch Trail, renowned for its wood ladder and breathtaking views, is one of the most well-liked hikes in the Badlands. The trail starts at the south end of the Door and Window parking lot. This 1.5-mile (round trip) walk winds through a canyon before climbing a log ladder and along a ledge to “the Notch”. It offers a beautiful view of the White River Valley. You will gain little less than 200 feet in elevation overall, and you can finish the hike in an hour without exerting yourself.
Timings: 1 hour hiking
Entry Fee: Standard Pass is for $15 – $30 / ₹1270 – ₹2530, Annual Pass is for $55 / ₹4640
4. Roberts Prairie Dog Town
Photo: Wing-Chi Poon / Wikimedia Commons
Approximately 200 different animal and plant species depend on prairie dogs for their environment. Despite their cuteness, prairie dogs can spread the illness. The largest prairie dog colony in the accessible portions of Badlands National Park is well visible from this stop. You will probably hear the high-pitched squeaks and noises from the prairie dogs before you discover the mounds of earth where they have established their homes.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
5. Pinnacles Overlook
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons
As the highest point in the North Unit, Pinnacles Overlook is a well-liked destination on Loop Road. Pinnacles Overlook faces south and offers expansive vistas, making it a popular place to see sunsets. On clear days, you may see the Black Hills in the distance. Keep an eye out for distant herds of bison roaming the upper plains or grazing in the valley. Also, a common location for Bighorn sheep to congregate is this Overlook. The rocky slopes of the Badlands are frequently traversed by lambs, as this is also a lambing area for Bighorn sheep in late April to early May.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: $15 – $30 / ₹1270 – ₹2530
Where To Stay
Photo: Missvain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Plan on staying in the Badlands, for at least a few days to witness the best light at dawn and sunset. The 244,000 acres of hiking, camping, and travel areas in the park are easily accessible from hotels, motels, cabins, RV parks, and campgrounds. Locate the ideal lodging location close to Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands Loop Road, Badlands National Park and all the picturesque lookouts, bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.
Where To Eat
Photo: Life Of Pix / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A journey to the Badlands wouldn’t be complete without delicious food. Discover the ideal dishes to go with your visit to the Badlands National Park, like Wall Drug burgers, Indian tacos from Cedar Pass Lodge. There are several culinary masterpieces in Rapid City and the nearby Black Hilltowns. Homestead’s Everglades Gator Grill, Pit Bar-B-Q, White Lion Café, and Capri Restaurant are a few well-liked dining options around Badlands National Park.
Badlands National Park holds an incredible landscape with dramatic rock formations, vast prairies, and diverse wildlife. Its views are breathtakingly beautiful with a rich history and provides ample opportunities for exploration. Therefore, it is one of the best destinations for naturalists and adventure-seekers. Here, visitors can get acquainted with the park’s scenic grandeur through hiking trails, scenic byways driving, or wildlife watching, including bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. Whether you want solitude or a fun-filled experience with your loved ones, Badlands National Park provides an unforgettable experience. For a seamless travel experience, book your trip through TripXL, your trusted partner for unforgettable journeys.
Cover Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons
