News Release

Badlands National Park Achieves Dark Sky Park Certification

Date: July 17, 2026

INTERIOR, S.D. — Badlands National Park has officially been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by Dark Sky International. The accomplishment marks the culmination of nearly a decade of work by park staff and partners to protect the night sky and preserve the area’s nocturnal environment.

The park began pursuing Dark Sky certification in 2018 after encouragement from the public and partners. Since then, Badlands National Park and its nonprofit partners have instituted darky-sky-friendly lighting practices, established long-term monitoring efforts and completed major lighting retrofits.

“In addition to providing unparalleled views of the night sky, Badlands National Park is home to many nocturnal species, such as owls, bats and the endangered black-footed ferret, that depend on dark skies for their survival. Protecting the night sky is consistent with tribal and wilderness values as well,” said Superintendent Eric Veach. “Thanks to the hard work of park staff and partners, this certification will help protect the area’s wildlife and ecosystems while allowing visitors to experience starry night skies for years to come.”

The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting practices and public education. 

Badlands National Park has conducted night sky programming since the late 2000s. Today, the park offers nightly astronomy programs and night sky tours and supports a growing team of astronomy volunteers. The park launched its Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival in 2012 to celebrate the night sky and space exploration. This year’s festival will be held July 17–19, 2026 and will support the continued protection and enjoyment of night skies as a precious natural resource. For more information on the festival and agenda, visit: Badlands Astronomy Festival (U.S. National Park Service).

Learn more about Badlands National Park: Badlands National Park (U.S. National Park Service).  

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.