Discover Badlands National Park

 

Mt Rushmore


Just miles east of Mt. Rushmore to discover and explore the Beautiful Rushmore Cave or trek into South Dakota's Badlands. Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires. Over 11,000 years of human history can be found within the sod layers while 30-65 million-year-old fossils erode out of the rocks. Known locally to the Lakota Sioux as "mako sica" the area was first called "badlands" by early French trappers due to the difficulty of travel and the lack of water.


Badlands National Park contains rich Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating from 23 to 35 million years ago. The rock layers hold the fossilized remains of early mammals such as three-toed horses, housecat sized deer, rhinoceros, saber-toothed cats, camels, and giant pigs. When visiting South Dakota's Badlands there are several sites to see, including:


  • See paleontology in action at the "Pig Dig" as park staff and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students work during the summer. Visitors to the Conata Picnic Area can watch paleontologists removing 33 million year-old fossils that were trapped in an ancient watering hole.
  • Enjoy spectacular scenery, opportunities for wildlife viewing, wayside exhibits, and trails along Badlands Loop Road.
  • Take a backcountry hike in the Badlands Wilderness to explore the prairie and rock formations. Badlands National Park presents you with a chance to look back into history. If you are looking for wide open, unspoiled places to hike and camp, the Park may be just for you.


Did you Know? - Established as Badlands National Monument in 1939, the area was re-designated a "National Park" in 1978. Here's some more Trivia to share on your trip:


  • The Badlands Wilderness Area includes 2 management units and covers 64,000acres in the northern portion of the park.
  • The 133,000-acre South Unit of the park is located within Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and managed in cooperation with the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
  • Badlands National Park has two International Sister Parks: Vashlovani National Park in the country of Georgia and Hortobagy National Park in Hungary.


With such diverse heritage and outdoor experience to enjoy it’s no wonder so many travelers head to South Dakota.


By Rick Chapo


Getting There


 Discover more about Badlands National Park and plan your trip by visiting their website.


Visit the Travel South Dakota website for regional destinations, events, and more to explore on your trip.


Update: Links / Photo

Location: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrate National Library Week

Image
  Spring into a new world of imagination and knowledge! Celebrate National Library Week between April 21 - 27 at a local library and through digital collections. Want go beyond local libraries? Discover hidden gems from history at world’s largest library - The Library Of Congress .  Spring  Reading : Spring is a time for Renewal and Growth, and here are a few ideas to consider.  "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A classic tale of love, loss, and the American Dream, perfect for a hopeful spring day. "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett:  A heartwarming story of a young girl who discovers a magical garden, symbolizing renewal and growth. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern:  A whimsical and enchanting novel set in a mysterious circus, perfect for a dreamy spring evening. Check your regional library for current events for  National Library Week. The Library Of Congress has millions of books, newspapers, photographs and more ...
Read this »

Volunteer At The Coolest Ice Gathering

Image
  The Tanana Valley Fairgrounds in Fairbanks will present the World Ice Art Championships this February until the end of March. Among the competitions are : Multi Blocks Double Blocks Single Blocks Collegiate  Snow - a family event Youth Classic Volunteering at Ice Alaska is is a fun way to meet the international community of artists. Check out  the  Ice Alaska  website for full details on the opportunities available.  By Melody Schubert Plan Your Trip: The   World Ice Art Championships  is held in February through March at the  Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds . See the  Ice Alaska  website for current news, events, and schedules.  The beauty of Alaska is wild and wonderful, and for regional adventures, food, entertainment and more to do, go to the  Travel Alaska  website.  Photo Credits: Ice Alaska / Travel Alaska
Read this »

Library of Congress Collecting Memories

Image
  The world’s largest library has millions of books, newspapers, and photographs, plus,    there’s much more to see at the Library of Congress.  Experience the Library: Tours:  Take a guided tour to learn about the Library's history and architecture. Exhibitions:  Discover fascinating exhibitions on a variety of topics, from art and literature to science and technology. Events:  Attend lectures, concerts, and film screenings. Research:  Utilize the Library's extensive resources for your own research projects. Library of Congress Exhibits:  The Library of Congress recently opened an exhibit called “Collecting Memories,” that runs through December 2025. Among the rare objects is Abraham Lincoln’s handwritten Gettysburg Address.  The Library of Congress is our gateway to the past, present, and future.  See the  LOC  website for current exhibits, programs and more to explore.  Anime Image Credit - Gemini  
Read this »