Program Descriptions
8:30 a.m., Daily: Learn about the geologic story of the White River Badlands on this 45-minute walk. Meet at the covered shelter near the Door Trailhead, located at the far east end of the Door/Window Parking Area, one mile south of the Northeast Entrance Station on the Badlands Loop Road. Wear a hat and closed-toe shoes. Terrain is
varied.
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10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Daily: Find out how fossils can tell us the story of ancient life in the Badlands and why they should be protected at this 15 to 20 minute talk. Presented in the classroom of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center during the Fossil Exhibit Trail renovation. The program may be moved to the Fossil Exhibit Trail in August. Check at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for updates.
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10:30 a.m., Daily: Calling all visitors between 7 and 12 years of age! Meet at the shelter at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater parking lot for a 45-minute adventure into an aspect of the Badlands. Wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. It may be a walk, a game, or another activity. Attendees will be awarded a Junior Ranger badge. Parents are also welcome!
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11:30 a.m., Wednesdays: For our youngest - or youngest at heart - visitors. Meet in the classroom of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for a 30-minute storytelling session. Presenter may read a children's book or tell a Western story from the Lakota or cowboy cultures. This program may be available at other days and times, depending on staffing. Inquire at the information desk.
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1:30 p.m., Daily: Meet your ranger at Roberts Prairie Dog Town for this 15-minute exploration of life in the park's largest town. This prairie dog town is located 5-miles west of the intersection of the Badlands Loop Road (paved) and the Sage Creek Rim Road (unpaved). Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Bring water.
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2:30 p.m., Daily: Learn more about Badlands National Park at this 20-minute talk. Individual rangers choose their topic - it may be wildlife, history, wilderness, or a surprise. Meet your ranger in the classroom of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for an air-conditioned break from the Badlands heat and wind!
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4:30 p.m., Daily: Want a "take home" project? Visitors between 7 and 12 years of age should meet in the classroom of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for this 45-minute craft-based program. Attendees will be awarded a Junior Ranger badge. Parents are also welcome!
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6:00 p.m., Daily: Join a park ranger for this easy, 1/2-mile walk into the prairie. Meet in front of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for an exploration of plants and place. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses, and water.
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9:00 p.m., Nightly: Join a park ranger for a 40-minute audiovisual presentation in the theater of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. A weekly listing of program topics is posted on bulletin boards at the Cedar Pass Lodge, the Visitor Center, and local businesses. After July 1, the evening program will end in time for you to take part in the Night Prowl!
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10:00 p.m. Nightly, starting July 1: Explore the Badlands at night and enjoy our famous, clear night skies. Meet your park ranger in front of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for a night trip into the Badlands. Those attending the Evening Program can simply join their ranger after the program.
After a 400-meter walk along a drainage, explorers will arrive at a natural amphitheater for a 30-minute program. Topics could be astronomy, night animals, or folklore. Wear closed-toe shoes and a jacket. Bring a flashlight and a blanket or towel to sit on the ground.
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A Note on Program Cancellations:
The Badlands are famous for its dramatic
lightning storms. If lightning is visible from the program location, the program
will be canceled for employee and visitor safety. Programs are typically not
cancelled for rain, unless they are guided walks and the area to be covered is extremely muddy. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
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