What is Badlands National Park?
Named after the Lakota name for the area,
Mako Sica
(literally translating to “bad lands”), this national park consists of over 244,000 acres of rugged wilderness that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
One of the most distinctive features of the park is its unique geological formations. These formations feature wide, striped colors and are the end product of deposition and erosion. The ridges and canyons in the park are typically composed of soft sedimentary rock such as shale, mudstone, sandstone, limestone, and more. Many of the layers of rock contain a high content of volcanic ash, adding to the formations’ susceptibility to erosion.
You can
learn more about the geologic formations on the NPS website.
Wildlife at Badlands National Park
The mixed-grass prairies at the park are filled with a diverse variety of wildlife native to South Dakota. Some of the most notable species that make their home here are the American bison, the endangered black-footed ferret, and the iconic bighorn sheep.
For those interested in birdwatching, Badlands National Park is home to over 67 species of birds, with over 200 species being documented in the area. The types of birds found here vary widely, from the common redwing blackbird to majestic predators like the golden eagle.
While wildlife can be spotted across the entirety of the park, two places stand out. First, we recommend driving
Sage Creek Rim Road, which gives access to 4 different overlooks, and the Badlands Wall, an iconic formation that is home to many nesting birds.
Be sure to visit the NPS website for a complete list of native wildlife at Badlands National Park
What to Do at Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is full of things to do, so many that it could easily take days to experience them all.
Here are some of our recommendations for what to do at Badlands National Park
Stop By a Visitor’s Center
One of the first things that we recommended doing when visiting the national park is to stop by either of the 2 visitor centers.
The
Ben Reifel Visitor Center is located in the North Unit and is perfect for those looking to learn more about the park. Rangers regularly staff the center and are ready and able to assist visitors with any inquiries they may have. Guests can also enjoy the various museum exhibits as well as the park film which aim to educate visitors on the history and significance of the area.
The
White River Visitor Center is perfect for those wanting to learn more about the cultural significance of the Badlands. Whether through the various museum exhibits on site or through impromptu talks and programs, visitors will learn more about the history of the Lakota and their heritage.
Marvel at the Night Sky
A major draw of Badlands National Park is that it boasts one of the darkest night skies in the United States, thanks to its remote location and low light pollution in the surrounding areas. This means that you and your loved ones can stargaze upon a night sky that is vibrant and awe-inspiring, much like our distant ancestors did.
The park hosts a
Night Sky Viewings program every night in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition, the park is home to the
Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival which brings together astronomers, science professionals, educators, and more.
Hiking in the Badlands
There are plenty of Badlands National Park trails to choose from, from short strolls such as the Door Trail to challenging paths such as the Castle Trail. All of the available hiking paths are within a few miles of a visitor center.
It’s important to plan accordingly for your hike. Make sure that you bring good hiking gear with you such as boots, hats, and sunscreen. Make sure that you don’t disturb the wildlife and leave the trail as you find it.
You can
find a detailed list of hiking trails on the NPS website.
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