Notch Trail Stargazing SEVEN ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO In Badlands National Park TREK THROUGH THE PARK Explore the park on established hiking trails that range from flat stretches through prairie landscape to uphill climbs through the pinnacle formations. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, a National Scenic Trail, is one of the most heavily used and gives visitors a glimpse into the park’s distant past. Chat with a ranger at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for advice. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE Explore the park from the comfort of your car. Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway meanders through towering buttes, dramatic cliffs and striated spires. Stop at one of the many scenic overlooks along the way. Travel along the northern rim of the Badlands Wilderness Area on Sage Creek Rim Road. The gravel road hugs the dramatic drop off that separates the South Dakota prairie from the alien landscape below. WATCH FOR WILDLIFE The park is home to many resilient creatures, including some of the most endangered species in North America. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, pronghorn and prairie dogs. The park’s herd of over 1,000 bison are easy to spot in the northern unit. Remember to always watch wildlife from a distance. CAPTURE THE MAGIC HOUR The Badlands are ideally viewed early or late in the day when subtle shades of red, yellow, and tan in the pinnacles and buttes become deeper and richer. A fresh 1 rain reveals profound colors in the formations, too. The long rays of light in the magic hour cast dramatic shadows, adding a three-dimensional quality to photographs. ENJOY THE NIGHT SKY Take advantage of zero light pollution and marvel at over 7,500 stars visible in the sky, including the phenomenal clarity of the Milky Way Galaxy. In the summer, rangers point out constellations and provide telescopes during Night Sky Programs at Cedar Pass Amphitheater. The Badlands Astronomy Festival, held annual in July, celebrates the beauty of the night sky and the wonder of space exploration. WATCH PALEONTOLOGISTS See paleontologists at work in the Fossil Preparation Lab in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Ask them questions to learn more about the ongoing science at Badlands National Park. Fossil preparation includes identifying species based on fossil characteristics, removing rock from fossils, and preparing and cataloging finished specimens for display. GO ON A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURE Pick up a copy of the GPS Adventure Activity Book at the visitor center. A GPS-enabled device will help you navigate to natural features, trails and wayside exhibits where you can learn more about the park. To learn more about Badlands National Park, visit nps.gov/badl. 5 2 6 7 3 4 BlackHillsBadlands.com // 67 BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2021 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 67
