Badlands National Park - South Dakota

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Badlands National Park – South Dakota’s Hidden Beauty
In the southwestern part of South Dakota lies one of the most awe-inspiring areas in the world. The otherworldly terrain, multicolored strata and incredible rock formations could be something from Mars or a piece of some rocky outland world.  It’s not, though; this terrain was created right here on Earth, through erosion by wind and rain. This is Badlands National Park, one of the most austerely beautiful areas you’ll ever encounter.

Designated as a National Monument in 1939, the park was formed in 1978; during 1976, the size of the area was almost doubled and now includes the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  The Native Americans of the prairie called the area "bad land" due to the incredibly rugged terrain and the inhospitable nature of the area.

Today, the area is a Mecca for tourists and naturalists, alike.  Amateur dinosaur hunters and experienced paleontologists visit the area on a regular basis; the Badlands are the world’s richest source of Oligocene epoch fossils. Fossils of rhinoceros, American horses and many others mingle with live animals of today.  Speaking of wildlife, you’ll find an extraordinary number of animals living in the park.  A herd of bison, several hundred strong lives in the park, as well as an amazing prairie dog town. Black-footed ferrets, bighorn sheep, swift fox and more call this beautiful area home.

Several roads run through the park, though only one is paved.  The primary means of exploring Badlands National Park is through walking hikes.  Hundreds of trails crisscross the area, offering numerous ways to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the park. Maps are available at the Visitor Center, and many of the trails feature mile markers to help visitors find their way.  Guided hiking and walking tours through the park are available, guided by park rangers.

There are limited accommodations inside the park for visitors, including limited camping.  However, Wall and Kadoka are the nearest towns, though Rapid City is the nearest city of any size. However, you might want to hang around after dark.  New in the park for 2008 is a program called "Walk among the Stars," designed to help visitors understand the night sky and much more.  This program is perfect for almost any age and requires no equipment, though binoculars and telescopes are welcome in the park.

Any visit to Badlands National Park is a great way to enjoy enormous natural beauty, astounding wildlife and the most diverse and riveting terrain in the world.