South Dakota Scenic Drives Guide - South Dakota Scenic Drives '24

At a Glance → Distance: 39 miles Trip Length: 1 day Start/Stop: Wall or Cactus Flat

As you enter the Badlands on pin-straight SD Highway 240, rolling grasslands give way to otherworldly rock formations that could be mistaken for prehistoric sandcastles. Just one hour from Rapid City, this is a place that was once roamed by ancient horses and saber-toothed cats, and its 244,000 acres still brim with wildlife.

TOP STOPS

Wall

With 300 billboards across six states, who hasn’t heard of Wall Drug Store’s free ice water and 5-cent coffee? Stroll the indoor “streets” to browse cowboy attire, jewelry and an assortment of kitschy souvenirs. Just up the road, Badlands Frontier Cabins make a cozy home base.

Scenic Overlooks

There are 16 overlooks inside Badlands National Park, and a few of the best photo ops include Pinnacles, Yellow Mounds, Burns Basin and Panorama Point.

Hiking Trails

Wander mounds of pink, yellow, gray and white along the Fossil Exhibit Trail, Saddle Pass Trail, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail and Notch Trail, where a sign warns visitors to “wear sturdy boots.”

Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Pop in to view exhibits and watch archaeologists at work in the Fossil Preparation Lab.

Cedar Pass Lodge & Campground

In the shadow of the Badlands’ craggy peaks, you can’t beat the cute cabins here for an in-park stay. 

Native West Trading Co. 

Peruse wares crafted by local artists to learn more about Great Plains Native cultures.

Black Hills Aerial Adventures

Once you’ve driven through, get airborne for a golden-eagle’s (they live in the park) view of the Badlands’ sedimentary wonders.

Prairie Homestead

Learn about frontier living in one of the last intact sod homes, built in 1909.

Badlands Ranch Store

A drive on SD Highway 240 wouldn’t be complete without a photo of the 6-ton prairie dog sculpture that stands out front.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Peer into the silo of a massive missile (it’s now unarmed) at this Cold War relic.