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Full Monty Badlands National Park Tours, Baja Agate Fields, and Wall Drug
Enjoy the Baja Agate Fields, Wall Drug, and Badlands. The Best Badlands National Park Tours
The Full Monty: Badlands National Park Tours, Baja Agate Fields, and Wall Drug Overview
There are a lot of Badlands National Park Tours available, but which one is right for you? The Full Monty is the best all-inclusive Badlands tour My XO Adventures offers. We’ll pick you up directly from your accommodations and take you on a memorable adventure through Badlands National Park, Baja Agate Fields, and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. This private tour will show you the park’s most spectacular highlights and viewpoints. You can expect hands-on experiences, mild walks, wildlife observation, and in-depth explanations of Badlands National Park.
Get ready for an adventure to another world with our Full Monty Badlands Tour. On this adventure, you’ll explore the stark beauty of the Badlands, hunt for treasures in the Baja Agate Fields, and experience the quirky charm of Wall Drug. Perfect for families and couples alike, this tour promises a day filled with natural wonders, fascinating history, and a touch of whimsy.
The Full Monty: Badlands, Baja Agate Fields, and Wall Drug start time can be adjusted to include the Sunset and Night Sky. Simply inquire, and we’ll customize the pickup time accordingly.
- Duration: 9 Hours (approx.)
Key Highlights
- Badlands National Park
- Ghost Town Visit
- Ben Reifel Visitors Center
- Badlands Loop Road
- Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
- Baja Agate Fields (Weather Permitting)
- Wall Drug
- Prairie Homestead
- Lakota Living History (Operational Hours Permitting)
- The Best of Badlands National Park Tours
Tour Inclusions
- Fully Customizable
- Leisurely Pace, No Rushing
- Discounts for 3 or more persons
- All Guides CPR/AED Certified
- Expert Guide of the Badlands
- Snacks & Goodies
- Bottled Water
- Pick up & Drop off at your accommodations
- Photos Taken By The Guide
- Private Tour Exclusive to Your Group
- All Admissions and Entry Fees
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We are happy to offer our customers convenient payment plan options.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you never Travel without Insurance and Travel Protection.
Q&A'S
You may have questions when traveling to someplace new and exciting.
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The Badlands
The Full Monty is one of My XO Adventures’ best Badlands National Park tours. We’ll pick you up directly from your accommodations and take you on a memorable adventure through Badlands National Park, Baja Agate Fields, and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. This private tour will show you the park’s most spectacular highlights and viewpoints. You can expect hands-on experiences, mild walks, wildlife observation, and in-depth explanations of Badlands National Park.
Get ready for an adventure to another world with our Full Monty Badlands Tour. On this adventure, you’ll explore the stark beauty of the Badlands, hunt for treasures in the Baja Agate Fields, and experience the quirky charm of Wall Drug. Perfect for families and couples alike, this tour promises a day filled with natural wonders, fascinating history, and a touch of whimsy.
The Full Monty: Badlands, Baja Agate Fields, and Wall Drug start time is flexible to accommodate your preferences. If you wish to include the Sunset and Night Sky, simply inquire, and we’ll customize the pickup time accordingly. Your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities. Badlands National Park Tours should be on your time, in your way, with our guidance.
The Full Monty: A Beautiful Day with a Stunning Sunset and Night Sky
You’ll be speechless at the incredible sights and wildlife you’ll encounter. It’s beyond words and imagination.
Ironically, many along I90 In Southwestern South Dakota pass this lesser-known national park. Some say they saw the features from the road, so they kept going but missed an opportunity to experience one of many incredible Badlands National Park Tours. They saw nothing and knew nothing about this sacred land. It is a mistake of massive proportions.
The Badlands are a place to behold. Nowhere on earth do features soar to the skies, cut through the air, or throw wickedly wonderful shadows to the ground. No other place testifies to the changes upon the earth. They are a National Treasure whose contents include fossils, marine reptiles, anthracites, tigers, horses, bears, tortoises, alligators, and more. It screams of beautiful sunsets and revels in dark night skies.
Morning, afternoon, or night, the Badlands is a multifaceted, biodiverse, wickedly wonderful place. We’ve called it a phenomenal painting, an unreal, out-of-this-world, history book come-alive kind of place. It exists in the middle of an unassuming mixed grass prairie. One moment you are surrounded by amber waves of grain, then the prairie grassland and a sudden opening in the ground that formed over the last 500,000 years.
It contains spires, buttes, tables, creeks, streams, pyramids, toadstools, haystacks, and multi-colored strata. Above it are the vast open skies of the prairie. Our eyes are unable to take it all in, our minds unable to fathom its creation, and our ears deafened by the silence.
Welcome to the Badlands and all its secrets
By far, all Badlands National Park Tours are best visited in the late afternoon into Golden Hour and Sunset, at night and in the early morning before sunrise. The Badland Full Monty can be adjusted to meet any of these times.
Some of the Wildlife seen during the Golden Hour are Bison, Pronghorn Antelope, Mule Deer, Prairie Dogs, Coyotes, Badgers, Songbirds, and Raptors. The prairie can be an easy place to hide. “Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.” – By Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Baja Agate Fields in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
Agate fields? That’s right. Just next to Badlands National Park is Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Within an area we visit, there are the agate fields. Agates are known for their fine layering within the rock. Although there are many theories on how certain agates are formed, we do know that they’re special and highly collectible. The Fairburn Agate is the state gem of South Dakota and is known for the specific “fortress” like banded pattern within.
Over millions of years, these agates and many other stones were deposited from the Black Hills into this area. After another long period, these stones were buried. During the period of erosion, beginning 500 thousand years ago, the bones and stones of the Badlands began to reappear, and this is why we are here. By choosing My XO Adventures, you’re assured to have the best of the Badlands National Park Tours.
Wall Drug
Have you dug Wall Drug? You may have noticed the signs and heard of the place, but whatever is in your head is probably off-base. Wall Drug is more than a tourist trap; it’s a classic American success story.
Known as the “Window to the West,” Wall Drug started out with humble beginnings, a helping of optimism, a handful of resourcefulness, and a good amount of plain genius.
Wall Drug is named so because of the town it calls home: Wall, SD. The Wall is called Wall because of the Badlands Wall. We’ll be exploring this geographic feature for much of the day. It’s a kind place not to be missed.
Inside Wall Drug is a 500-seat dining room, amazing donuts, shops, two animatronic displays from the 1940s and 1950s, a travelers chapel, a giant jackalope, historical photos, and more than I could ever list here.
Learn the story behind Wall Drug from us. You’ll appreciate what it took to grow a small place from 1931 to what it is today. Civilization ends here, and the best Badlands National Park Tours begin.
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About Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, encompasses 242,756 acres of striking geological formations, including sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles. This area is renowned for its rich fossil beds, which provide insights into ancient ecosystems where prehistoric horses and rhinos once roamed.
The park features the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairie in the United States, serving as a natural habitat for diverse wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and endangered black-footed ferrets. Managed by the National Park Service, Badlands also holds cultural significance, with sites related to the Lakota tribe and historical events like the Ghost Dances of the 1890s, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The name “Badlands” has its origins in the Lakota language, where the region is referred to as mako sica, meaning “bad lands.” This term reflects the area’s challenging terrain, characterized by steep cliffs, jagged canyons, and limited water sources, making it difficult for both travel and habitation. French fur trappers who encountered the region in the 18th century adopted a similar phrase, les mauvaises terres à traverser, which translates to “bad lands to traverse.”
The harsh conditions, including slick clay during rains and extreme temperatures, contributed to the perception of the land as inhospitable, thus earning it the “bad” designation. Despite its daunting name, Badlands National Park Tours are rich in geological and ecological diversity, holding significant cultural and historical importance, particularly for the Lakota people who have long inhabited the area.
Visitors to Badlands National Park have a wide array of activities to choose from, allowing them to immerse themselves in the park’s unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. One popular option is hiking, with numerous hiking trails available, including the Notch Trail and the Saddle Pass Trail, each offering its own distinct features and stunning views. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the 38-mile Badlands Loop Road provides access to overlooks and trailheads, allowing visitors to take in the park’s geological formations and wildlife from the comfort of their vehicles.
Wildlife enthusiasts can observe diverse species such as bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs in their natural habitats, particularly at locations like Roberts Prairie Dog Town. Camping is also an option for those who wish to spend more time in the park, with campgrounds such as Sage Creek Campground providing an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this park overnight.
Additionally, educational programs, including Junior Ranger activities and exhibits at visitor centers, offer insights into the area’s natural and cultural history.
Finally, the park’s stunning landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, make it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the best of Badlands National Park Tours.
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a guide for the Badlands?
Hiring a knowledgeable guide is essential for truly experiencing the Badlands. Our guides at My XO Adventures are deeply familiar with the area’s terrain, history, and hidden gems. They ensure your adventure is safe, educational, and unforgettable, helping you discover the Badlands in a way that honors its unique beauty and significance. If you truly want to experience the Best Badlands National Park tours, you’ll need a guide.
Is drinking water provided on the tour?
We provide ample drinking water to keep you hydrated throughout your journey. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the Badlands, where temperatures can rise quickly.
What should I pack for the tour?
We recommend packing the following items: comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, sunscreen, light, breathable clothing, a camera or smartphone for capturing memories, and snacks if you have specific preferences (some will be provided), any personal medications or items you might need during the day.
What kind of weather should I expect?
The Badlands’ weather can be variable. Summers are typically hot, with occasional heat waves and temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). Spring and fall months offer milder conditions, varying from 59°F to 79°F (15°C to 27°C). Sudden weather changes can be the norm in the Badlands. Bring layers to adjust as needed. Layers are your friend.
How long is the tour?
The Baja Agate Fields, Wall Drug, and Badlands Tour is a full-day experience, typically lasting around 7 hours. This duration allows us to explore each location thoroughly and enjoy the unique features of each site.
What types of animals can I expect to see in the Badlands?
The Badlands is home to diverse wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, coyotes, various bird species of raptors and songbirds, and reptiles and amphibians. Our guides will help you spot and safely observe these animals in their natural habitat.
What are the hours of operation for the Ben Reifel Visitors Center and Cedar Pass Campground?
Ben Reifel Visitors Center: It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and has extended hours during peak season. It’s an excellent starting point for your visit and offers exhibits, information, and assistance from park rangers. Cedar Pass Campground is open year-round, with peak season typically from late spring through early fall. Check-in starts at 1:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. The campground provides basic amenities and an excellent base for exploring the park.
How Far is Badlands National Park From Rapid City?
Badlands National Park is about one hour east of Rapid City. There are several ways to approach it, but most use exit 110 off of I-90 or Route 44 through Interior, SD.
Why should I visit Badlands National Park?
Come with us, and you’ll see why. This is an underrated, undervisted, absolutely remarkable National Park. Its beauty is beyond words; its photographs capture only a fraction of the experience. While most visitors think they can visit Mount Rushmore and all the essential things in a day, they often miss the Badlands.
What are Baja Agate Fields?
Good question. Agates are very sought after in some circles, and mysterious. At best, there are well thought our theories on how complex agates form, but they remain theories. The Fairburn Agate is the state gem of South Dakota, and for good reason. They are beauties. The Baja Agate Fields are located within Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. So long as the conditions are right, we’ll drive in, get out, and look around through hordes of rocks and minerals washed all the way down from the Black Hills. The best part: you’re allowed to keep a stone or two.
Will we have time to shop at Wall Drug?
Yes, of course! We make it easy. Once we make sure you understand the layout, we will set a meeting point for you to wait once you’re done shopping. Simply call your guide and let them know you’re ready. Front door service in the Wild West.
Are there restrooms along the way on this tour?
There are, but pay close attention. There are running-water restrooms in Wall, SD, on the North side of Badlands National Park. The nearest restroom with running water will be the Ben Reifel Visitor Center near Interior. The only restrooms between those points are pit (vault) toilets. Don’t pass up a running-water toilet.