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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Cambria Hotel Rapid City near Mount Rushmore
Pine Haven Lodging

Popular places to visit


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

At Badlands National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including camping, horseback riding, and exploring the unique landscapes through guided tours. For a distinctive experience, consider staying in tipis near the park. Additionally, cave tours are available for those interested in underground adventures. With breathtaking sights and various outdoor activities, Badlands National Park offers a memorable getaway for tourists.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Wall Drug, a shopping mall located 17.7km away from Badlands National Park. If you're up for a drive, this vibrant spot offers family-friendly entertainment and a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs to bring back home.

Recreation

At Sage Creek Wilderness Area, immerse yourself in nature with serene hiking trails and the soothing sounds of the wilderness, just 32.2km from Badlands National Park. For a more active experience, enjoy the outdoor charm and fresh air at Wall Golf Course, located 14.5km away, perfect for a leisurely round of golf.

Adventure

The Notch Trail, located 19.3km from Badlands National Park, offers an exhilarating hiking experience with breathtaking views. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, 29.0km away, showcases intriguing fossils amidst stunning landscapes. For a challenging trek, Saddle Pass Trailhead, 114.5km from the park, immerses you in adventurous outdoor vibes.

Find the best attractions near Badlands National Park

During your visit to Badlands National Park in Porcupine, South Dakota, you can explore a range of attractions including visitor centres, museums, and historic sites. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking sunrises. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels near the park, ensuring a convenient base for your adventures in this stunning landscape.

  • Pinnacles Entrance Badlands: This visitor centre, located 8.0km from Badlands National Park, offers a fantastic starting point for your adventure. With its outdoor family-friendly atmosphere, you can gather information, enjoy exhibits, and connect with nature before exploring the stunning landscapes of the Badlands.
  • Roberts Prairie Dog Town: Situated 6.4km from the park, this attraction provides a unique opportunity to observe playful prairie dogs in their natural habitat. The friendly vibe makes it perfect for families, and guided excursions offer insights into these fascinating creatures and their ecosystem.
  • Wounded Knee Museum: Located 16.1km away, this museum immerses you in the rich culture and history of the Lakota Sioux. The exhibits provide a poignant look at the events surrounding Wounded Knee, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in Indigenous history.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Badlands National Park

When planning your visit to Badlands National Park, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, as opposed to the peak summer months. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can save you money, and check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Tuesdays when prices are typically lower. Explore free attractions like Wall Drug nearby, and use Expedia’s search tool to find the best deals by adjusting filters for budget and preferences. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities through package deals can also help you save significantly.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Badlands National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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 refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply adjust the price filter to sort from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Badlands National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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