Land of Stone and Light

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

Picture of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center Sign with Badlands Formation in the Background.
Trip Planning

Find out what there is to do. Information for camping, hiking, and much more.

wispy seed pods dangle off of a central stem of brown grass.
Prairie Ecology Topics

The Badlands host an expanse mixed-grass prairie with plenty to explore. Learn about this amazing environment here!

a bighorn sheep lamp climbs on a steep cliff face.
Wildlife Topics

Learn all about the many animals that live in Badlands National Park!

several long poles arranged in a tipi shape against a sunset and badlands buttes in background.
Associated Tribes of Badlands NP

Learn who the park's Associated Tribes are and the responsibilities of federal agencies to tribal governments.

a historic black and white photo of the original park sign: "entering badlands national monument"
Mako Sica: Naming the Badlands

Ever wonder how such a good place got named "Badlands?" Read here to find out who named the park and why they chose the name.

banded badlands buttes stretch far into the horizon with green prairie in valleys.
Geologic Formations

Curious about the geologic formations of Badlands National Park? Check out this article to learn more.

a historic black and white photo of a lodge and cabins in front of badlands buttes.
History & Culture

Curious about the human history of Badlands National Park? Learn more about the history and culture embedded in the Badlands.

fossils of varying sizes in styrofoam cases with numbers and protective tissue paper.
Research in the Park

Learn more about the research that is conducted in the Badlands on the park's Research Portal.

stylized multicolor Badlands formations with a superimposed image of a white microphone.
Good Rangers, Bad Lands

Listen to our podcast, where we interview rangers and chat about their role in preserving and protecting the Badlands.

Colorful logo with badlands, bison, prairie dog, yucca, and eagle
Badlands Natural History Association

Founded in 1959, Badlands Natural History Association is a not-for-profit organization established to support education and research efforts

an assortment of pieces of a fossil saber-tooth cat-like skull. the pieces are labeled.
Museum Collections

Badlands has an extensive set of collections ranging from paleontology to archives.

Last updated: December 8, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

25216 Ben Reifel Road
Interior, SD 57750

Phone:

605 433-5361

Contact Us