If you live in South Dakota, you have probably visited the Badlands more times than you can count, which means their significance may have worn off through the years. Agree? While this happens to natives and uneducated visitors alike, it is essential to know the history of this unique area, which includes a whopping 244,000 acres of historical rock formations. The size alone makes Badlands the best national park to visit in South Dakota. And there are certainly so many things to do at Badlands National Park!

Located in southwest SoDak, Badlands National Park is arguably one of the most unique in America, thanks to both its one-of-a-kind landscape and native wildlife. 
Google/Steven Leeroy k
And if you've never seen photos of the Badlands in South Dakota, get ready for some of the most stunning scenery in the country!
Formed by geologic forces of deposition and erosion some 69 million years ago, the Badlands (and Great Plains) were once covered by an ancient sea that finally retreated, revealing these incredible buttes and pinnacles.
Google/Wiley Harp
What gives the formations such distinct colors? It is thanks to the previously mentioned erosion, which not only peeled away but revealed sedimentary layers of red and orange (iron oxides), white (volcanic ash), purple and yellow (shale), and gray and tan (gravel and sand).
Google/Jay Instone
Long after the Badlands were formed, they proved to be a vital hunting area for Native Americans, with some of the earliest residents inhabiting the pinnacles 11,000+ years ago. 
Google/Kent Campbell

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While the Badlands are no longer used for hunting and gathering, there is still plenty to do during your visit to this rocky 244,000-acre wonderland, including camping, landscape and wildlife photography, driving the famous Loop Road, and hiking. 
Google/Tommy Faucette
Speaking of hiking, no matter your experience level, you are guaranteed to find the perfect trail for you, as the Badlands offer 5 trails ranging from an easy 0.7 miles to a more grueling 14.6 miles. Visiting the SD Badlands is certainly an adventure!
Google Street View
We are sure that these Badlands photos will make you want to visit if you never have before. Badlands National Park is open year-round, with an entrance fee per private vehicle (which is valid for 7 days). 
Google/Betsy Alvarez de Spinosa
For more information on the Badlands and current weather conditions, please visit the National Park Service's website.
Google/Ernst Krenger


Take a look at this video by @finleyholiday:

What are some of the things to do at Badlands National Park do you enjoy? If you love hiking here, be sure to download the AllTrails+ app.

Take a few minutes to tell us about another historic national park to visit in South Dakota that you would like us to showcase. To learn more about the Badlands, check out these nine mistakes everyone makes when visiting South Dakota’s Badlands National Park.

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National Park To Visit In South Dakota

Melanie J. | August 11, 2022

What is there to do at Badlands National Park?

With 244,000 acres of rock formations, there is plenty to see and do at Badlands National Park. The following are some things to do at Badlands National Park:

  • The park is open year-round making it the perfect place to explore regardless of the weather. If you enjoy watching a sunrise or sunset, then you must plan a visit to witness the incredible views from the park.
  • If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll love hiking the many hiking trails to explore the incredible rock formations.
  • There are numerous overlooks, and you can access a few of them by driving on Sage Creek Rim and the Badlands Loop Road.
  • Along these roads, you can witness incredible landscapes as well as glimpse bison, bighorns, prairie dogs, and more wildlife that call the Badlands their home.
  • Badlands is also a great place to stargaze at night, so be sure to bring the telescope or binoculars and find a spot to watch the starry skies.
  • There are also visitor centers and a fossil lab that you must see for yourself.
  • In addition to all these fun adventures, you can also camp, go horseback riding, cycle, and more inside the park.

 

Check out more about the Badlands and all it has to offer.

What are the best parks in South Dakota?

The state is also home to 63 state parks and recreation facilities. And these parks attract millions of visitors every year.  The best parks in South Dakota include the following:

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • The Badlands
  • Palisades State Park. Here you can enjoy camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more.
  • You’ll be mesmerized by the stunning rock formations at Split Rock Creek, where the rocks are laced with pink Sioux Quartzite.
  • Another incredible park is Custer State Park, often considered the gem of the South Dakota park system. This 71,000-acre park is one of the largest in the nation, and there are many things to explore there. Along with camping, hiking, and fishing, you can enjoy interpretive programs, rock climbing, and more.

 

Here are some more parks in South Dakota that are worth a visit.  

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Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA