Badlands National Park, with eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires (Rapid City, SD)

After about 65 miles, as if I were in Death Valley, Badlands National Park showed up. I was pretty skeptical about Badlands National Park because I did not see much abut it.

Even if it is a National Park, it wasn’t promoted as much as Mt. Rushmore. I couldn’t even see the signs on the road to Badlands National Park until I get very close. So I even got suspicious that I would get lost.

But I started to feel the beauty of Badlands National Park by the surroundings at the entrance, and I was glad that I came. But as I got into it further, I was thinking it was not as spectacular and unique as other National Parks. 

Badlands National Park

In southwestern South Dakota, just east of Rapid City, Badlands National Park protects over 242,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with a large, undisturbed mixed grass prairie.

The Badlands Wilderness area protects 64,144 acres of the park as a designated wilderness area. It is the site of the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret (the most endangered land mammal in North America). The swift fox was also reintroduced to Badlands National Park in 2003.

The Badlands region extends over 10,000 square miles (25,900 sq. km.) of prairies and grasslands among the spired and rugged pinnacles. This picturesque region of South Dakota is one that few visitors ever see. With some of the most amazing sunsets and the views of millions of stars at night, the Badlands area is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The western prairie contains indigenous prairie dogs, bald eagles, antelope, bighorn sheep, and bison roaming throughout the area. 

Badlands Loop Road in Badlands National Park offers the best views of the dramatic badlands formations. The road was recently designated a State Scenic Byway. Make sure you get out of your car and walk along the nature trails to see some incredible formations.

Badlands National Park is open through the year, but many tourists generally come during the summer. The summer temperatures can go over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature gap is higher in spring and fall, but it is more pleasant travel with fewer people at the park.