Badlands National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Containing the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 37-28 million years old, the evolutionary stories of mammals such as the horse and rhinoceros arise from the 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Bison, bighorn sheep, endangered black-footed ferrets, and swift fox roam one of the largest, protected mixed-grass prairies in the United States.

Night sky volunteer using the park's telescope

Volunteer at Badlands National Park

Share your time and talents as a Night Sky Assistant, Spring Environmental Education Intern, or Summer Naturalist. A diversity of volunteer opportunities are currently available and listed on the website’s volunteer page. Consider applying and becoming a member of our team this spring or summer.

Ranger assisting students during an education program

For Kids and Teachers

Researching a school project? Trying to schedule a classroom education program, field trip, or videoconference? Discover educational resources and learn about Badlands National Park by visiting For Kids and For Teachers.

Badlands Visitor Guide

Planning a trip to the Badlands? Reviewing the 2008 Badlands Visitor Guide (1.84 MB PDF) in advance can help you plan an enjoyable trip to the park and maximize your vacation experience. Plan on attending a ranger-guided program, hiking a trail, or driving the Scenic Byway. The guide provides information on visitor services, facilities, hours of operation, and park rules and regulations.

Planning Underway for the South Unit General Management Plan

The National Park Service is working on a General Management Plan (GMP) for the South Unit of Badlands National Park. Public comments on Newsletter #1 Winter 2008 (693 KB PDF) were submitted and reviewed by the General Management Plan management team and are being incorporated into preliminary alternatives and a preferred alternative. The next public comment period will occur after the issuance of the draft GMP in mid-to-late 2009.

Write to

25216 Ben Reifel Road
P.O. Box 6
Interior, South Dakota 57750

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters
(605) 433-5361

Fax

(605) 433-5404

Climate

The Badlands climate is variable and unpredictable with temperatures ranging from -40 F to 116 F. The summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall. Extremely high winds are common year-round. Sudden and dramatic weather changes are common. Dress in layers. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate water are recommended for hiking.