On average, Badlands National Park is 1.5 hours from the closest city, which is Rapid City South Dakota. This will take you right to the main visitor’s center. Badlands National park is located in the Southwestern part of South Dakota. The park is open year-round however during winter months some roads within the park may be closed due to adverse weather.
Badlands to Rapid City
Time: 1 hr 20 min
Distance: 83 Miles
There are two routes to take to get to Badlands National Park from Rapid City. They both take the same time so personal preference prevails here.
The first route is via the I-90W. There is a lot to see in the I-90W through South Dakota however this portion of the interstate is fairly quiet on the attraction front.
There is an interesting Prairie Homestead attraction that will entice the children for sure. It is always fun to step back in time and see how things used to be. You can even dress up in pioneer clothes to take photos. It is a great chance for a bit of a history lesson and a break from travel. You can check it out here. It is located less than 10 minutes outside of the park so a super easy side trip for the family.
The other route from Rapid City to Badlands National Park is via the SD-44W. There is not a lot of places to stop along this route.
Badlands to Mount Rushmore
Time: 1 hr 48 min
Distance: 105 Miles
It typically takes just under 2 hours to drive between Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore. The drive can be broken up with a few stops along the way including Wall Drug Store and the Dinosaur Park.
Wall Drugstore is an icon of South Dakota and a true tourist stop destination. It is not your typical drugstore but one of the best places to stop on your drive through South Dakota. It offers great food and a gift shop that will keep you busy for a good hour as you browse all the offerings. From souvenirs, art, recipe books and handcrafted clothing and cowboy boots, you will be sure to walk out with bags laden with goodies. The Wall Drugstore also offers a great area for everyone to get out and stretch their legs. The kids will love cooling off in the water fountain jets while parents grab a coffee to reenergize for the next leg of the trip.
Once you reach Rapid City be sure to visit the Dinosaur Museum. Not only can you see giant life-size dinosaurs but included with your admission is a game of mini-golf and the mirror maze. It is the perfect stop along your journey between Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore. You can look for the giant T-Rex along US-16 and you will know just where to stop.
What is Badlands National Park Known For?
Badlands National Park is most well known for the fossils buried within the park. These incredible fossils come from the Oligocene Epoch of the Age of Mammals. They include animals such as sabre tooth cats, three toes horses, and even rhinoceros. These fossils help scientists uncover the stories behind some of the most incredible mammals.
The park is so abundant in fossils from both the largest and the tiniest animals that scientists are always discovering something new. When you visit the park you will no doubt be able to learn something about the history of the animals that once walked the same ground that you now stand on.
Badlands National Park is still home to a wide range of animals that live within the diverse landscape. Ranging from wild prairies to mountainous buttes through to deep gorges. It is fascinating to observe the erosion that has taken place over many years. The colour within the sedimentary rock that makes up the huge buttes tell a story of thousands of years.
How Long Should You Spend at Badlands National Park?
On average, you can spend a few hours at Badlands National Park and see a good part of it. However, for the most immersive experience of the park, it is recommended that you spend two days exploring the park.
Scenic Byway Loop
The scenic byway (SD-240) drive through Badlands National park takes around one hour. On this drive you will be greeted with awe-inspiring scenery on every side. It is the most recognisable image that comes to mind when you think of Badlands. The pinnacles and buttes will take your breath away as you try and breathe in your surroundings.
Along the drive, there are 15 overlooks where you can get out and really take the time to appreciate the beauty and magnitude of what is in front of you. You can also enjoy 8 hiking trails if you are wanting to take some time hiking and stretching your legs.
Visitors Centres
The visitors centre is well equipped to help you make the best of your time in the park. There are two visitors centres located in the park. Ben Reifel Visitor Center is the main visitors centre and is open year-round. Here you can talk to the rangers, collect junior ranger books and learn about the history and geography of the park.
The other visitor centre is the White River visitors centre. This centre is only open during the summer months. Both visitors centres are located on the scenic byway loop.
Fossil Prepartion Lab
When you visit Badlands National Park be sure to stop by the Fossil Preparation Lab. This unique experience is available to guests during the summer months. You can watch paleontologists and other scientists work on fossils found in the park as well as ask any questions you have. This is a free guided tour.
Sage Creek Rim Road
If you have extra time you may want to drive the Sage Creek River Road where you can spot wildlife as you drive along the gravel road. It is common for the wildlife to get rather close which is both exciting and a little unnerving so use caution. Bison, bighorn and prairie dogs are all common sights along this road.
