Badlands National Park

Rugged eroded buttes and grassland prairie in southwestern South Dakota, known for rich fossil beds and wildlife such as bison.

25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750 · Interior, SD

About Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park in southwestern South Dakota features striking eroded formations and one of the richest fossil beds in the world. Ancient horses and rhinos once lived in the area. The park also protects a large mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. Visitors pay an entrance pass fee, and the park accepts only card payments.

#national park
#fossils
#prairie
#wildlife
#geology

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Badlands National Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sightseeing
Sage Creek Rim Road
Check prices
A gravel scenic drive through the Sage Creek Wilderness Area of Badlands National Park, with overlooks and frequent wildlife sightings.
13 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Local Gem
Wall
No admission fee
Badlands gateway town in western South Dakota, home to the famous Wall Drug Store.
21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Attractions
Iconic
Wall Drug Store
No admission fee
An iconic Wall, South Dakota roadside stop with free ice water, cowboy-themed shops, restaurants and a giant dinosaur.
21 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
$25–$50
Adventure park near Mount Rushmore with a scenic chairlift, alpine slide, zipline course, and aerial ropes park.
47 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Black Hills Wilderness Edge
$50+
ATV and UTV rental outfitter for guided backcountry trail riding near Keystone, South Dakota.
49 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Wind Cave National Park
No admission fee
Tour a vast cave lined with rare boxwork formations, then watch bison and elk on the prairie above it.
51 mi awayMore like this