10 Scenic, Wild, and Totally Worth-It Things to Do in Badlands National Park
The Badlands of South Dakota offer some of America’s most otherworldly landscapes. With towering spires, deep canyons, and fossil-rich buttes, this national park feels like stepping onto another planet. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning explorer, these rugged prairies and dramatic formations have something magical to offer everyone.
1. Catch a Sunrise or Sunset Over the Buttes
Morning light transforms the Badlands into a painter’s palette of warm hues. The jagged formations catch fire with vibrant oranges and purples, creating a scene that even the best photographers struggle to fully capture.
Big Badlands Overlook offers a perfect eastern view for sunrise enthusiasts, while Pinnacles Overlook faces west for those magical evening moments. Pack a thermos of coffee or bring a small picnic for sunset.
The changing light creates shadows that dance across the landscape, revealing textures and details invisible during harsh midday sun. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good spot—these colorful shows attract photographers and nature lovers alike.
2. Drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway (Highway 240)
Winding through 39 miles of breathtaking landscape, this road trip showcases the park’s most striking features without requiring serious hiking boots. Yellow Mounds, ancient soil layers, and bands of colorful rock tell Earth’s geologic story through your windshield.
Fourteen designated overlooks provide perfect photo opportunities and chances to stretch your legs. Wildlife often appears along the roadside—keep an eye out for bighorn sheep perched on seemingly impossible slopes.
Complete the loop in about an hour, but smart travelers allow half a day to truly appreciate the changing scenery. Early morning or late afternoon drives offer the best lighting for photographs and increase wildlife spotting chances.
3. Hike the Notch Trail (If You’re Feeling Brave)
Adventure seekers flock to this 1.5-mile round-trip trail for its perfect combination of challenge and reward. The journey begins innocently enough along a flat canyon floor before reaching its famous log ladder—a steep 50-foot climb that gets your heart racing.
After navigating a narrow ledge (not for those with a serious fear of heights!), you’ll emerge at a stunning viewpoint overlooking the vast White River Valley. The panorama stretches for miles, revealing the park’s immense scale.
Sturdy shoes with good traction are absolutely essential on this trail. Bring plenty of water and avoid this hike during thunderstorms or extreme heat. The moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to most reasonably fit visitors.
4. Look for Bison and Bighorn Sheep in Sage Creek Wilderness Area
Rolling prairies stretch to the horizon in this remote western section of the park. The unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road leads adventurous visitors through prime wildlife habitat where bison herds roam freely across the grasslands.
Prairie dog towns create a constant chorus of chirps and barks as these social rodents stand guard over their underground cities. Patient observers might spot coyotes, pronghorn antelope, or the majestic bighorn sheep scaling seemingly impossible rock faces.
Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens for your camera, but remember to maintain a safe distance from all animals—especially the powerful bison who can run three times faster than humans!
5. Walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail
Ancient history comes alive along this accessible quarter-mile boardwalk trail. Life-sized replicas of extinct creatures that once called this area home stand alongside the path, allowing visitors to imagine the prehistoric landscape.
Interpretive signs explain how these strange beasts—including saber-toothed cats and early horse ancestors—lived and died here millions of years ago. The boardwalk design makes this trail suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering educational opportunities for all ages.
Rangers often host talks at this location during summer months, bringing paleontology to life with fascinating stories. The short distance makes this a perfect activity to combine with other adventures, especially during hot afternoon hours when shade is welcome.
6. Camp Under the Stars
Far from city lights, the night sky above the Badlands reveals cosmic wonders invisible to most Americans. The Milky Way stretches across the darkness like a glittering river, while shooting stars regularly streak overhead.
Cedar Pass Campground offers convenient facilities with stunning sunrise views of the formations. For more adventurous souls, backcountry camping provides complete solitude—just register at the visitor center first and bring plenty of water.
Summer brings ranger-led night sky programs where powerful telescopes reveal Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons. The park’s status as a certified International Dark Sky Park guarantees astronomical experiences that rival professional observatories. Don’t forget extra layers—desert temperatures drop dramatically after sunset!
7. Stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Knowledge transforms a pretty view into a profound experience. This modern facility houses fascinating exhibits explaining how wind and water sculpted the bizarre landscape outside. Touch actual fossils and learn why paleontologists consider the Badlands a treasure trove of prehistoric life.
The working fossil preparation lab offers a behind-the-scenes look at real scientists carefully extracting ancient bones from rock matrix. Kids especially love the hands-on discovery tables and junior ranger activities available throughout the center.
Cool air conditioning makes this an excellent midday refuge during summer heat. Don’t leave without watching the 20-minute orientation film that provides context for everything you’ll see in the park. Rangers at the information desk can recommend trails suited to your specific interests and abilities.
8. Take the Castle Trail for Big Views and Few Crowds
Solitude seekers rejoice! This 10-mile round-trip journey traverses some of the park’s most spectacular terrain while avoiding the crowds found on shorter paths. Ancient seabeds, fossil layers, and multicolored spires accompany you throughout this moderate hike.
Wildlife encounters happen frequently here—mule deer, pronghorn, and various raptors make appearances along the trail. The route connects several shorter paths, allowing hikers to customize their distance or create loop options.
Start early to avoid the afternoon heat, as shade is practically non-existent. Carrying at least a gallon of water per person is essential during summer months. The effort rewards you with sweeping panoramas and the special satisfaction of experiencing parts of the park most visitors never see.
9. Visit the Wall Drug Store Just Outside the Park
Kitsch meets classic Americana at this legendary roadside attraction that’s been luring travelers since 1931. What began as a small pharmacy offering free ice water to dusty travelers has evolved into a sprawling 76,000-square-foot wonderland of western memorabilia, quirky photo ops, and homemade donuts.
Giant dinosaur replicas, cowboy boot shopping, and the famous 80-foot brontosaurus that roars every 12 minutes create a bizarre yet endearing atmosphere. The backyard area features numerous photo opportunities including an enormous jackalope you can actually sit on.
Grab a cup of 5-cent coffee or homemade ice cream after your park adventures. The animated T-Rex display delights children while adults appreciate the extensive western art collection featuring original works by renowned artists.
10. Watch a Thunderstorm Roll Over the Landscape
Nature’s most dramatic show unfolds across the Badlands when summer storms approach. From a safe distance, witness lightning illuminate the sculptured landscape while thunder echoes through ancient canyons.
The vast open terrain allows visitors to track storms from miles away. Purple-black clouds create a stunning contrast against the pale formations and golden prairie. Photographers capture once-in-a-lifetime images as rainbows frequently appear following these brief but intense weather events.
Safety remains paramount—return to your vehicle if lightning approaches. The visitor center provides current weather forecasts to help plan your storm-watching adventure. These powerful displays typically occur during summer afternoons and early evenings, often clearing quickly to reveal spectacular post-storm light conditions.
