Badlands National Park

Tripadvisor (1,071) · National park
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Located in South Dakota, Badlands National Park protects spectacular scenery & world-renowned fossils See more

Reviews

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Dec 7, 2023
Scenery was beautiful, but the hiking didn’t have the elevation I was hoping for and it was very crowded, I like more seclusion. There were people EVERYWHERE, which definitely isn’t my thing. Beautif… Full review by Meander38187221095
Oct 15, 2023
Make sure you have a full tank in the morning before setting off. Grab the ice cooler and make sure you have food and water in it. After you get in the park, make sure you head to the bathroom. It … Full review by kirbykirby
Oct 11, 2023
Driving in from Mitchell we took Hwy 240 south at the Interior exit - to do the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway. We followed this road through part of the Badlands and ended in Wall, SD. Very nice drive… Full review by MAP12

Questions & answers

Q:
We will be coming from Valentine, NE with our Airbnb in keystone, sd. We are deciding whether or not to go …
Q:
We will be coming from Valentine, NE with our Airbnb in keystone, sd. We are deciding whether or not to go straight north to hit the interstate, go north for a bit and take hwy 44, or going west to Chadron then up north. Google maps says going through Pine Ridge is the fastest but I do t want to do that and I heard that the road might even be closed because they are trying to keep COVID out. Is going north through Rosebud an option. Roads are open? I’m assuming it will not be nearly as depressing as traveling through Pine Ridge, is that correct? Chadron is the longest way and since we will be canoeing in the morning, my kids will be really cranky if we take any longer than necessary. Thanks.
A:
I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a …
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I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a little farther from Keystone than from Wall, but food choices and accomodations are much better in Keystone. Also, there are many attractions close to and in Keystone that may be of interest to you and your children, depending on their ages. I hope this helps you and I wish you a very pleasant and enjoyable vacation.
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Answer by Charles C · May 25, 2020
Q:
I’m fearful of steep / scary drives within the mountain ranges. How is the drive through the Badlands?
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Although mountainous the roads are at a gentle slope (no hairpin turns) and well maintained. The surrounding areas are somewhat desolate so we would recommend a full tank of …
A:
Although mountainous the roads are at a gentle slope (no hairpin turns) and well maintained. The surrounding areas are somewhat desolate so we would recommend a full tank of gas as well as water and some snacks. A beautiful experience.
Q:
Is it ok to drive a travel trailer camper (med-sized) on The Loop road? I read it's a 2 lane paved road, so I'm thinking that it …
Q:
Is it ok to drive a travel trailer camper (med-sized) on The Loop road? I read it's a 2 lane paved road, so I'm thinking that it should be ok. Can anyone confirm?
A:
Yes, it is a paved, good road. Many people have trailers. Enjoy!
Q:
How do I go about the night sky viewings at the park?
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I would go to the national park web site for the Badlands & contact them directly with your question. I do not know the answer to your question as I have not visited this park at …
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I would go to the national park web site for the Badlands & contact them directly with your question. I do not know the answer to your question as I have not visited this park at night. Each park in the national park system has it's own web site & has instructions on how to contact the park directly for information. I have contacted several national parks directly by either telephone or email & I always found them to be very responsive to questions.
Q:
Making some stops (but not stopping at every pull off), how long should we allow to drive loop road?
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Took about an hour with 2-3 stops to look which you have to do. Walked at one stop a little but mainly taking pictures, amazing sight, like your on another planet . A total must do.
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
What can we see at the park?
A:
A visit to the park allows for an exploration of America's Cold War nuclear deterrent. We suggest that you start a visit at the Visitor Center. Ranger-guided...
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