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 or Information Specialist this summer. These volunteer opportunities are listed on the website’s volunteer page. Consider applying and becoming a member of our team.

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.

The delicate white petals of the sego lily

Wildflower Viewing Season

With sufficient moisture from winter's snowstorms, the Badlands' mixed-grass prairie showcases a diverse collection of colorful flowers. Visiting the park from spring through early summer is a wonderful time to view the display. A sneak peek can be found in this photo gallery.

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. Updates on the process are now available in Newsletter #2 Spring 2009 (879 KB PDF). The GMP management team will be preparing a list of alternatives for managing the South Unit, based on public comments. The draft South Unit GMP will be available in early 2010, with another public comment period occurring shortly thereafter.

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.