Category: | National Park |
Address: | South Dakota, USA |
Phone: | +1 605-433-5361 |
Site: | nps.gov |
Rating: | 4.8 |
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Rejean Beauchamp
An inexpressible must. We crossed this park quickly a first time on a motorcycle in the afternoon of July 24, 2017 from the village of Interior and we did it again in the opposite direction the next morning but taking our time this time to enjoy the maximum of this inevitable wonder unspeakable. There are no words to describe our mutual enchantment. The heat was too intense in the afternoon of the 24th and we had just traveled a long distance on a motorcycle. We paid $ 10.00 for a 7 day pass. The cost was $ 20.00 for automobiles. We took a motel to Wall to visit the Badlands and Rushmore the next day. We stopped at several places offering breathtaking panoramic views. We took several pictures that we offer here with our opinion. It would be a sin on your part if you decide not to visit this wonder especially if you are nearby. We strongly recommend to linger on this magical site. Reviewed October 29, 2017 Salaberry de Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada.
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Daniel Gennaro
I was in quite a hurry when passing through, it took quite awhile for me to get there, and once I was in the Badlands, I wasnt sure where the best vista spot was... and its a pretty big place! Perhaps research what part to see first before coming. I enjoy visiting because of the sacred history to the Native Americans... If you have the time to visit Badlands National Park do so! It’s one hour East of Rapid City and 45 miles north of Wounded Knee Memorial Museum. According to TripAdvisor, the Wounded Knee Massacre Monument may be a very disappointing sight, however the Museum appears to be a nice education exhibit. However, in regards to visiting the Badlands, if you can do so while the sun is setting, you will be richly rewarded with some stunningly beautiful pictures! This 244,000-acre landscape seems to go on forever. It feels like you’re on a whole nother planet. It’s a family-friendly getaway where you can let the kids out of the car to climb the structures. There is said to be bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyote, deer, and rattlesnakes so be cautious.
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Steven Granatell
Man, one day was not enough here. Ever wanted to feel like you were somewhere truly special - somewhere where you could immerse yourself in canyons, spires, and incredible landscapes? Yah, Badlands National Park is for you. We took the Badlands Loop Road, stopping periodically to run around and climb like little kids. Because of the unique structures, it’s a place for all to find their own level of entertainment. If you don’t want to climb and explore, you can simply park at lookout points and enjoy the views. For the more daring (and able), climb around to find your own view and space. Some of these views left me speechless; grateful for such natural beauty (I really get into this stuff). There weren’t many people when we went, save some tourists and one boss-grandfather who tight-rope walked out on a ridge for a great picture. Badlands offers a truly unique American experience that you really have to see to believe. You won’t be disappointed.
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avani saklecha
We entered the park at 9:50 am from Pinnacles Entrance and exited from Northeast Entrance. In between this two entrances, there are around 13-15 points, we were lucky enough to see all of this points. Amazing view of badlands which keeps on changing throughout the day as the light changes due to clouds and sun position. If you have less time you must visit below points:- Pinnacles Overlook- This one is the first point and nice view. Conata Basin Overlook- You can get a better view of Yellow Mounds Overlook from this point. Fossil Exhibit Trail: - They have a small loop where you can get information about the different fossil. I must say are arranged in very nice and informative way. Big Badlands Overlook: - Mesmerizing view. There is $20 car entry fee which is worth. Because of the well-managed roads and trails. Make sure to take plenty of water, if you are planning for hiking.
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Jane Corteville
This is a unique place. The best time to see the badlands is at dusk. The hills seem to turn purple and blue. My favorite trail was the notch trail. The rangers seems to think it is strenuous and not for anyone with a fear of heights. I thought it was a moderate trail. I am afraid of heights and did not find it a problem. There is a rope ladder you have to climb. However I just came from Glacier NP where the drop offs were much larger. The campground is not private. There is not a tree in sight. There is a bathroom with flush toilets. THe stars and sunsets are amazing. I would highly recommend spending 1 day here. The scenery can get monotonous so one day is good.
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rebecca jones
We were done camping in the black hills and got a late start heading back to Omaha, so we decided to stop and camp here. It was probably one of our favorite parts of the whole trip. The landscape is surreal, camping was cheap and decent, with water and a restroom for $14 a night. Right next to the campground was an small outdoor ampitheater and we caught an astronomy presentation which was phenomenal. My younger brothers were up with the rangers until midnight looking through telescopes and the rangers were fantastic teachers. We loved the trails and everybody was climbing and wandering it was just a great stop. You have to get off the freeway and go here.
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Kai Fischer
A great experience the Badlands to see. We slept the night there in the tent, there was a free campsite, with toilets. The highlight of the bison were running around freely there. It was very impressive to see and is worth a visit, highly recommended for anyone who is near anyway.
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Jeremy Schmeichel
South Dakota has a wide variety of scenery to offer - the vast majority of the state is covered in beautiful sweeping plains. The Black Hills are a mountainous contrast to these areas, but the Badlands of South Dakota are an entirely different world of their own. Compared to the rest of the state, it provides views you would be hard pressed to find outside of perhaps Arizona. The green rolling plains transform into an almost desert like series of tremendous valleys that would be easy to get lost in! Very majestic, such wow - worth visiting for anyone traveling through the area. Afterwards you can recharge at Wall Drug :)
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Caitlin Alekna
While the views are indeed beautiful, they are not nearly as breathtaking as many of the other National parks in the U.S. I would not suggest planning an entire vacation around this park, rather it should be a stop along the way of a more extensive trip. The "hikes" are well marked however they are short and the terrain is very repetitive. I spent only a few hours here and I believe that was more than sufficient. As there is no foliage, this park leaves little to the imagination. Unlike many other parks that I have visited, I believe that only one visit here is adequate in order to have the full experience.
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Hannah Brown
Badlands National Park is like a mix of Bryce Canyon and portions of northwest Wyoming (in and around Dubois). The erosion both past and continuing has created some breathtaking views and the juxtaposition of colorful hills with rolling prairies is stunning. We drove through during a severe thunderstorm so photo and hiking opportunities were severely curtailed. However, numerous trails and pullouts abound and one could easily spend the better portion of a day exploring the beauties of Badlands National Park. Look out for Bighorn Sheep scampering up the cliffs!
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Anthony Miller
One of the most awesome experiences of my life. Planned to visit one day on our week long trip, but cancelled some of our other activities to come back here 3 times total. Almost drove through once more on the way home, but the kids were worn out. Beautiful sights, saw wildlife on multiple occasions, and climbed/ explored with the kids all over. We completed Notch trail (quite ambitious with the two kids) which was absolutely amazing, and felt almost unreal because of the beauty. Would love to go back, and plan to.
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Jason Mrachina
Our family loved the stay here. We camped at Cedar Pass for two nights. Highlights were the junior ranger program, star gazing with a ranger (fri and sat only), plus hiking the notch and door trails. For those on a tight schedule, at least visit one or two hikes. Stop at the pinnacles and yellow mounds over look. Dont forget the Ben Reifel visitor center either. If you are camping out west, plan one night in cedar pass. They have pull through sites, no camp fires but electrcity. It is awesome at night
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Ken Gamache
What an amazing surprise. The rock formations, the geological history, the great short hiking trails and the abundance of wildlife was very impressive. This is a must see. Specifically, take the sage road, it is dirt, but in very good shape, we saw big horn sheep, mountain goats, bison, rabbits, bobcats, and antelope in abundance up close and personal. If you ever get a chance to go, please do. You should probably go when it is not too warm however, spring or fall would probably be good.
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Bc Davis
Did a quick drive thru at about noon while heading back to Lincoln Ne last summer. Overall a nice drive there are many nice overlooks to pull into. There are hiking trails but it was about 100 that day and if one hikes there you best wear tall leather snake boots or chaps. Lots of rattlesnakes in that area. Next time we go I want to do a day hike. The omany overlooks offer good views and if you have a halfway decent camera with zoom you can get amazing shots of a one of a kind landscape.
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Lisa-Marie Gustafson
This drive was amazing! We actually drove the back way into the park on a gravel road from scenic and that is where we saw so many bison right next to the road. We saw a whole herd? Flock? Group of bighorned sheep with about 10 or so babies crossing the road. We saw many prairie dogs right next the road. We saw all of this before we even got to the main asphalted road. The scenery was fabulous. I would drive this way again if I ever drive through South Dakota again.
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Ryan Thurman
Badlands is wonderful for many reasons: free camping is offered, the facilities are well-maintained and staffed with knowledgable folks, the views and the landscapes are unlike anywhere else in the world, wildlife are in abundance, and the night sky is unadulterated by the kind of light pollution which plagues much of the U.S. and so a seemingly uncountable number of stars may be observed using the naked eye. Head to Badlands and make some memories!
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Aaron Ude
We took our young girls on some of the short hikes on the east side of this park. They loved climbing the rope ladder on notch trail and going to the path markers on door trail. We have been to many national parks and while compared to them thus is found wanting yet this is a nice drive with some inspiring scenery and good hikes. Combine this with some time at wall and a few days in the Black Hills and you have yourself a good family vacation.
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goodnewsusa
There is always something new to look at no matter how many times you visit. My 2nd time I visited, I was able to see some new "exhibits". There is so much to see in such little time. Next time I come here, I would like to take a longer drive west going towards Keystone instead going back up the highway (I-90) coming from the eastern party of the state (Minnesota). Bring lots of h20 when coming here during the summer months, it gets HOT!!!!
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Mike Kempin
I loved the loop road through the park and the lookouts. Sage Rim Road is where the buffalo are at. We camped in the park at Cedar Pass and enjoyed awesome an awesome sunset and sunrise. The visitor center is a great first stop to see the video and exibits. The best part is the hikes. Door and Window were fun short hikes but Notch is by far the best hike. The rope ladder and ledges are exciting and the scenery is impressive.
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Emily Dilfer
So awesome! The roads into here were pretty rough gravel roads but once inside definitely a sight to see. We camped at sage creek here. Really nice campground. In the morning we saw prairie dogs, rattle snack, bison (right by our car) and antelope. So a nicevariety of wild life. On the loop around the badlands there are about 20 viewpoints to stop and take pics or even a trail out to a better spot. Definitely worth checking out!
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Xin Xin
Badlands National Park is a US national park located in southwestern South Dakota, an area of 244,000 acres, there are many mounds, peaks and meadows. Wherein Badlands Wildlife Sanctuary area of 64,144 acres, is the United States of endangered species of mammals black-footed ferret habitat.
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Mya-Lia Sharizyn
I like the smaller size of this park, and the mountain goats I saw immediately after entering the park. Unfortunately as I was parked, watching them, a woman in an SUV quite abruptly and hostily sped up her vehicle to go around me in sheer anger after I motioned to her that the goats were present. The colors are beautiful and vivid in certain places of the park, the prarie dogs are plentiful, and the air is sweet and clear.