10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Badlands National Park

Picture this: 244,000 acres of protected wilderness, prairie grasslands, and striking geological formations. At the Badlands National Park, an awe-inspiring natural marvel, ancient history radiates from the landscape – one that dates back millennia, which has been revealed in its rich fossil beds. Against the horizon lies rugged beauty, a scenery filled with tall grasses, spires, eroded buttes, and pinnacles jutting from the craggy landscape – once the home to archaic animals. For a glimpse into why these peaceful South Dakotan lands draw visitors from all over the globe, read on.

The landscape is epic

Geological wonders are just that: wonders. Thousands of acres of the park are encompassed by strikingly colored formations – the Yellow Mounds, Chadron Formation, Pierre Shale, Brule Formation, Rockyford Ash, and Sharps Formation – that not only peak curiosity, but lend a question as to how our Earth has been affected by things like glacial erosion, weathering, and large bodies of water. Views of the Badlands should be experienced, if only for a moment.

Hiking through the park is unparalleled

Golden Glow, Door Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

You can camp surrounded by rare geological formations

The park isn’t just for visiting; you can stay overnight, too. Whether it’s in the Badlands backcountry, or in one of the campgrounds – Cedar Pass or Sage Creek – sunrises and sunsets can be experienced year-round. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sleep under the stars amidst blooming wildflowers and breathtaking scenery?

If camping isn’t for you, there’s a lodge in the park

Sleeping outside isn’t for everyone, but don’t worry – the Cedar Pass Lodge offers private cabins, an inn, and RV parking. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop should you need to stock up on goods.

Porch View, View from our Cedar Pass Lodge cabin in Badlands National Park

The Badlands were once home to extinct animals like the saber-toothed cat

Fossils in the park have revealed the remains of ancient animals, evidence of our planet’s long-standing history. Remnants of oreodonts, creodonts, camels, three-toed horses, rhinos, land turtles, and antelope-like animals amongst other reptiles, birds, rabbits, beavers, and deer-like mammals have all been found within its perimeter.

There are 69 different species of butterflies located within the park

Roaming along the prairie grasses, find 39 different species of mammals – such as bighorn sheep, bison, and pronghorn. Not to mention, nine reptile species, six amphibian species, 206 bird species, and 69 different types of butterflies. Sixty-nine! Even if you’re not into animals that much, being surrounded by so much wildlife is a life-changing experience.

In Badlands National Park – American Bison

It’s one of the largest expanses of grasslands in the nation

At nearly a quarter-million acres of wilderness, this destination is a breath of serenity. And although there are trees and shrubs dotted along the landscape, more than half of the park is covered by ankle- and waist-high grasses blowing in the breeze. Plus, the park boasts more than 400 species of plants.

You can get a glimpse of 65 million years of geological history

The ‘White River Badlands,’ famous for its well-preserved fossils dating back to the late Eocene and early Oligocene eras, is the largest fossil bed of its kind, contributing to significant research in paleontology in North America. Oligocene fossils revealed many ancient animals species, while marine fossils provided evidence of a sea that once existed here 75 to 67 million years ago. Head along the Fossil Exhibit Trail for a look at replicas and exhibits of the area’s former residents. Aspiring paleontologists can even watch scientists at the working Fossil Prep Lab.

It’s the ideal spot for stargazing

Everyone knows that constellations are at their prime when seen well away from the lights and pollution of modern cities. The park is revered for its star-filled sky, and during summer, astronomy lovers can get their hands on telescopes Friday to Monday at the Cedar Pass Campground for an even closer look.

You can catch a glimpse of the park from the seat of your car

If you’re short on time, or just want to see the Badlands without worrying about whether you have the right hiking shoes, you’re in luck. You can take a drive along the Badlands Loop Road, also known as Highway 240, for panoramic views and scenic lookouts of the park’s prairie grasses and countless formations.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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