What to do and see in Badlands National Park, Badlands National Park: The Best Things to do Good for Kids

April 27, 2022 Cedrick Jardin

Canyons and multi-colored hills.

1. Badlands Wall

Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,304 reviews

Badlands Wall

A ridge that goes through the park, and is the site of incredible rock formations, which are being eroded, and therefore slowly change over time.

Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States

We met a man along I-90 going to Jasper to experience the Solar Eclipse. He was going to by-pass the Badlands. We convinced him to travel through as it is a unique National Park. The rugged and aired landscape is awe inspiring. We traveled from Sioux Falls and the ride took four hours. Driving through route 240 through the Badlands took us another two hours. We still had time to make it to the iconic tourist trap of Wall Drugs and an hour later to Rapid City. We were able to hike on two well-formed trails, stop at several over-looks, see the Prairie Dogs, and stop at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center and Cedar Pass Lodge. The only regret was not spending time at the Paleontology Lab at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center. Ancient bones have been found from the rhino, horse and saber-tooth-tiger that date back 33 million years ago. The word “Badlands” is a Lakota Indian origin, “Mako Sica.” There were a number of American Native Indians living here before the Lakota’s, an estimated 11,000 years ago. About forty-five miles south is the “last historic Indian battle, 1890,” known as Wounded Knee. Driving in North Dakota, we came by “Badlands” too in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There was a tad more vegetation and wild horses and bison were roaming around. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.

2. Loop Road

Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,930 reviews

Loop Road

Main route through Badlands National Park.

Reviewed By leob276 - Lyndonville, United States

We have spent the last three days in Badlands National Park and have made several passes on the Loop Road. It is truly amazing in our travels we have seen a Buffalo cross the road in front of us, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, big horned sheep, mule deer and coyotes. The scenery changes as the sun light changes! A must see for all!!!

3. Big Badlands Overlook

Route 240, Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 218 reviews

Big Badlands Overlook

Reviewed By mlorahga - Augusta, United States

This was one of my planned stops along the Badlands Loop. I wanted to see how people could possibly have lived or settled this area of the country. It is very eye opening.

4. Yellow Mounds Overlook

Badlands Loop Road, Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 https://www.nps.gov/badl/learn/nature/geologicformations.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 194 reviews

Yellow Mounds Overlook

Reviewed By baja-alan - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Yellow Mounds Overlook in the Badlands National Park is one of the stops along the Loop Road that runs through the park. You can get out of your car and walk around. the colors and textures of the rock formations is stunning up close. Stop and get a close up look for your selves.

5. Panorama Point Overlook

Badlands National Park, SD
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54 reviews

Panorama Point Overlook

Reviewed By ELKW

it's an overlook can see the beautiful badlands scenery. You can see the typical Badlands features, the hills with red horizontal strips, there is a short boardwalk leading to a viewing platform. It's the first stop of the scenic drive. It's one of the most worthwhile viewpoint to stop by and take some pictures here.

6. Pinnacles Overlook

Vista Point, Badlands National Park, SD
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 125 reviews

Pinnacles Overlook

Reviewed By adrikitty22 - Pembroke Pines, United States

This was our first stop during our drive through the Badlands. It was a great first impression of such a vast park and incredible place. Everyone should stop here and take some photos.

7. Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Badlands National Park, SD http://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Area of Badlands National Park with unusual scenery and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, buffalo, black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs.

Reviewed By eva1500 - Linz, Austria

Much less crowded then the loop road I enjoyed the beauty and the peace there. But mind - its all gravel road so if another car passes or you are behind another you have to wait till the dust settles so you can see anything again. And there are not many "official" spots to park and enjoy the view. Nevertheless its absolutely worth driving there and enjoy the fascinating landscape.

8. Door Trail

Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 236 reviews

Door Trail

Trail along dry, cracked earth.

Reviewed By sondraw221 - Manhattan Beach, United States

The best time to see this is at sunrise, as the sun is slowly waking up the rock formations. The colors are incredible, as you get whites, pinks, purples, etc. The walk itself is super easy. Go off the platform and explore!

9. Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Cedar Pass Badlands Loop Road Hwy 240, Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 527 reviews

Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Visitor center with exhibits as well as nearby shop and restaurant facilities.

Reviewed By BrewNman - Henderson, United States

This is one of the best visitors center that I’ve seen. They have an informative movie, an interactive exhibit, active fossil lab, and plentiful ranges to answer questions or provide additional information. There’s lots here. Some of the information is repeated. I learned a lot about the park at this VC.

10. Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Sage Creek Rim Road, Badlands National Park, SD +1 605-433-5361 http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 367 reviews

Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Reviewed By mlorahga - Augusta, United States

This was by far the most fun of my planned stops along the Badlands Loop. The prairie dogs and their holes were all over the place. You could wander through them and take pictures. Don't get too close, however. They are wild animals.

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