The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is an awe-inspiring landscape of beauty and mystery. Formed over millions of years by erosion and the forces of nature, this rugged landscape offers visitors a glimpse into its past with its unique geologic formations, including spires, buttes, canyons, gullies, and ravines.
The park’s 244,000 acres are also home to many animals that call the area home, such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. More than 400 species of birds are also found in the park year-round or during their seasonal migrations. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from while in the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on various trails throughout the area. Climbing is also permitted in some areas with proper registration.
For those wanting a more leisurely experience, there are plenty of scenic drives to take where you can marvel at the spectacular views surrounding you. There are also campgrounds within the park and cabins and lodges, allowing visitors to spend extended time immersed in nature’s beauty. This is why we often say, welcome to the Badlands….
The stark beauty of the Badlands landscape is breathtaking, with its towering buttes, steep canyons, and razor-sharp spires jutting out against the horizon. Each time of the day reveals new shapes and shadows. Contrasts between the natural prairie and cliff faces reveal a whole new world.
The sunsets in Badlands National Park are second to none with the vibrant colors of the sky contrasting against the sharp and jagged rocks, creating a peaceful and unforgettable experience. This is by far the best place for sunsets in South Dakota.
With its remote location, almost no light pollution, and perfect viewing conditions, Badlands National Park is considered one of the best places for stargazing in North America. Bring your binoculars for an awe-inspiring view of the night sky.
With its rugged terrain, Badlands National Park is home to over 60 species of mammals, including bighorn sheep, bison, swift foxes, badgers, bison, prairie dogs and pronghorns. You’ll also see plenty of birds, including bald and golden eagles, soaring through the skies.
A major draw to Badlands National Park is its fossils. Badlands National Park is home to an abundance of fossilized wonders, ranging from ancient plants and animals, to tracks and burrows of creatures long gone. Fossil beds can be found throughout the park, but look don’t touch. If you find a fossil, report it to a Park Ranger!
Spend an afternoon searching for agates, quartz, geodes and more on this exciting private tour of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and Badlands National Park. Learn how to hunt for agates and take home any discoveries you make on this incredible adventure. Welcome to the Badlands.
At My XO Adventures, we invite you to explore the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park—a landscape shaped by time, weather, and mystery. Our Badlands tours take you beyond the ordinary, whether you’re discovering dramatic rock formations by day, spotting Badlands wildlife, or embracing the silence of the vast open plains.
But the magic doesn’t end with the setting sun. As darkness falls, the Badlands Stargazing experience begins. Away from city lights, the sky explodes with stars, planets, and galaxies. We bring star charts, high-powered binoculars, blankets, and lasers to guide you through the cosmos, turning the night into an unforgettable journey.
This land holds secrets you won’t find in guidebooks. Every rock tells a story, every winding road leads to discovery, and every tour is customized to unveil the park’s hidden wonders. Welcome to the Badlands—let us show you what makes it extraordinary.
Millions of years in the making, the Badlands’ rugged formations have been shaped by wind and water, revealing layers of history in their striking colors. The soft golden glow of sunrise highlights the intricate ridges, while the deep red hues of sunset create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. The Badlands’ beauty isn’t static—it shifts with the light, the weather, and the season.
As you journey through the park, you’ll share the land with Badlands wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and even the elusive black-footed ferret. These creatures have thrived in this harsh yet stunning environment for centuries, and each sighting feels like a glimpse into the past. From the towering cliffs of Sage Creek to the rolling prairies, the Badlands are alive with movement and sound, even in the quietest moments.
After sunset, a Badlands Stargazing experience awaits. Far from city lights, the Badlands National Park night sky offers some of the darkest and clearest views of the cosmos in North America. On our exclusive Badlands tours, we provide star charts, binoculars, cozy blankets, drinks, and laser pointers to guide you through constellations, planets, and celestial wonders.
If you’ve never truly seen the Milky Way arch across the sky, the Badlands’ night sky will leave you speechless. Shooting stars, distant galaxies, and even the occasional glimpse of the Northern Lights make this an unforgettable experience. Welcome to the Badlands!
Most visitors experience the Badlands from behind the wheel, but there’s a world beyond the pavement. At My XO Adventures, we take you deeper. Whether it’s walking an ancient fossil trail, hiking to hidden overlooks, or learning about the rich Indigenous history of the region, our Badlands tours provide a connection to the land that goes beyond sightseeing.
There’s no rush here. We customize each journey to ensure you experience the Badlands at your own pace, soaking in its vastness, its silence, and its hidden secrets. This is more than a tour—it’s an immersion into one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, welcome to the Badlands—a place where adventure meets tranquility, and every corner holds a new discovery. If you’re ready to experience the park in a way few others do, let us show you its secrets, its wonders, and its endless sky.
Sage Creek Rim Road
This is the most overlooked area in the park and perhaps the most stunning. It’s a dirt road, which makes some uneasy, but don’t worry, it’s meant for your enjoyment. Sage Creek Rim Road has extensive views of Badlands National Park and just so happens to be the most likely place to see Bison, Prairie Dogs, Coyotes, Badgers, and Deer.
Directions to Badlands National Park
Most visitors to the Badlands National Park enter through the north side of the park on I90. Take exit 110 at Wall, SD, to enter Badlands Loop Road. You can also continue past exit 110 to exit 131, located at the Minuteman Missile Museum.
Alternatively, you can enter through the south side by taking Highway 44 to the town of Interior, SD, where you’ll find the entrance. Rangers are located at all entrances. Welcome to the Badlands.
Badlands Loop Road
The Badlands Loop Road is 32 miles long and designed in part by Peter Norbeck. This is no ordinary road. It was constructed to highlight the most beautiful views of Badlands National Park. In total, there are 14 marked overlooks with parking.
In addition, there are pull-offs where you can stop and take in the scenery. Driving the loop straight through takes a little over an hour. With a guide, it can easily take 2 hours to view the entire Badlands Loop Road.
