badlands national park

I have been here to numerous to count times. I stay in Sturgis west of the badlands and head done highways 44 east to enter from the east end. You can enter from the west, but by starting at the east end you finish the ride back west, which is often times a hot one hence the name the badlands, in Wall. In Wall you can relax with a cold drink in air conditioning. There is a lodge at the est end of the park, but it doesn't have the atmosphere or variety of Wall. TEh park is a great place to walk/hike around and the views are amazing. Prairie dogs about toward the west end. The rangers give daily talks about the park and are not only knowledgeable, they are entertaining. I, of course, recommend traveling through the park on a motorcycle to get all the senses going, but I guess it could be done in a car as well. By the way save your receipt, it is good for a week so if you want to come back the next day you won't have to pay again. And it helps to keep a few bottles of cold water with you. they may not stay cold for long in the summer, but it will at least keep you hydrated. There is no place to buy drinks except in the lodge at the east end and Wall at the west end.

I first visited the Black Hills region in 2009 but recently went back for a short visit. Badlands NP was a must return for me. Badlands is located about an hour east of Rapid City just off of I-90. The park it located in the middle of the prairie (read: middle of nowhere) but the park itself is an absolute beauty.The highlight of the park is the jagged geological rock formations that populate the prairie. It feels like stepping onto another planet. You can see for miles beyond the formations back out to the flatlands of central South Dakota,Both times I have visited (summer and winter) were not too busy. Of course it was practically empty in the winter, but I was surprised by how uncrowded it was in the summer as well. I guess everyone was spending their time at Mount Rushmore and the various tourist traps in the area.I highly recommend a visit to Badlands NP if you are in the area.