Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a protected area in South Dakota spanning roughly 244,000 acres across three counties. The rock formations consist of colored layers of sand, clay, and volcanic ash shaped into pointed towers and deep canyons.

The area received National Monument status in 1939 and was expanded to a park in 1978. The preserved rock layers date from the Oligocene epoch, a period roughly 23 to 34 million years ago.

The Lakota community called this landscape Mako Sica, meaning bad or barren land. Visitors encounter that history today mainly in the Stronghold Unit, managed by tribal members and offering access to sacred sites.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center serves as the main starting point for trail walks and information, especially during summer months. Paths are often narrow and unpaved, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended.

The sediments contain remains of extinct mammals such as prehistoric horses and rhinoceroses. Paleontologists still regularly uncover new fossils here that shed light on the evolution of North American animal species.

Location: Jackson County

Location: Pennington County

Location: Oglala Lakota County

Inception: January 25, 1939

Operator: National Park Service

Part of: Badlands and Black Hills

Address: South Dakota, USA

Phone: +16054335361

Website: https://nps.gov/badl

GPS coordinates: 43.75000,-102.50000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00