Located in South Dakota, Badlands National Park protects spectacular scenery & world-renowned fossils
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5.0/5 · 1,085 reviews
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Sep 20, 2024
One of the highlights of our Real America road trip. We left Custer after breakfast and drove to Interior. After a quick stop at Ben Reifel Visitor Center we took some interesting hike (Notch trail,… Full review by pizote67
Sep 16, 2024
Definitely devote some time to really enjoy this incredible national park. So many people just jet off from the interstate and spend two hours only doing overlook. If that is all you have, just too… Full review by Brown_Samantha
Sep 3, 2024
We had a fantastic visit to Badlands NP. We spent one day driving and went back to do some hiking. The landscape is like no other. We stopped at the Ben Reifel visitor center twice and Ranger Lydia w… Full review by Cruiser34582223211
We will be coming from Valentine, NE with our Airbnb in keystone, sd. We are deciding whether or not to go straight north to hit the interstate, go north for a bit and take hwy 44, or going west to Chadron then up north. Google maps says going through Pine Ridge is the fastest but I do t want to do that and I heard that the road might even be closed because they are trying to keep COVID out. Is going north through Rosebud an option. Roads are open? I’m assuming it will not be nearly as depressing as traveling through Pine Ridge, is that correct? Chadron is the longest way and since we will be canoeing in the morning, my kids will be really cranky if we take any longer than necessary. Thanks.
A:
I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a …
I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a little farther from Keystone than from Wall, but food choices and accomodations are much better in Keystone. Also, there are many attractions close to and in Keystone that may be of interest to you and your children, depending on their ages. I hope this helps you and I wish you a very pleasant and enjoyable vacation.
I’m fearful of steep / scary drives within the mountain ranges. How is the drive through the Badlands?
A:
I agree with you on that. I can't believe people drive on that Million Dollar highway in Colorado with the drop-offs and no guard rail! But I was just visiting the Badlands a few …
I agree with you on that. I can't believe people drive on that Million Dollar highway in Colorado with the drop-offs and no guard rail! But I was just visiting the Badlands a few weeks ago with my husband and am happy to report that it's nothing to be afraid of. Not at all! There is one drop off on the unpaved road, but you don't need to take that. Just stay on the paved road and you'll be fine. It's so beautiful and other-worldly...definitely worth seeing and I wasn't scared at all.
Is it ok to drive a travel trailer camper (med-sized) on The Loop road? I read it's a 2 lane paved road, so I'm thinking that it should be ok. Can anyone confirm?
A:
Yes, it is a paved, good road. Many people have trailers. Enjoy!
How do I go about the night sky viewings at the park?
A:
I would go to the national park web site for the Badlands & contact them directly with your question. I do not know the answer to your question as I have not visited this park at …
I would go to the national park web site for the Badlands & contact them directly with your question. I do not know the answer to your question as I have not visited this park at night. Each park in the national park system has it's own web site & has instructions on how to contact the park directly for information. I have contacted several national parks directly by either telephone or email & I always found them to be very responsive to questions.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What can we see at the park?
A:
A visit to the park allows for an exploration of America's Cold War nuclear deterrent. We suggest that you start a visit at the Visitor Center. Ranger-guided...
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