Agnostik
National Park · SD

Badlands National Park

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

Layered badlands formations behind fields of green grass under cloudy and billowing clouds.
Summer storms are frequently violent and unpredictable.
The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.
The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.
Badlands formations are very rugged and often have sharp peaks.
Badlands formations are very rugged and often have sharp peaks.
Jagged badlands buttes extended in horizon amid yellow flowers under a blue sky.
The park has seasonal changes in colors so plan ahead!
road leading between snow covered badlands formations
Winter in Badlands National Park often creates snow covered wonderlands throughout the park.

Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Compass and GPS
  • Food
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs