4. BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK Take in sweeping vistas of otherworldly landscapes and stunning panoramas of vividly colored buttes, pinnacles, spires and canyons at Badlands National Park. The 244,000-acre park — once known as Mako Sica (a Lakota phrase meaning “land bad”) — features eroded land formations that reveal multicolored layers of various rock types: shale (purple and yellow), sand and clay (tan and gray), iron oxides (red and orange) and volcanic ash (white). While you’re here, drive the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway and keep your eyes open for an array of wildlife, including eagles, coyotes, pronghorn and bison. Since being given more room to roam, the resident conservation herd numbers around 1,200. Spot individuals and small groups along the park’s Sage Creek Rim Road. More on page 66. DIRECT FLIGHTS TO SOUTH DAKOTA Flights are available via American, Delta, United and Allegiant airlines. SALT LAKE CITY SAN FRANCISCO LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES PHOENIX SAN DIEGO PHOENIX/MESA To reach all of our great locations, check out the variety of seasonal and year-round flights that lead to South Dakota. 8 // #HiFromSD WATERTOWN RAPID CITY PIERRE MINNEAPOLIS SIOUX CHICAGO FALLS DENVER NASHVILLE DALLAS HOUSTON NEWARK Don't Miss CHARLOTTE Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were introduced to Badlands National Park more than 50 years ago. They fit right into the park’s rugged terrain, steep canyons and grassy meadows. The overlooks at both Pinnacles and Cedar Pass tend to grant good views — just look for the species’ large, curved horns. TAMPA/ ORLANDO ST. PETE FORT MYERS/ PUNTA GORDA SEASONAL YEAR-ROUND Nearby Towns: Interior (1.5 miles); Wall (7.5 miles); Kadoka (23 miles)
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2021 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 8
