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

    Badlands

    National Park South Dakota

Things To Know Before You Come

Planning ahead can often make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Explore these pages to discover the essential information you need to know before you leave home.

The Badlands Visitor Guide (2.5MB) provides in-depth information on visiting the park, attending ranger-led activities, and hiking park trails.

Did You Know?

The white water of Sage Creek

Available water in the badlands is always loaded with sediment. Cloudy and milky white in appearance, the water contains particles that carry a slight charge of electricity. The particles repel each other, instead of settling to the bottom. Early visitors found the water unsuitable for drinking.