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Badlands National Park

, South Dakota

Acreage: 242,755.94
Category: National Park
Date Established: 03/04/1929

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.

Threats

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

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Comments

This place, it is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Kali Rodrigeuz at: October 30, 2009
this national park is beautiful!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Austin at: October 14, 2009
Was here two time, with my husband in 1979 and was amazed at the nature and wildlife. Thought we heard thunder in the night and realized it was a Bison herd!! Went again with my daughter in 1997 and saw the beauty in a new way through my experienced eyes and my daughter's novel and enthusiastic eyes!!
Submitted by DW at: October 4, 2009
Stopped briefly there in 1991 and am planning to go again next year. Can't wait. This time we will plan to stay longer and take some trails.
Submitted by chris at: September 27, 2009
My husband, I, and our kids love hiking in the Badlands. We never take the trails. We always make our own destinations. Up and over and around. No matter how steep or scary or hot or cold we always make an interesting hike. If you haven't tried climbing the steep hills you must! It is a rush and experience you won't forget!! We are making this our yearly vacation!Awesome place!
Submitted by aaaprotected at: September 25, 2009
I would like prices to all the south dakota national parks. Is there just one price or is there a price at each one?
Submitted by Jackie at: April 29, 2009
The name describes it all:BAD. Seriously, if you are interested this much in rock structures, there are many better places to go.
Submitted by Clark at: March 23, 2009
This is a park where most people don't even stop and get out of their car - even at visitor center - too busy going to Wall Drug or heading for the Black Hills. Too bad - because they miss the park. We have stayed overnight - both at motel at east end (by visitor center) and camped just outside. The programs were great and enjoyed the hikes out into the badlands. Definitely a place to get out and take a closer look.
Submitted by bnk1953 at: January 3, 2009

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TRIPS

The Black Hills & Badlands

Badlands National Park's haunting landscape, Mount Rushmore's iconic monument, and Wind Cave's sheer size make the Black Hills a diverse and desired destination. Discover their wildlife and historical heritage.

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