Embedded Files
By Jacob
By Jacob
Badlands National Park is located in southwester South Dakota east of the Black Hills. Badlands are a series of eroded hills that are treacherous to cross. This is one of two national parks in the state, the other being Wind Cave National Park.
1. Big Badlands Overlook
On the northeast side of the park just inside the toll booth stop at the Big Badlands Overlook. This will give you a first good look at the attractions you are about to see. A vast area of eroded hills that create beautiful colors. Walk along the boardwalk to take in a 360 degree view of the Badlands and all their glory. Down the road a little bit is a large parking lot with multiple trailheads. Stop here to hike as well as just get out of the car and climb on the rock right next to the parking lot. This can be a great place to be a kid again and just have fun. All this in a short five minute drive area.
Big Badlands Overlook
2. Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Down Cedar Pass is the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Stop here for information on the park, trailheads and anything else you need for your trip to the park. The park also has a film as well as multiple exhibits about the Badlands. You can also find out about ranger programs at night for stargazing. There are places to climb and picnic just outside the visitor center.
3. Badlands Loop Road
Throughout the northern section of the park is the Big Badlands Loop Road/Highway 240. This is the road that will get you to most of the trailheads and overlooks that you come to see. The road is 40 miles long and can be used as a scenic bypass from I-90. There are over a dozen overlooks and trails located just off the road. Wildlife like Bighorn Sheep can also be spotted along the road and sometimes even on it. The road is open all year round and can take over an hour, longer depending on the number of the stops that you take. The Badlands Loop Road is the best way to see the park from your car but I always try to take some trails to get away from the car and enjoy the outdoors.
4. Fossil Hunting
A fun activity to do is get on a trail and look for fossils. Many of the fossils found in Badlands National Park have been found by visitors. There is a chance you may find one along the trail. If you do find one mark what it is and where you found it. Your discovery may lead to a full animal fossil and lets you have the satisfaction of being the first person to find it. Do not take the fossils, taking anything from any national park is illegal except for photographs and souvenirs from the gift shops. If you have a full day in Badlands this is a great thing to do.
5. Night Program
Badlands National Park is one of the best places in the United States to see the stars at night. Because Badlands is in the middle of the plains there is little light pollution keeping the night sky clear. Rangers host talks about the night sky at the Big Cedar Campground Amphitheater with telescopes provided. You can see the Milky Way from the park and many other constellations. If you are spending a night in the park or nearby I would highly recommend stargazing in the park at night.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse