How big is the park?

Badlands National Park is 381 square miles or 244,000 acres.

What is the highest point in the park?

The highest point in the park is 3,247 feet or 1,009 meters, located at the Pinnacles Entrance Station.

How much precipitation does the park receive every year?

The average annual precipitation is 16 inches.

Are dinosaur fossils found in the Badlands?

The spectacular formations found in Badlands National Park date from the late Cretaceous, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs. Although the park does not contain any dinosaur fossils, the rapidly eroding layers contain marine fossils and an incredibly rich diversity of extinct mammals from the Age of Mammals. Ancestors of the modern day rhinoceros, horse, pig, and cat are eroding out of various layers throughout the park. Fossils from early birds, reptiles, and invertebrates can also be found.

How did the park get its name?

Badlands National Park is located in the White River Badlands and was called mako sica (mako, land and sica, bad) by the Sioux Indians. The term badlands generally refers to an area that is difficult to travel through primarily because of the rugged terrain and lack of water. The fascinating landscape within the park erodes at a rate of about 1 inch per year, providing an ever-changing landscape.

Can I collect things in Badlands National Park?

All collecting of rocks, minerals, plants, fossils or cultural objects (i.e. arrowheads) is illegal and punishable by a fine.

Are there any paleontology excavations in the park?

During the summer months, Badlands National Park has an ongoing fossil excavation site known as "The Pig Dig" where visitors are invited to watch paleontologists at work. To date, over 14,000 bone specimens have been excavated from a location believed to have been a water hole 33 million years ago. The fossilized remains of 18 species of animals and one plant have been recovered through careful excavation of the site. During the summer season, the site is a popular destination for park visitors.

How many fossils have been discovered in the park to date?

It is hard to know how many fossils have been discovered to date. There is no way to get an estimate; however, an incredible amount of fossils have been found. For over 150 years, fossils have been excavated from the area in and around the park. Long before the Badlands became a protected National Park site, anyone with a shovel could conduct research in the park and remove its fossil resources.

What is the park’s significance?

Badlands was originally proclaimed a National Monument in 1929 and was later designated a National Park in 1978. The park's special significance includes:

• spectacular vistas and scenery that inspired the first description of the "badlands" landform
• rich fossil remains of early mammals found in the formations
• notoriety as the birthplace of the science of vertebrate paleontology (the study of fossils)
• one of the largest, protected mixed-grass prairies in the United States
• sites of spiritual and historical significance to the Lakota Sioux Nation

What is the legislated purpose of the park?

To protect the unique landforms and scenery of the White River Badlands for the benefit, enjoyment, and inspiration of the public

To preserve for science and interpret for the public the massive vertebrate fossil beds and other geological resources

To interpret the history and development of the science of paleontology that has taken place in the White River Badlands

What are some of the important resource issues in the park?

One of the important environmental issues facing the park is the historic introduction of non-native plants and determining the best way to control or eliminate them. Non-native plants, such as Canada Thistle, exotic grasses, and knapweed, crowd out native plants, monopolize limited water resources, and spread rapidly, especially in years of ample rainfall. Badlands National Park is actively working to reduce the spread of non-native plant species through the use of prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, chemicals, and biological control. The intent is to reduce or eliminate the non-native plants, while encouraging native ones.

Maintaining water quality and air quality are high priorities of the park. In recent years, energy development west of the park has been a potential source of air degradation and pollutants for the area.

The park has reintroduced a number of native animals to the area, such as bison, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and swift fox. Supporting and maintaining these populations have been important elements in maintaining the park’s native ecosystem.

Ongoing paleontology (fossil) research in the park helps enhance our understanding of how the area and life has changed over time. The scientific information gleaned from these fossils enhances our overall view of the world and provides new information which is relayed to visitors through interpretive exhibits, programs, and media. Poaching or stealing fossils from the park has been a significant concern for park managers. Efforts have been made to reduce this activity.

Does the park have a Junior Ranger Program?

Junior Ranger booklets are available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for 5-12 year olds. Through completion of the booklet, children earn a Junior Ranger Badge. During the summer season, children may also earn the badge by attending a Junior Ranger program. 

How long does it take to visit the park?

The average visit to the park is only 1 - 2 hours in length as visitors detour from nearby I-90. However, there are enough activities and sites to occupy visitors for several days to a week.