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?

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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