• Badlands formations against the blue sky; photo by Rikk Flohr

    Badlands

    National Park South Dakota

  • Road Work Detour

    A one mile detour along the Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240) will be in effect Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. A clearly marked detour will route travelers through the town of Interior, SD. More »

Good Times at the Badlands

People are drawn to the rugged beauty of the Badlands. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat 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.

Features

  • Badlands Loop Road with formations in the background

    Planning A Trip?

    Find out what you need to know. Information for camping, hiking, and much more. Be sure to download the Badlands Visitors Guide to take with you.

    Read More
  • park superintendent and youth group in the badlands

    Picture Yourself...

    During National Park Week, April 21 to 29, picture yourself in a national park!

    Read More
  • Female visitor enjoys solitude in the badlands photo by Larry McAfee

    Take Us With You

    Badlands videos and photos are available to download onto your mobile devices or computers. Check us out at YouTube, iTunes, Twitter, and Flickr.

    Read More
  • sabertooth cat skull

    Teacher's Pick

    Featured teaching resources for teachers, parents, and students! This month, meet Kylie Ferguson – a young girl who did the right thing for fossils.

    Read More
  • oil painting of Angel Butte by Brenda Howell 2010, artist in residence

    Art in the Park

    Artists are invited to interpret the Badlands through their work. View examples from photographers, visual artists, and writers in the online gallery.

    Read More
  • Five people hike through grassland with badlands formations in the background

    Take a Hike

    A variety of hiking trails offer something for everyone. Select the trail that’s right for you.

    Read More
  • junior rangers

    Become a Junior Ranger

    Explore! Learn! Protect! That’s the Jr Ranger motto. Complete a booklet or attend a program to earn a badge.

    Read More

Did You Know?

Early motorist meanders through the Upper Tunnel

Early motorists along the Badlands Loop Road traveled through tunnels carved into the formations. Since the road’s layout defied engineering logic by being based on scenery rather than stability, the road is constantly shifting. Though the tunnels are long gone, the sense of adventure remains.