Badlands National Park Tours and Activities

Photo provided by National Parks Service/Lee McDowell
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Shaina Niehans
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Sara Feldt
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Shaina Niehans


Despite the forbidding name, this park has great beauty in its cliffs, prairies and ancient fossil beds.

Early pioneers were awestruck moving from the prairies to variegated cliffs of what is now known as Badlands National Park. At first glance, these treeless, seemingly endless spires, pinnacles and ravines appear hostile, earning their name of “bad lands.” However, today’s safe access lets you explore the beauty of this geologic wonder.

Hiking paths range from short, easy Window Trail and boardwalk Door Trail at canyon level to moderate and strenuous trails up the Badlands Wall. Hike both areas for varied perspectives of looking up to and down from fascinating rock formations.

Camp in the backcountry and enjoy clear, dark skies under the Milky Way Galaxy. Visit Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheatre to hear a ranger program and use telescopes to explore some of the 7,500 visible stars and a few planets.

Follow the short boardwalk along Fossil Exhibit Trail, with replicas of ancient creatures once inhabiting the area. In this park, one of the world’s richest fossil fields, you may discover unmarked fossil remains. If so, don’t do any digging, but flag the spot, fill out a visitor site report and notify a ranger.

Ancient rhinoceroses and saber-toothed cats once lived in these lands. In modern times, look for bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison and ferrets in the vast mixed-grass prairie area.

If you’ve visited before, return to enjoy the park again and look for changes in the striking landscape. Fragile parts of the terrain erode at a rate of 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) per year, exposing new fossils on a regular basis.

Drive or join a tour to appreciate the sights along the Badlands Loop Road. Each turn brings a new view of stratified rock and narrow gullies. The park is about an hour’s drive east of Rapid City. Combine your visit to see the natural beauty of Badlands National Park with a trip to Mount Rushmore National Monument where images of four great U.S. presidents are carved into a massive cliff.

Purchase a day pass to Badlands National Park or an interagency pass providing full-year access to all U.S. national parks with affordable adventures for every traveller.

Plan a trip to see Badlands National Park

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Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Cambria Hotel Rapid City near Mount Rushmore
Pine Haven Lodging

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Best Lodging Options Near Badlands National Park

Best Western Plains Motel

Best Western Plains Motel

2.5 out of 5
712 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Best Western Plains Motel
Badlands Frontier Cabins

Badlands Frontier Cabins

3 out of 5
1101 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Badlands Frontier Cabins
Super 8 by Wyndham Wall

Super 8 by Wyndham Wall

2.5 out of 5
711 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Super 8 by Wyndham Wall
Americas Best Value Inn Wall

Americas Best Value Inn Wall

2 out of 5
201 South Boulevard, Wall, SD
Americas Best Value Inn Wall
Days Inn by Wyndham Wall

Days Inn by Wyndham Wall

2 out of 5
212 10th Ave And Norris, Wall, SD
Days Inn by Wyndham Wall
Econo Lodge Wall

Econo Lodge Wall

2 out of 5
804 Glenn St, Wall, SD
Econo Lodge Wall
Hansen Inn and Cabins

Hansen Inn and Cabins

2 out of 5
114 4th Ave, Wall, SD
Hansen Inn and Cabins
Travelodge by Wyndham Wall

Travelodge by Wyndham Wall

2 out of 5
211 10th Avenue, Wall, SD
Travelodge by Wyndham Wall
Charming 2-bedroom house in lovely Wall with WiFi & AC

Charming 2-bedroom house in lovely Wall with WiFi & AC

Wall
Charming 2-bedroom house in lovely Wall with WiFi & AC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park in South Dakota offers an array of exciting activities for visitors, including thrilling adventures and scenic sightseeing. You can explore the stunning landscapes through various tours and enjoy leisurely shopping in nearby areas. For those looking to unwind, fire pits provide a perfect setting to relax under the stars. This destination promises a unique blend of nature and recreation for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

Discover unique souvenirs and gifts at Wall Drug, a vibrant shopping mall located 17.7km from Badlands National Park. This iconic stop offers a mix of entertainment, dining, and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore other nearby markets for a more extensive selection.

Recreation

At Sage Creek Wilderness Area, enjoy serene hikes amidst breathtaking landscapes, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Meanwhile, the Wall Golf Course invites you to engage in an invigorating game surrounded by stunning vistas, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to unwind after a day of exploration in the Badlands.

Adventure

The Notch Trail, located 19.3km from Badlands National Park, offers an exhilarating hike with stunning views and challenging terrain. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, 29.0km away, combines adventure with fascinating paleontological insights. For a thrilling experience, the Saddle Pass Trailhead, 30.6km from the park, presents breathtaking scenery and outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Badlands National Park is serene and captivating. After sunset, enjoy stargazing at the park's stunning vistas or visit the nearby town of Wall, where you can unwind at local diners and pubs, immersing yourself in the charming atmosphere of the American West.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Badlands National Park

Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, Badlands National Park in Porcupine, South Dakota, offers a variety of attractions to explore. From museums and visitor centres to historic sites, there's something for every type of traveller. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich history of this unique destination, making it an unforgettable part of your vacation.

  • Pinnacles Entrance Badlands: Located 8.0km from Badlands National Park, this visitor centre offers an adventurous and family-friendly atmosphere. Here, you can gather essential information, enjoy breathtaking views, and embark on outdoor activities that showcase the park's stunning landscapes.
  • Roberts Prairie Dog Town: Situated 6.4km away from the park, this charming attraction provides an opportunity to observe playful prairie dogs in their natural habitat. With friendly locals and a welcoming ambiance, it's a great spot for family excursions and wildlife watching.
  • Wounded Knee Museum: Located 16.1km from Badlands National Park, this museum offers a profound cultural experience. It showcases the history and significance of the Wounded Knee Massacre, providing insight into Indigenous heritage and resilience.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Badlands National Park

To save on your visit to Badlands National Park, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or seeking last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield savings. Tuesdays offer the lowest rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search features to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Badlands National Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Badlands National Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Badlands National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Badlands National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your search according to your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Badlands National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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