WUDN
March-2024
Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Must-Visit Features of Every National Park in the United States
WUDN Outdoor Adventure (National Park Series)
Part 33 of Our National Park Series
Badlands National Park
National Park Series > Midwestern US > Badlands National Park
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Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park is a pristine wilderness of towering peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems, the park offers visitors a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are the top five activities to experience during your visit:
Top 5 Outdoor Adventures in: Badlands National Park
1. Badlands Loop Road
Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park from the comfort of your car with a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road. This 31-mile route winds its way through the park's otherworldly landscape, offering panoramic views of colorful rock formations, steep canyons, and expansive prairies.
2. Notch Trail
For a closer look at the park's unique geology, lace up your hiking boots and tackle the Notch Trail. This moderate hike leads adventurers through a picturesque canyon before ascending a wooden ladder to a stunning overlook with sweeping views of the Badlands below.
3. Fossil Exhibit Trail
Step back in time and discover the prehistoric wonders of Badlands National Park on the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This short, accessible boardwalk trail features interpretive exhibits showcasing fossils of ancient mammals such as saber-toothed cats, giant rhinos, and three-toed horses.
4. Wildlife Viewing
Keep your eyes peeled for Badlands' diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and elusive black-footed ferrets. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and other raptors soaring high above the rugged landscape.
5. Night Sky Photography
Capture the beauty of the night sky with a photography expedition to Badlands National Park. With its expansive vistas and minimal light pollution, the park offers endless opportunities for astrophotography, from capturing the Milky Way arching overhead to photographing meteor showers streaking across the sky.
In Badlands National Park, some of the top attractions that draw visitors from around the world include:
Badlands National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and unique geological formations, offers visitors a plethora of stunning attractions to explore. Here are the top four must-see attractions in Badlands National Park:
These are just a few of the must-see attractions that await visitors to Badlands National Park. Whether driving along scenic roads, hiking through rugged terrain, or exploring ancient fossil beds, the park offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences that showcase the unique beauty and geological wonders of the Badlands.
Some Real Wooden Style for Your Trip
We are working on more branded merch to accompany your trip. In the meantime, here is a pair of real wooden shades for some excellent style while you hike the back-country of Badlands National Park.
How to Get To Badlands National Park
To reach Badlands National Park, visitors have several options depending on their starting point and mode of transportation:
1. By Car: The most common way to reach Badlands National Park is by car. The park is located in southwestern South Dakota, approximately 60 miles east of Rapid City. From Rapid City, visitors can take Interstate 90 eastbound and then exit onto South Dakota Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) to access the park's north entrance. Alternatively, visitors traveling from the east can take Interstate 90 westbound and exit onto South Dakota Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) to access the park's south entrance.
2. By Air: The nearest major airport to Badlands National Park is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), located approximately 75 miles west of the park. From the airport, visitors can rent a car and drive to the park, or arrange for shuttle or taxi service to their accommodations near the park.
3. By Bus: While there are no direct bus routes to Badlands National Park, visitors can take Greyhound or other bus services to Rapid City and then rent a car or arrange for transportation to the park.
4. By Train: Amtrak offers train service to Rapid City via its Empire Builder route, which runs between Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle/Portland, Washington. From the Rapid City Amtrak station, visitors can rent a car or arrange for transportation to Badlands National Park.
Once inside the park, visitors can explore its scenic drives, hiking trails, and viewpoints by car or on foot. The park is open year-round, but services and facilities may vary depending on the season, so it's essential to check the park's website or contact the visitor center for current information before planning your trip.
History and Creation of Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is renowned for its rugged beauty, striking geological formations, and rich paleontological history. The park's history and creation are deeply intertwined with its unique landscape and cultural significance.
The Badlands region has been inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, for thousands of years. These indigenous peoples revered the land for its spiritual significance and utilized its resources for hunting, gathering, and ceremonial purposes.
In the late 19th century, European settlers began to explore and settle in the Badlands region, drawn by its fertile grasslands and abundant wildlife. However, the harsh climate, rugged terrain, and scarcity of water made farming and ranching challenging, leading to the eventual abandonment of many homesteads.
In the early 20th century, efforts were made to preserve the unique landscape of the Badlands. In 1929, President Herbert Hoover signed a proclamation establishing Badlands National Monument, protecting a portion of the region's distinctive rock formations and fossil beds. Over the years, additional lands were added to the monument, expanding its boundaries and protecting its natural and cultural resources.
In 1978, Badlands National Monument was redesignated as Badlands National Park, further solidifying its status as a protected area managed by the National Park Service. Today, Badlands National Park encompasses over 240,000 acres of prairies, buttes, and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems, providing habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species.
In addition to its natural beauty, Badlands National Park is renowned for its rich paleontological resources, including fossils of ancient mammals such as saber-toothed cats, rhinos, and horses. The park's fossil beds provide valuable insights into the prehistoric past of North America and attract scientists and researchers from around the world.
Visitors to Badlands National Park can explore its otherworldly landscapes via scenic drives, hiking trails, and interpretive programs offered by the park. Whether marveling at its towering rock formations, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, or learning about its rich cultural heritage, Badlands National Park offers a wealth of experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of the American Great Plains.
/Fin. Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park captivates visitors with its striking landscapes and rich geological history. From the rugged terrain of its iconic badlands formations to the vast expanses of prairie teeming with wildlife, the park offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the forces that have shaped the American Midwest over millions of years. Whether hiking through otherworldly landscapes, marveling at fossilized remains of ancient creatures, or stargazing beneath the expansive night sky, every moment in Badlands National Park is an opportunity for exploration and discovery. As one of America's most unique and captivating wilderness areas, the park invites visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and uncover the secrets of its ancient past.
Outdoor Adventure Giveaway
Get Some Real Wooden Style for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
The April Edition of the Outdoor Adventure Giveaway is Closed.
Winner Selected on 5/1/2024
CONGRUTALATIONS: Ted P from Wisconsin
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About the Author
Jaimeleigh Christian
Jaime is passionate about the outdoors and traveling throughout these gorgeous United States. Especially National Parks in the Pacific Northwest.
Tags
Travel
Outdoor Adventure Series
National Parks
Tour Guide
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