Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (28) wildlife (15) Badlands (15) beautiful (14) formations (14) views (14) time (12) visit (11) National (11) drive (10)
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  • 5/5 Keertu A. 2 years ago on Google
    Such an incredible and majestic landscape. Who would have thought natural erosion can cause such beautiful, fantastic and striking formations. It just feels like the best artist out there, took all the time in the world, and painted this landscape. It just feels so surreal, you just soak it in, and then after a while you realize what's in front of your eyes is just so real.
    20 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Manny Q. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 284 reviews
    Very scenic and lots to do. The views are incredible. You can hike the trails and see a ton of wildlife. Saw a mountain goat and you can even see Bison and Prairie dogs. Notch Trail is good for beginners. Door and Window trails are perfect for when you have enough time to explore.
    9 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Joel C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful! We drove the scenic route twice. Great park for all ages. You can see so much just from your car, super easy hikes on a boardwalk at several pullovers and of course you can hike out on your own for more intense and challenging hikes. Something for everyone. If you want to see wildlife, get out early in the morning (before 9am) lots to see! Def check out the yellow mounds overlook, my personal favorite.
    18 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 sun n. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 236 reviews
    What a surreal place!! We had the best time. Couldn't hike but there are some good viewing points. We asked the guy who was giving map in the front to see what are the famous points. We saw bison, mountain goat etc on the way as well. There are also some good camping sites. If you're interested in that. Overall, it was very nice and very different experience
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kiara P. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 274 reviews New
    Must visit in South Dakota and bucket list worthy! Such a unique experience with the roaming bison/Buffalo and unique views. Many hiking opportunities yet many overlooks accessible by car.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sam C. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 206 reviews
    Very unique! Awesome landscape here at badlands with an assortment of wildlife as well. It’s always amazing how life can thrive anywhere. We had fun at badlands and learned about the history and enjoyed seeing fossils in the visitor center as well. If you have ever visited painted hills in Oregon, this is a less colorful yet immensely more grand version. We loved it.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Biswanath D. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 233 reviews New
    It’s an wonderful creation of Mother Nature. We visited around Christmas, it was too cold and windy. The mud and sand stone formations are amazing sight to behold. Some trails will take to the wonders this park has to offer. If you are lucky you can spot some fossils. Drive around the loop road to enjoy the badlands from the view points. Highly recommend this park. Please read about the geography and history of this beautiful natural wonder before you visit
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Roshni P. 2 years ago on Google
    Love it! We came on a day when there was a wind advisory which probably wasn't the best idea, but it was the only day we could come and we didn't regret it one bit. You can easily spend hours here and I'm already planning on coming back soon. Buy the America the Beautiful pass for $80 and get unlimited admission to a ton of different parks around the country, including Devil's Tower if that's on your list.
    7 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Damian G. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning place to visit. The views are amazing and there is so much to see and do just watch for wildlife crossing the road. There are a bunch of places to pull over and take some pics or park and take a hike. The visitor center is on the smaller side but has a lot of interesting information as well as a little gift shop.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 jessica k. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this park! The views are stunning. Everything is easily accessible. I came during summer and it was not very crowded. Temps can get hot, so plan for a day with overcast or go early or late in the day. The hikes are lovely! Platforms are available for walking, and you can also get out and explore the terrain on your own. This is the playground I dreamt of as a kid. Pit toilets are scattered about. No showers. Good connection with Verizon. Plenty of wildlife.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 K P. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 44 reviews
    Unique scenery mixed in with some wildlife. We were greeted by a bison as soon as we entered the park, pretty cool to see out in the wild for the first time. Driving further along in the park we encountered several bison as well as distinct formations of the land that has been around since the beginning of time. There are great views from the car and even better views from the walk out view points. This park has hiking trails for those that are active and the walkouts are good for people that are less active but still want to spend some time outside.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mikey S. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 43 reviews
    A desolate, beautiful National Park...very unique. We visited in the spring time and it had a surprising amount of color. The weather changes very quickly in this area, sunny for half the day then turned to severe thunderstorms the second half. We even outran a tornado near Wall...unreal experience! 😎πŸŒͺ️
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Andrew β€œDrew” D. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 79 reviews
    Absolutely beautiful. There is so much to see, the park is very large. Day pass is 10$ for a car, you can drive around the entire park and stop to see the landscape and nature. Keep in mind, it's illegal to feed/interact with the wildlife and or take plants, rocks, etc..hefty fine and or jail could be the punishment. There are a ton of buffalo, pretty neat. The rock formations will leave you speechless.

  • 5/5 jeff w. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 78 reviews New
    This is another place I thought I would spend an hour or two. I spent about 6 hours and could have easily stayed for weeks. The raw size of the park is immense, and there are natural wonders everywhere you look.

  • 5/5 Shannon R. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and scenic! We came here while on vacation in the summer of 2020. The scenery is just breathtaking! We came during the middle of the day, though the sunset views seem to be where it's at! Loved our time exploring this national park! Definitely be sure to give yourself ample time for exploring, we only drove through and stopped at several of the overlooks.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jillian S. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 13 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful. My husband and I spent the day here. Saw lots of wildlife, there are a few boarded pathways so if you have kids or are not a serious hiker you can definitely enjoy it. We came in winter so not all the restrooms were open so just keep that in mind. I hope to return one day for camping.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Bobby C. 1 year ago on Google
    What an amazing place to be, loved the scenic drive went to hike couple places.Just beautiful sunset. they have lodging there as well.The entrance fee was like $30. I will be going back here again and this time I'm going there with my camera and camping equipment and staying here. The amazing breeze you feel on the peaks and the climbing experience in general. I will be back here for more. S+
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Simon Aguero J. 1 year ago on Google
    Breathtaking views. We were here a couple weeks and it was just awesome! Bring extra water on hikes for sure! Since there is little to no light pollution, you'll be able to see the beautiful night sky and you'll definitely seeing some shooting stars. Just gotta go if you visiting this part of South Dakota. So quiet and peaceful
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Melanie P. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 36 reviews
    Very cool place to visit! If you're not hiking, you can definitely see most of the highlights in one day. If hiking, come prepared. It was very hot and dry the day there and there is no cover from trees, so a hat and skin cover/UV protection highly suggested. I loved seeing the amazing rock formations, the stria colors of the rocks. I can only imagine how seemingly endless this could try must have felt to those first pioneers trying to make it across such harsh lands!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jacation A. 1 year ago on Google
    Badlands National Park is absolutely spectacular. It is very convenient if you are visiting the Black Hills or just passing through on Interstate 90. The scenic drive is absolutely incredible with many pull-outs and overlooks to view scenery and spot wildlife. To spot bison, you want to be near the Wall entrance of the park for the best chance of seeing them. Do not miss the Door, Window and Notch Hikes. The Door and Window are not really hikes, they are just boardwalks. The Notch Trail is fun to do since it has a 70 foot ladder. Be careful in the summer months as the Notch Trail can get very busy backing up at the ladder. Do NOT attempt the ladder if you are afraid of heights. One of the great things about this park is that you can walk off-trail and camp outside the campgrounds within certain restrictions. There are not as many hiking trails here as there other parks so keep that in mind. Be sure to visit the visitor center for park information, the gift store and park exhibits. This is a great park for kids, they will love to climb over the rock formations in the Door/Notch area. Watch out for any fossils that you might find in the rock!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 10 months ago on Google
    Badlands National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. The park's dramatic landscape of layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires is unlike anything you'll see anywhere else in the world. And with its abundance of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs, Badlands is a great place to get up close to nature.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Erica Jo Byers P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful views and so many unique rock formations. There is also wildlife in the badlands. We enjoyed watching the prairie dogs runaround. It’s a very beautiful relaxing drive around the park and make sure you stop and check out the views up close. I am in a wheelchair and they have a few areas where I could go out and get a more close-up view. We definitely recommend stopping here!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Owen G. 10 months ago on Google
    Badlands is probably my favorite national park I have ever visited. The size of the place is just phenomenal. You see pictures of this place and you just think, "Wow that's pretty cool." You probably wouldn't take a second to think of how large it is. We you arrive there, you can feel your depth perception working because of how HUGE this place is! You can see for miles and it is definitely a site to see. My friend and I went a little off trail in the Badlands to climb a "mountain" to its peak. It was definitely a challenge but oh what an adventure. The danger that was involved was stupid but now I can say that I risked my life to climb to the top of a Badlands Mountain! When you visit this place, don't forget to smell the roses :)
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Bear P. 9 months ago on Google
    You definitely want to visit this national park and I would at least give yourself no less than a weekend to do it as it is said about most National Parks. We we here early June 2023 and conditions were idea and we only did the Badlands Loop...should have also traveled the southern loop but deferred to a later visit.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Angie K. 7 months ago on Google
    I love visiting National Parks. This place is breathtaking. The park is very well maintained. Plenty of places to stop and get views. The views are amazing. There are trails to do hiking. Lots of wildlife. We were lucky and were able to see some bison right next to the road safely from our vehicle. Loved it
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 erin G. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 22 reviews
    Very windy but man! Great experience and absolutely beautiful. My girlfriend took me to a few very beautiful spots to just sit and look and enjoy. Saw some bison and helped a snake across the road.

  • 5/5 TripIt Now or N. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing landscape and rock formations!! We I visited the Badlands on a road trip in June. It was the place I was most looking forward to seeing in South Dakota, and it and its awesome rock formations did not disappoint. The most popular thing to do in Badlands National Park is of course to drive the loop road down small tracks along the route, capture pictures at overlooks enjoy prairie dogs parks. Watch out for wildlife, especially snakes and Scorpios. Make sure you have plenty of water as heat is crazy, plan your treks prior to visit you can discuss it at visitor center with rangers.

  • 5/5 Kelli G. 4 months ago on Google
    You know we almost decided to drive by and not stop. But it’s a goal to see the parks. It’s so deceiving. You don’t think that there is much to see. But once you get out of the car and walk the trail it is like another landscaping world. It’s worth the spot. It’s a little off the free way but you’ll be glad you stopped. Kids maybe not but as an adult I enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Linda M. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a beautiful country here! Great for kids, as there are many stops on the loop to check out the terrain. It is great for those who have limitations because you are able to see amazing views just from the car. Many of the pull offs are easily accessible. My family always enjoys the loop.

  • 5/5 Sponge B. 10 months ago on Google
    Another must see place. It's kind of different from other National Parks that we've been to. If in the area, you should try to see the Badlands National Park. There is a nice sonic road that is paved. There are also a couple of off shoot roads that are gravel. Some of the overlooks may have a restroom. Plus there is nice restrooms down at the Ben Reifel visitor Center. The visitors center itself is worthy of an extended visit. There are nice exhibits and a gift shop. Plus very knowledgeable folks to help you. All in all, a really nice park to visit.

  • 5/5 Mark M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very family friendly - easy hikes, spectacular scenery, one-way drive through the park, plenty to do and see. The unique nature of the Badlands allows you and your family to get our on and among the formations. Everyone from toddlers to teens can enjoy scrambling around on the formations. Visit the Windows and Door hikes for the best place to get up close and personal with the formations. Plenty of wildlife to be seen, along with incredible scenery. It is very much a drive through park with plenty of roadside stops and easy walks to viewpoints.

  • 5/5 Cynthia R. 9 months ago on Google
    This National Park is so unique and a beautiful sight awaits around every corner. The diversity of seeing the National Grasslands and Badlands is stunning. You will not regret a day spent driving, hiking and stopping to get out and absorb the beauty that is the Badlands! There are cabins to stay inside the park as well as a campground. Next time we will stay there instead of in Wall, SD.

  • 5/5 Drew T. 10 months ago on Google
    It's not a single bad thing to say about this place. Visited here for the first time and was not disappointed. It rained the day before, so unfortunately, a lot of the trails were washed out or just unwalkable because of the clay/mud. There are so many different overlooks to see. White River was probably my favorite. Yellow mounds are hard to beat. I'm definitely going back to hike more of the trails they have to offer. It should be noted that the formations do look different depending on the cloud cover. If you can catch this park on a day of overcast...it's amazing.

  • 5/5 EmmaV 9 months ago on Google
    Badlands National Park is one of the most haunting and unique parks in the country. The sights touch the core of your soul! Your spirituality accompanied by serenity just surfaces from within. The most popular thing to do is to drive the 30 mile Badlands Loop, stopping along each of the vista views. Doing the short trail hikes like the Notch, Window, Door, Fossil Exhibits and Cliff Shelf Nature Trails are easy. Just make sure to bring enough water as temperatures rises during the day. The park is abundant with wildlife like the American bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs as well as red wing blackbirds and swallows whose nests could be found in a number of structures.

  • 5/5 Tina L (Blackcat t. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful!! Many accessible trails. If you are adventurous, the park is open for off trail exploration in many area. Love it!! You can do it as shortly as 2-5hrs to drive though and stop to see viewpoints.


Call (605) 433-5361 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • βœ“οΈ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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