"Basaic Badlands National Park Page" Top 5 Page for this destination Badlands National Park by Basaic

Badlands National Park Travel Guide: 137 reviews and 382 photos

Badlands National Park

Like Death Valley, the Badlands can mislead you with its name. Sure there is much more inviting land in many places; but the Badlands supports a surprising variety of animal and plant life. Whatever the conditions, nature will adapt. The main part of the park for touring is the North Unit which is parallel to, and just south of, Interstate 90. There are three entrances to the park: One from the south called the interior entrance and the two main entrances; the Northeast (Exit 131) and Pinnacles (Exit 110). I recommend Exit 131 because it is closest to the Visitors Center.

Wildlife

Deer

I saw quite a bit more wildlife than I anticipated on my trip through the badlands. There was a variety of birds along with chipmunks, prairie dogs, rabbits, deer, mountain goats, and bison.

Ancient Past

Archaeotherium Fossil

This area was a shallow sea some 75 million years ago. The area was covered with a quite different variety of plants and animals. Take the fossil trail to learn some about this ancient past. Human habitation of the area has a much shorter history of only 11,000 to 12,000 years.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Surprisingly Alive

Last visit to Badlands National Park: Sep 2010
Intro Updated Nov 19, 2011
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Reviews (36)

Fossil Exhibits Trail - Badlands National Park

Fossil Exhibits Trail Sports & Outdoors (6)

The Fossil Exhibits Trail is a 400 meter boardwalk trail that is wheelchair accessible. Be aware though that some of the... more travel advice

Saddle Pass Trailhead - Badlands National Park

Saddle Pass Trail Sports & Outdoors (6)

The Saddle Pass Trail is a short but very steep trail up the Badlands Wall that connects with other longer trails. Do... more travel advice

Cliff Shelf Trail - Badlands National Park

Cliff Shelf Trail Sports & Outdoors (6)

This trail is a 100 meter boardwalk that is fully wheelchair accessible. It offers a great view of the bowl shaped Cliff... more travel advice

The Notch Trail Sports & Outdoors (6)

The Notch Trail is for those feeling a bit more adventurous. The trail is 1 mile roundtrip and includes, a ladder to... more travel advice

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Comments (3)

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BruceDunning Feb 9, 2013 at 3:46 PM

I am planning a trip here next spring or earlier. Thanks for the guides
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  Basaic Feb 10, 2013 at 9:10 AM
  
  Badlands is interesting and there is quite a bit in the area (Deadwood, Sturgis, Custer SP etc)
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JessieLang Jan 9, 2012 at 2:41 PM

I wanted to see your Badlands pages because I've been there and really liked it. Good job! I think it is important to let people know what is accessible and what is more difficult. (Your description of the Notch Trail tells me I want NO part of it!)
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Yaqui Dec 9, 2011 at 9:35 AM

Love places like these. Parks are so essential in preserving our history and cultures! Excellent page!