Last Updated: May 25, 2026
After visiting the pine-covered Black Hills in western South Dakota, we headed east through the grass-covered prairies to the Badlands. French fur traders called the area “les mauvaises terres à traverser,” meaning “the bad lands to traverse.” The Lakota knew it as “Mako Sica,” which likewise means “bad land.”
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a spectacular tract of eroded sedimentary rock, sculpted by water runoff that drains into the White, Cheyenne, and Bad Rivers. From there the sediment makes its way to the Missouri River, the Mississippi River, and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. The area was first protected as Badlands National Monument in 1939 and was redesignated a national park in 1978.
The park is a striking mix of grasslands, ravines, spires, buttes, and ridges.
The Badlands erode about one inch every year — remarkably fast for rock. At that pace, geologists estimate the formations will erode away completely in roughly 500,000 years. That same rapid erosion constantly exposes new fossils, making the Badlands one of the richest fossil beds in the world.
We saw bighorn sheep every day. They were only a little shy of the cars driving by and were busy enjoying the fresh green spring grass. There were a lot of lambs.
The rams can weigh up to 300 pounds, with their horns alone weighing as much as 30 pounds. Bighorn sheep range from Canada to Mexico. Their numbers in North America once peaked in the millions, crashed to just a few thousand around 1900, and have been slowly recovering ever since.
There were also bison, pronghorn antelope, and deer roaming the prairie.
Jake loved watching the prairie dogs flick their tails and dart about.
Alongside the prairie dogs, we spotted burrowing owls. These small owls move into abandoned prairie dog burrows and raise their young underground. They eat small animals like mice and frogs but feed mostly on insects. Burrowing owls are considered threatened in much of their range because of habitat loss.
We also found meadow rose and sego lily in bloom. The sego lily was an important food for Native Americans, who roasted or boiled the bulbs or ground them into porridge. They taught Mormon settlers to eat the bulbs during hard times, and Utah named the sego lily its state flower in 1911.
Interior, South Dakota
Interior has a population of only about 67. There were a couple of local bars, limited groceries, and friendly locals.
We stayed at a KOA in Interior, South Dakota, which was less than 20% full. It had 50-amp service, good water pressure, sewer, poor internet, and a huge dog park. We marked the end of the last remnants of my San Diego practice by opening the final bottle of wine we had collected while living in San Diego — a 2008 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. Wine Spectator had described it as “remarkable for its complex aromas of roasted coffee, dried herb, dark berry, mocha and sage, yet for all its size this is quite graceful and elegant, even delicate, with a long, tapered finish where the flavors glide along smoothly.” We’re not sure we tasted all of that, but it was wonderful.
The wind was howling, but we waited patiently for the sunset — and it was worth it.
Practical Tips for Visiting Badlands National Park
Getting there. Badlands National Park is in western South Dakota, about an hour east of Rapid City off Interstate 90. The scenic Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) connects I-90 exits 110 and 131, making the park an easy and rewarding detour. The small town of Interior sits at the park’s southeastern edge.
Fees and seasons. As of 2026, entry is $30 per vehicle and is valid for seven days; the America the Beautiful interagency pass is also accepted. The park is open year-round. Spring and fall bring mild weather and active wildlife, while summer afternoons can be very hot with almost no shade.
Wildlife viewing. Drive the Loop Road and the gravel Sage Creek Rim Road slowly, especially early morning and evening, to spot bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and burrowing owls. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife — bison are powerful and unpredictable — and never feed the animals.
Hiking and scenery. Short trails such as the Notch Trail, Door, and Window pack in dramatic views; the Notch Trail even includes a log ladder. Carry plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and watch your footing, as the soft rock can crumble. Sunrise and sunset light the formations beautifully.
Fossils. The Badlands hold one of the richest fossil beds in the world, and erosion constantly exposes new ones. The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a great, easy introduction — but if you spot a fossil in the park, leave it where it lies, as collecting is illegal and you can report finds to a ranger instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Badlands National Park?
Badlands National Park is in southwestern South Dakota, roughly an hour east of Rapid City along Interstate 90. It pairs easily with a Black Hills trip, as the two areas are only about an hour apart.
How much does it cost to enter the park?
As of 2026, the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and is valid for seven days. Annual and America the Beautiful interagency passes are also accepted.
What wildlife can you see in the Badlands?
Common sightings include bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorn, mule deer, prairie dogs, and burrowing owls. The park is also part of the recovery program for the endangered black-footed ferret, one of North America’s rarest mammals.
How were the Badlands formed?
Millions of years of sediment were deposited in layers, and over the last roughly 500,000 years rivers and rain have carved that rock into today’s buttes and spires. The Badlands erode about an inch a year, which is very fast for rock.
How much time do you need at Badlands National Park?
You can drive the scenic Loop Road and stop at the overlooks in a half-day. Allow a full day or more if you want to hike the trails, watch for wildlife, and stay for sunrise or sunset.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather, green prairie, wildflowers, and active wildlife. Summer can be extremely hot with little shade, and winter is cold but quiet and starkly beautiful.
