Badlands National Park

QUICKLINKS:

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.

In Depth Web Pages

While we convert to the new nps.gov web format, feel free to access our 'In Depth' web pages for more detailed information about the park's mission and history, its natural and cultural resources, trails, facilities, and activities. Park brochures can also be located and downloaded here as well.

		Badlands Web Cam Virtually view the rugged badlands scenery from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center as the weather and lighting changes throughout the days and seasons. Hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and linked to their website.

Write to

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

E-mail Us

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.

Badlands National Park Information