Badlands National Park

Photo provided by National Parks Service/Lee McDowell
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Shaina Niehans
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Sara Feldt
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Shaina Niehans


Despite the forbidding name, this park has great beauty in its cliffs, prairies and ancient fossil beds.

Early pioneers were awestruck moving from the prairies to variegated cliffs of what is now known as Badlands National Park. At first glance, these treeless, seemingly endless spires, pinnacles and ravines appear hostile, earning their name of “bad lands.” However, today’s safe access lets you explore the beauty of this geologic wonder.  

Hiking paths range from short, easy Window Trail and boardwalk Door Trail at canyon level to moderate and strenuous trails up the Badlands Wall. Hike both areas for varied perspectives of looking up to and down from fascinating rock formations. 

Camp in the backcountry and enjoy clear, dark skies under the Milky Way Galaxy. Visit Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheatre to hear a ranger programme and use telescopes to explore some of the 7,500 visible stars and a few planets. 

Follow the short boardwalk along Fossil Exhibit Trail, with replicas of ancient creatures once inhabiting the area. In this park, one of the world’s richest fossil fields, you may discover unmarked fossil remains. If so, don’t do any digging, but flag the spot, fill out a visitor site report and notify a ranger.  

Ancient rhinoceroses and saber-toothed cats once lived in these lands. In modern times, look for bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison and ferrets in the vast mixed-grass prairie area. 

If you’ve visited before, return to enjoy the park again and look for changes in the striking landscape. Fragile parts of the terrain erode at a rate of 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) per year, exposing new fossils on a regular basis.

Drive or join a tour to appreciate the sights along the Badlands Loop Road. Each turn brings a new view of stratified rock and narrow gullies. The park is about an hour’s drive east of Rapid City. Combine your visit to see the natural beauty of Badlands National Park with a trip to Mount Rushmore National Monument where images of four great U.S. presidents are carved into a massive cliff. 

Purchase a day pass to Badlands National Park or an interagency pass providing full-year access to all U.S. national parks with affordable adventures for every traveller.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Badlands Frontier Cabins

Badlands Frontier Cabins

3 out of 5
1101 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Badlands Frontier Cabins
Super 8 by Wyndham Wall

Super 8 by Wyndham Wall

2.5 out of 5
711 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Super 8 by Wyndham Wall
Americas Best Value Inn Wall

Americas Best Value Inn Wall

2 out of 5
201 South Boulevard, Wall, SD
Americas Best Value Inn Wall
Econo Lodge Wall

Econo Lodge Wall

2 out of 5
804 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Econo Lodge Wall
Travelodge by Wyndham Wall

Travelodge by Wyndham Wall

2 out of 5
211 10th Avenue, Wall, SD
Travelodge by Wyndham Wall
Hansen Inn and Cabins

Hansen Inn and Cabins

2 out of 5
114 4th Ave, Wall, SD
Hansen Inn and Cabins
The Wagon Wheel

The Wagon Wheel

2 out of 5
19 Hwy 1416, Wasta, SD
The Wagon Wheel
The Redwood Motel

The Redwood Motel

2 out of 5
50 C Avenue, Wasta, SD
The Redwood Motel
Badlands Hotel and Campground

Badlands Hotel and Campground

2 out of 5
900 SD Highway 377, Interior, SD
Badlands Hotel and Campground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park offers a wealth of activities for visitors, including backcountry camping for those seeking adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Sightseeing tours provide opportunities to explore the park’s unique geological formations, while nearby shopping adds a touch of local culture to your visit. Embrace the thrill of the outdoors and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this remarkable destination.

Shopping

While visiting Badlands National Park, don't miss Wall Drug, located 17.7km away. This iconic shopping mall offers a unique blend of entertainment and family-friendly vibes, perfect for finding souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore local shops in nearby communities for even more gifts and treasures.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Wall Golf Course, just 14.5km from Badlands National Park, where you can embrace the outdoor vibes. For a serene escape, head to Sage Creek Wilderness Area, 32.2km away, ideal for relaxation and wellness amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Embark on the Notch Trail, located 19.3km from Badlands National Park, for a thrilling hike with stunning scenery. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, 29.0km away, offers an adventurous exploration of ancient fossils. For a more challenging trek, try the Saddle Pass Trailhead, situated 30.6km from the park.

Nightlife

While Badlands National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, nightlife is quite limited. Nearby, the Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries offers a unique cultural experience with local art. Alternatively, consider a starlit hike in the park for a truly memorable evening under the vast South Dakota sky.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park offers a delightful blend of cultural and adventurous experiences for visitors. Key attractions include museums, visitor centres, and historic sites, appealing to families and those seeking a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. Whether you're exploring the breathtaking landscapes or engaging with local history, the park promises a memorable holiday filled with diverse activities.

  • Pinnacles Entrance Badlands: Located 8.0km from Badlands National Park, this visitor centre offers a great starting point for your adventure. With family-friendly activities and outdoor vibes, it provides essential information and resources for exploring the stunning landscape and hiking trails of the Badlands.
  • Roberts Prairie Dog Town: Situated 6.4km from the park, this attraction is a delightful experience for families. Here, you can observe the lively prairie dogs in their natural habitat, making it a unique excursion that highlights the area's wildlife and friendly atmosphere.
  • Wounded Knee Museum: Located 16.1km away, this museum immerses visitors in the rich culture and history of the Lakota people. It offers an insightful perspective on the Wounded Knee Massacre, making it a poignant stop for those interested in Native American heritage.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Badlands National Park

To save money on your trip to Badlands National Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a month in advance can help you secure the best rates, and Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia, and use their search tool to filter by budget and preferences. Combining hotel stays with flights and activities in a package can also yield significant savings. Remember to check for additional fees and best price guarantees to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Badlands National Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Badlands National Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Badlands National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Badlands National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save money by combining your hotel booking for Badlands National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia