Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park consists of nearly 243,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Established as Badlands National Monument in 1939, the area was redesignated as a "National Park" in 1978. Over 11,000 years of human history pale to the ages old Paleontological resources. Badlands National Park contains the world's richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 23 to 35 million years old.

badl.jpg

Threats

Fossils are being poached from Badlands National Park. These paleontological resources are nonrenewable and their loss inhibits further understanding of the ancient environment.

State:

South Dakota

Acreage:

242,755.94

Category:

National Park

Established:

03/04/1929

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Coastie

July 19, 2013

drove from Washington State to Virginia with my son. I have never seen anything in my life time that impressed me more than the Badlands. It is a wonderful place and I hope someday to return there.

Frankie

July 14, 2013

im a local here to the badlands i just wanna say i love all the visitors we have thank you all for comming and in joying the lands and please come back soon will never for get you all...wopela tunka

Gylfie

January 7, 2013

Beutiful place! can be pretty windy, though. not to mention BEWARE RATTLESNAKES!!!!!!

Kathy

December 9, 2012

We just spent a few hours exploring the park in the early evening. It was so beautiful and I will remember it forever! We drove thru the loop to Wall, SD. We were on our way to Pine Ridge for a Mission Trip. The people there I love. I will continue with my prayers and mission trips... from one people to another- Ojibwe to the (Oglala) Sioux. Many years ago we were enemies and now I am proud to say that we are friends- families! Thank you to the Sioux for sharing their beautiful lands with the rest of us!

khul

October 16, 2012

I Live by the bad lands its amazing

Auri

August 7, 2012

Dream came true to visit the Badlands. So mysterious and gorgeous..........Would love my ashes scattered there when I pass....

Winnie

July 29, 2012

Me and my husband was there long time ago, and I wish we could go back... IT WAS SO AMAZING. I just wonder how mother nature can be as beautiful as THE BADLANDS.

doug47

June 1, 2012

Was in Badlands in mid-1990's. BEAUTIFUL landscape! Hike through a dried creekbed and see some unusual birds nests and cool rock formations. Near lodge is rare swampland in otherwise arid land. Bicycle ride the main road. NICE campground. If you hike farther away from Lodge area bring water. However you may get lucky and find tyrannosarus bones like a couple did around the time i was there. Driving west of lodge you may encounter archaeological digs. Ask about it at the lodge or ranger station. That drive west through the park to Wall, S.D. is superb! Many beautiful high overlooks.

bigdaddysgal

May 31, 2012

Just returned from a road trip from Georgia to SD. The badlands were a sight for sore eye. It was beautiful. Neer in my life have I witness something so extraordinary. Everyone should see this.

awesome

May 17, 2012

the badlands are awesome but the state its in is better

chuckles

April 1, 2012

i just got home from the badlands i south dakota it was awesome

waz up

March 7, 2012

wow that sounds like a fun place

suckerpunch

December 27, 2011

wow why dont people look for the fossills?hmmmmmbut still really cool

Nexstepper

November 10, 2011

I was fortunate that my folks took my siblings, and my inquistive nature, on a cross-country tour in 1973 in our Nomad. I'll never forget the Badlands. Sandcastles made of rainbow colors, and a canyon of expanse. The kind of scene where a deep breath of wonder lasts you a whole lifetime.

Notpurfect

November 10, 2011

I love this place. I have visited maybe a dozen times, and try to get out there every year, from my home in Wisconsin. My first visit was by accident, while on the way to Yellowstone. I ended up spending three days. My second visit, I had planned to stay a day or two and ended up staying a week. The place just hooks you.

Christine

November 10, 2011

We spent 3 days in the Badlands, it was our first time there and was amazed at the beauty & serenity that surrounds you. We'd stop and sit or take a walk, taking in the moment of Mother nature at her best...definately a trip worth taking.

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