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Badlands National Park, South Dakota Travel Guide

Located in southwestern South Dakota, the Badlands were first set aside as a National Monument in 1939 and in 1978 were reclassified as a National Park. Today the park stretches over 244,000 acres, 64,000 of which are designated wilderness. The landscape is as enchanting as it is surreal. Jagged reddish rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see, intermixed with wild grass prairie. The landscape is so raw and primitive that it is not surprising that this area has a rich paleontological history. Fossils have been found here that date back 35 million years.

The Badlands have played an important role in human history as well. 11,000 years ago, the area was used as hunting grounds by Native Americans, and in 1890 it was the site of one of the last Ghost Dances, a final attempt by the Sioux to keep from being pushed onto reservations. The struggle would end just a few months later with the massacre of over 200 Sioux at Wounded Knee (the site of which is about 45 miles south of the Badlands).

The Badlands are definitely a must-see for anyone seeking sublime natural beauty. There are many ways to experience the park, from wheelchair-friendly loop trails and scenic overlooks to off-road backpacking through the wilderness. Be warned, however, that weather can be unpredictable. In winter sudden blizzards are common, and in summer temperatures commonly reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the dangerous weather conditions in mind and plan your trip accordingly.