Ultimate Guide to Badlands National Park
5 Reasons You Should Visit Badlands National Park
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1. Wildlife – With its rugged terrain, Badlands National Park is home to over 60 species of mammals, including bighorn sheep, bison, swift foxes, badgers, bison, prairie dogs and pronghorns. You’ll also see plenty of birds, including bald and golden eagles, soaring through the skies.
2. Spectacular Landscapes – The stark beauty of the Badlands landscape is breathtaking, with its towering buttes, steep canyons, and razor-sharp spires jutting out against the horizon. Each time of the day reveals new shapes and shadows. Contrasts between the natural prairie and cliff faces reveal a whole new world.
3. Incredible Sunset – The sunsets in Badlands National Park are second to none with the vibrant colors of the sky contrasting against the sharp and jagged rocks, creating a peaceful and unforgettable experience. This is by far the best place for sunsets in South Dakota.
4. Stargazing – With its remote location, almost no light pollution, and perfect viewing conditions, Badlands National Park is considered one of the best places for stargazing in North America. Bring your binoculars for an awe-inspiring view of the night sky.
5. Fossils - A major draw to Badlands National Park is its fossils. Badlands National Park is home to an abundance of fossilized wonders, ranging from ancient plants and animals, to tracks and burrows of creatures long gone. Fossil beds can be found throughout the park, but look don't touch. If you find a fossil, report it to a Park Ranger!
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My XO Adventures offers tours of the Badlands in the morning, afternoon, evening, and into the Night.
We've invested a lot of time getting to know the land and its wildlife. On a guided tour, we're eager to share what we've learned.
Secrets abound, and not the kind you can find online or in a book. The Badlands is an ever changing landscape and one that we truly love.
Wildlife, peace, serenity and beauty describes this incredible landscape. At night, we bring star charts, blankets, binoculars, drinks, snacks and lasers. While the Badlands is beautiful to drive, its something altogether different to experience and understand.
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Overview
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is an awe-inspiring landscape of beauty and mystery. Formed over millions of years by erosion and the forces of nature, this rugged landscape offers visitors a glimpse into its past with its unique geologic formations, including spires, buttes, canyons, gullies, and ravines.
The park's 244,000 acres are also home to many animals that call the area home, such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. More than 400 species of birds are also found in the park year-round or during their seasonal migrations. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from while in the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on various trails throughout the area. Climbing is also permitted in some areas with proper registration.
For those wanting a more leisurely experience, there are plenty of scenic drives to take where you can marvel at the spectacular views surrounding you. There are also campgrounds within the park and cabins and lodges, allowing visitors to spend extended time immersed in nature's beauty.
Directions to Badlands National Park
Most visitors to the Badlands National Park enter through the north side of the park on I90. Take exit 110 at Wall, SD, to enter Badlands Loop Road. You can also continue past exit 110 to exit 131, located at the Minuteman Missile Museum.
Alternatively, you can enter through the south side by taking Highway 44 to the town of Interior, SD, where you'll find the entrance. Rangers are located at all entrances.
Alternatively, you can enter through the south side by taking Highway 44 to the town of Interior, SD, where you'll find the entrance. Rangers are located at all entrances.
Badlands Loop Road
The Badlands Loop Road is 32 miles long and designed in part by Peter Norbeck. This is no ordinary road. It was constructed to highlight the most beautiful views of Badlands National Park. In total, there are 14 marked overlooks with parking.
In addition, there are pull-offs where you can stop and take in the scenery. Driving the loop straight through takes a little over an hour. With a guide, it can easily take 2 hours to view the entire Badlands Loop Road.
Sage Creek Rim Road
This is the most overlooked area in the park and perhaps the most stunning. It's a dirt road, which makes some uneasy, but don't worry, it's meant for your enjoyment. Sage Creek Rim Road has extensive views of Badlands National Park and just so happens to be the most likely place to see Bison, Prairie Dogs, Coyotes, Badgers, and Deer.
Badlands National Park at Night
Badlands National Park is one of the best places to view stars, satellites, and meteors. The best time to arrive is at least one hour before sunset and stay about two hours after. The animals are out during this time, and the sky is extraordinary. The sun lights the spires, buttes, peaks, and prairie land. Red, pink, and orange are just a few colors that will light up your evening.
After the sun sets, the sky gets even more Interesting. This Is known to photographers as the Blue Hour. Make your way to a location in the park away from headlights and lower in elevation. Fossil Trail is a great place. Here, you can get out of the car, and enjoy the silence and the show. Stars abound and all you have to do is watch.
