Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a dynamic and unique natural resource. Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park provides rich fossil beds, a textured cultural history, and breathtaking landscapes. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world.
Access thousands of hiking, biking and fishing trails - unlimited topos/maps and free trial!The park was originally established in 1929 as a national monument in order to protect the fossil resources and delicate geology. The area was redesignated as a national park in 1978. Today, the park encompasses an area of about 244,000 acres that consist of sharply eroded buttes, spires, pinnacles, ravines, and prairie lands.
Sixty-four thousand acres of this land is designated as wilderness.
The park's mission is to provide education in four major areas:
paleontology, geology, prairie land studies, and human history of the area. The Badlands yield information about the rise of mammals after the destruction of the dinosaurs. Paleontologists are able to study the evolution of Oligocene mammals over a span of 15 million years.
Geologists, on the other hand, are able to study the sediment deposits and piece together the geological processes that were responsible for forming the White River Badlands region. About half of the park is made up of a mixed grass ecosystem that is unlike any other on earth; it consists of many native plants and animals. The black-footed ferret, one of the most endangered mammals in North America, makes its home here. Human history of the Badlands dates back 11,000 years.
Anthropologists and archaeologists are able to study cultural as well as physical human evolutions.
In addition to the quality educational opportunities in Badlands National Park, there is a spectrum of outdoor activities in which to participate in. Backpacking, hiking, bicycling, and camping are all popular activities. The best times to backpack are in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and cooperative. Permits are not required, however, park officials encourage all backpackers to check in at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. If you prefer day hikes to extensive overnight trips, the park provides hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties. Bicycling is not allowed on any of the hiking trails; the prairie lands and Badlands formations are very sensitive to wheeled traffic. If you choose to see the park by bike, you must remain on designated roads.
The weather in Badlands National Park can be unpredictable and variable. Temperatures can fluctuate between 116 degrees F and 40 degrees F. Most of the precipitation, which amounts to a few inches a year, falls during the warmer summer months, and are accompanied by abrasive thunderstorms.
For your convenience and education, the park provides a number a facilities and programs. The White River Visitor Center and Ben Reifel Visitor Center provide information on all aspects of the park.
Rangers provide daily talks, walks, and slide shows. There are also a number of overlooks and picnic areas for your enjoyment.
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