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Badlands National ParkBrilliant colors of the setting sun at Yellow Mounds, Highway 240 in foreground
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Badlands National Park
Directions

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and can be easily accessed by car. Plane or bus service is available to Rapid City, South Dakota, located approximately 80 miles west of the park. 

By Car
Interstate 90 (I-90) is located directly north of the park and provides access to the Badlands Loop Road. For those traveling west on I-90, take Exit 131 (Interior) and follow the signs directing vehicles south approximately three miles to the Northeast Entrance gate. For those traveling east on I-90, take Exit 110 at Wall, South Dakota. Follow signs directing vehicles south approximately seven miles to the Pinnacles Entrance of the park. 

State Highway 44 provides an alternate, scenic access to the park and intersects Highway 377 in the town of Interior. Follow 377 two miles north to the Interior Entrance gate.

By Plane
Daily flights are available to the Rapid City Regional Airport and car rental services are available onsite. The airport is located approximately one hour west of the park, off of Highway 44.

By Bus
Greyhound Lines, Inc. has limited bus service to Rapid City. Car rental companies are available in Rapid City with delivery and pickup services.

Some bus tours are available through tour companies in Rapid City and the surrounding area.

By Public Transportation
No public transportation is available to the park.

Getting Around
A typical visit lasts three to five hours and includes the park movie, stops at four overlooks, and two walks. The Badlands Loop Road, accessed from Interstate 90, is a two-lane, paved surface. The Sage Creek Rim Road is gravel and may be impassable after heavy rains or snows. Five trails, varying from 1/4-mile to eight miles in length, explore park features. The remainder of the park is open to exploration using a topographic map and a compass.

Historic photo of an employee and the Cedar Pass Camp sign  

Did You Know?
The Cedar Pass Lodge dates back to 1928 when Ben Millard and his sister Clara opened the Cedar Pass Camp to provide services to tourists braving the area's dusty, undeveloped roads. The Camp once consisted of a grocery store, gas station, dance hall, and cabins. It remains an oasis for travelers.

Last Updated: September 16, 2008 at 15:39 EST