Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park consists of nearly 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Sixty-four thousand acres are designated official wilderness, and is the site of the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America. The Stronghold Unit is co-managed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and includes the sites of 1890's Ghost Dances. Established as Badlands National Monument in 1939, the area was redesignated "National Park" in 1978. Over 11,000 years of human history pales to the eons old paleontological resources. Badlands National Park contains the world's richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 23 to 35 million years old. The evolution of mammal species such as the horse, sheep, rhinoceros and pig can be studied in the Badlands formations.

VISITATION:

There are approximately 1.3 million visitors per year: highest from mid-June through September; lowest from mid-November through March.

LOCATION:

Interior, South Dakota

ADDRESS:

Badlands National Park
P. O. Box 6
Interior, South Dakota 57750

TELEPHONE:

(605) 433-5361

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Entrance fees are collected year round.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Hot, dry summers with occasional violent thunderstorms. Winters are typically very cold with 12 to 24 inches of snowfall. Extremely high winds are common year-round, so hats and sunglasses are needed.

DIRECTIONS:

From Interstate 90, take exit 131 (Cactus Flat) or exit 110 (Wall). Follow signs to Badlands National Park.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: there is no public transportation to or in the park. Bus connections can be made in Wall, South Dakota (seven miles from exit 110, from I-90). The nearest airport is Rapid City, South Dakota, 80 miles west of the park.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Ten dollars per vehicle for seven days. Five dollars per bicycle or motorcycle-plus five dollars per passenger. Inquire for commercial vehicle rates.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Ben Reifel Visitor Center, located at Cedar Pass, has exhibits, sales area, film and park headquarters. White River Visitor Center, located in the Stronghold District, is open June through August.

Trails, Roads:

The 30 mile Loop Drive is accessed from Interstate 90, and it is a two lane, paved surface. The 30 mile Sage Creek Road is gravel. Five trails, varying from one-fourth mile to eight miles in length, explore park features.

Programs/Activities:

Offered from mid-June through Labor Day. Include walks, talks and slide programs. Check park newspaper for schedule.

Lodging and camping facilities:

Cedar Pass Lodge-open mid-April through mid-October. Cedar Pass Campground - $10.00 per night - 14 night limit during summer.  $8.00 per night in winter.

Food/supplies:

Cedar Pass Lodge has a restaurant open mid-April through mid- October. Supplies available on limited basis in Interior (three miles from park).

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

Badlands Natural History Association has educational material. There is one licensed horse packer. Contact the park for details.

Accessibility:

Fossil Exhibit Trail is one-fourth mile and wheelchair accessible. An open-captioned version of Buried Fossils, Living Prairie is available. Accessibility guide to park free upon request.

Special Needs:

Access to Stronghold Unit is limited due to private road access and road conditions.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Explore Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (.5 mile) or Fossil Exhibit Trail (.25). Take ten mile round trip drive to Roberts Prairie Dog Town (from Loop Road). The road is not paved.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations are required for group campsites and school group visits. Commercial filming permits are required.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A typical visit lasts three-to-five hours, and it includes the park movie and two walks.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Check at the visitor center between June 15 and August 25 for full ranger program schedule. Reduced schedule offered August 26 through Labor Day.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Check at visitor center for road conditions and weather forecast. No open campfires are allowed due to vast prairie resources.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Wall Drug Store, Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Volunteer Opportunities - Contact the park volunteer coordinator for information on volunteering and internships. Call (605) 433-5240.

Artist in Residence Program - Write the A.I.R. coordinator.

Curricula-based program - In-park activities can be scheduled for students 1 through 12, from October 1 through May 15. Contact education specialist at (605) 433-5242.

Last Updated:Tuesday, 30-Jun-98 12:54:39
http://www.nps.gov/badl/
Author: Marianne Mills