7 Epic Reasons You Need to Visit Badlands National Park In South Dakota
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a beautiful treasure in the United States. Some of our most beautiful national parks are very quiet, and the Badlands National Park was no exception when I recently visited. Here are 7 epic reasons why you need to visit this national park in beautiful South Dakota. In case you don’t know, this national park is located in the southwestern part of South Dakota and it’s a short drive from Mount Rushmore, an area that people seem to know more about.
Wide Open Skies In Badlands National Park
There are a lot of wide open skies to enjoy in this national park. I recently had a conversation with a 70 year old woman who was traveling solo. We chatted a bit and talked about nature and the sky. She made the comment that she was 70 years old and had seen the Milky Way once in her lifetime. I’m thinking she needs to visit South Dakota and the midwest! The views here during the day and night were spectacular.
Camp at the Badlands/White River KOA for a family, friendly camping experience near the park entrance.
Wildlife In Badlands National Park
Prairie dogs, bison, and bighorn sheep are a small sampling of what you will have the opportunity to view.
With fewer park visitors, all guests have the opportunity to be very close to the wildlife. Be smart about viewing wildlife, as the national park is there home. It’s never OK to approach the wildlife. Park regulations require that you keep at least 100 yards away, and anytime an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
Photographers Dream
If you love taking photos. the Badlands National Park is for you!
There is so much beauty around every curve and corner that you will find yourself wondering when you should put your camera down.
Hiking Trails
The hiking trails in Badlands National Park were not crowded. The best advice I can give you is to have a map in your hand and bring water. If there’s one thing I have learned while hiking over the years, it’s the fact that you can never pack in enough water. Stay on the trails, as you never know what may be off the trail. Another thing to remember is that it is never OK to bring a piece of the park home with you.
I would highly recommend stopping at the visitor center to inquire about trail updates and weather conditions before you set foot on a hiking trail in any national park. I found the park employees at Badlands National Park to be very informative and helpful. Many national parks offer fantastic hiking experiences, including Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Convenient Parking Areas With Views
Badlands National Park offers several convenient parking and pull-out areas along the road that takes you through the park. I would highly suggest stopping at each of them.
It’s impossible to see what each parking area has to offer until you get out of your car and walk out on the sidewalk to see the views that await!
Passing Storms Bring Beauty
On a day that I visited, a storm went through. The views that the sky left were absolutely out of this world. If you see rain on the horizon, do not run out of the park. The views that await, will take your breath away!
An Opportunity To Unplug
Badlands National Park gives you the opportunity to unplug. Doesn’t that sound like a great opportunity? Cell phone service does not work in the majority of Badlands National Park, so why not make the most of it and enjoy nature. I would suggest taking your cell phone with you, as you will have the opportunity for several amazing photos. Make the most of an opportunity to unplug and enjoy the pace that Badlands National Park has to offer.
I loved my visit to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota and cannot wait to return. The beauty that this national park offers is breathtaking and I loved all the wildlife. The American Road Trip is alive and well, and national parks should be on your next route.
Happy Traveling ~ Sara
SaraB
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