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Containing the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 37-28 million years old, the evolutionary stories of mammals such as the horse and rhinoceros arise from the 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Bison, bighorn sheep, endangered black-footed ferrets, and swift fox roam one of the largest, protected mixed-grass prairies in the United States.
 
Badlands Visitor Guide 2010

Planning a Visit

If you are planning a visit to Badlands National Park in 2010, be sure to read the Badlands Visitor Guide. This guide contains valuable information on topics such as visitor facilities, hiking trails, ranger programs and much more.
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Ranger assisting students during an education program

For Kids and Teachers

Researching a school project? Trying to schedule a classroom education program, field trip, or videoconference? Discover educational resources and learn about Badlands National Park by visiting For Kids and For Teachers.

 
Clip of a Badlands scenic photo by artist in residence Rikk Flohr, 2007

Artist in Residence

Since 1996, Badlands National Park has hosted over forty artists in residence. The program helps foster an appreciation of park resources through each artist’s interpretation. Painters, sculptors, writers, and photographers have all found inspiration in the stark and stunning Badlands landscape. Sample some of their work or learn how to apply.
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Front page of the General Management Plan newsletter

Planning Underway for the South Unit General Management Plan

The National Park Service is working on a General Management Plan (GMP) for the South Unit of Badlands National Park. Updates on the process are now available in Newsletter #2 Spring 2009 (879 KB PDF). The GMP management team will be preparing a list of alternatives for managing the South Unit, based on public comments. The draft South Unit GMP will be available in early 2010, with another public comment period occurring shortly thereafter.
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Write to

25216 Ben Reifel Road
P.O. Box 6
Interior, South Dakota 57750

Phone

Park Headquarters
(605) 433-5361

Fax

(605) 433-5404

Climate

The Badlands climate is variable and unpredictable with temperatures ranging from -40 F to 116 F. The summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall. Extremely high winds are common year-round. Sudden and dramatic weather changes are common. Dress in layers. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate water are recommended for hiking.
Communities Surrounding Badlands National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Interior, SD (3 min. ) Pop. 77
Kadoka, SD (27 min. ) Pop. 706
Wall, SD (28 min. ) Pop. 818
Scenic, SD (31 min. ) Pop. 87
Quinn, SD (31 min. ) Pop. 44
Porcupine, SD (32 min. ) Pop. 407
Manderson, SD (34 min. )
Philip, SD (37 min. ) Pop. 885
Belvidere, SD (38 min. ) Pop. 57
 Wasta, SD (39 min. ) Pop. 75
Kyle, SD (41 min. ) Pop. 970
Wounded Knee, SD (47 min. ) Pop. 328
Wanblee, SD (48 min. ) Pop. 641
Long Valley, SD (1 hr.  0 min. )
Allen, SD (1 hr.  3 min. ) Pop. 419
Pine Ridge, SD (1 hr.  3 min. ) Pop. 3,171
Batesland, SD (1 hr.  10 min. ) Pop. 88
Oglala, SD (1 hr.  12 min. ) Pop. 1,229