Badlands National Park sits in southwestern South Dakota, with its visitor-facing address at 25216 Ben Reifel Road in Interior. The park is known for its striking landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires that rise in bands of color across the prairie. It was once also named Badlands National Monument, a name you may still see in older materials.
What a visit is like
Much of the appeal here is simply the view. The land folds into ridges, gullies and pinnacles, and the light changes the colors of the rock through the day, which makes the scenery worth returning to more than once if your schedule allows. Because the terrain is open and dramatic, a visit suits people who enjoy long looks at a wide landscape as much as those who want to walk among the formations.
Wildlife and the fossil record
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, so keep your eyes open as you drive or walk, and bring binoculars if you have them. The area is also rich in paleontological resources. The layered rock holds a record of ancient life, and the fossils found here are part of what makes the park significant for visitors interested in geology and natural history.
Planning your trip
- Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750
- Phone: +1-605-433-5361
- Good for: scenic drives, landscape viewing, wildlife watching, and fossil and geology interest
Check ahead with the park by phone for current conditions before you set out, since the roads and trails can be affected by weather. A visit to Badlands is best approached as an open day in the landscape: go slowly, stop often, and let the rock formations set the pace.
