Why explore hungry? Here are some fine places to grab a bite during your exploration of Badlands National Park.
Why explore hungry? Here are some fine places to grab a bite during your exploration...
All 244,000 acres of Badlands National Park feel like something from a sci-fi novel. The park’s isolated buttes, sprawling canyons and towering spires beckon visitors to wander through its otherworldly landscape.
Your Badlands visit is bound to keep you entertained with so much to discover — famous hikes and overlooks will take you to new heights, local wildlife will captivate you and the community’s small businesses will add a special touch to your experience. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Upon entering Badlands National Park from the east, the Big Badlands Overlook is the first major view, making it the first stop for many park visitors. It offers a captivating panorama of the park's iconic features. You'll never experience a sunrise or sunset like this, when the play of shadows and colorful skies amplifies the beauty of the Badlands’ distinctive formations.
The Pinnacles Overlook is the highest-elevation overlook (3,342 feet) accessible by the scenic byway, offering a panoramic view of the Badlands. This vantage point unveils the vastness of the landscape, with the Black Hills peeking over the horizon on clear days. Nature lovers can spot bison in the valley below or on the upper northwest prairie. The overlook also becomes a lambing hot spot for bighorn sheep from late April to early May, providing a chance to witness adorable lambs navigating the rocky slopes.
The Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway is perhaps the best way to experience Badlands National Park in under an hour. That is, if you drive the 39-mile loop without stopping — but almost nobody does that. Breathtaking rock formations and native grassland filled with numerous species of plants and animals virtually guarantee you’ll want to stop somewhere along the route to enjoy the view. There are 16 designated scenic overlooks. Each are convenient and safe spots to pull off on the roadside to take in the sights and snap outstanding photos.
Some things go together — like hiking and Badlands National Park. Explore the unique terrain of the park by foot on one of these beautiful trails:
This intermediate hike spans about 1.5 miles, leading you up, down and all around the Badlands’ rocky terrain. The trail is highlighted by a 50-foot ladder — a steep ascent that adds an extra thrill to your excursion.
The Castle Trail is a flatter but lengthier trail that leads you through rippling grasslands and colossal buttes. The trail spans 10.3 miles as an out-and-back journey, but many hikers choose to enjoy shorter sections of the trail, as there are great views along the entire route. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot bighorn sheep, deer, prairie dogs or even buffalo along the way.
This self-guided and fully accessible boardwalk offers a fascinating journey into the prehistoric past. Delight in tactile exhibits and lifelike replicas of extinct animals that once roamed the area, providing an entertaining and educational experience for all ages.
Located 2 miles north of the visitor center, each trail is wheelchair-accessible and leads to gorgeous Badlands views. It won’t take long to see why the Door Trail (0.9 miles out and back) and the Window Trail (0.3 miles out and back) are two popular stops for many Badlands adventures.
In a conservation effort during the 1960s, a pair of trucks transported 50 bison 223 miles from Theodore Roosevelt National Park to Badlands National Park to bolster the dwindling population. Today, the herd has grown to more than 1,000. Visitors most often spot bison off Sage Creek Rim Road and near the Pinnacles entrance station.
But they aren’t the only wild residents you’ll find in the park. Since their reintroduction in 1964, bighorn sheep have enjoyed the park’s rocky formations, like those at Pinnacles Overlook, Castle Trail and Big Badlands Overlook. You might also spy some deer and coyotes during your visit. And if cute is what you seek, don’t skip a stop at prairie-dog towns easily viewed at Burns Basin Overlook, Sage Creek Campground and Roberts Prairie Dog Town.
Exercise caution and keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Wild animals can be aggressive to humans if they get too close. Always practice safe and sustainable travel. For more on responsible travel (and a free sticker), check out the Forever 605 pledge.
Located near the Cedar Pass Campground and Cedar Pass Lodge, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is the place to learn about the park’s history through displays, an indoor theater and a bookstore. It’s also where younger visitors can earn their Junior Ranger badge. All they have to do is fill out the fun-packed activity book to become official!
Badlands National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it offers some of the darkest skies in the country. Imagine gazing up at a celestial canopy glittering with countless stars, planets and galaxies, a sight that fills you with wonder and reminds you of the vastness of the universe. Check out a ranger-led Night Sky Program on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day for a truly amazing experience.
Accessibility continues to be a priority in South Dakota. In Badlands National Park, amphitheater programs are wheelchair-accessible and involve accessible telescopes for sky viewings. Ramped entrances, accessible restrooms and reserved parking are available to wheelchair users at both the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and White River Visitor Center. The former includes a chance to hold fossils and rocks, and the park film is open-captioned with listening devices available.
There are two wheelchair-accessible campsites at Cedar Pass Campground. Most overlooks are accessible to wheelchair users. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, Window Trail and first sections of the Door and Cliff Shelf trails are accessible. The surrounding terrain at Conata Picnic Area has an accessible vault toilet, although surrounding terrain is rough, and the Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area also has an accessible vault toilet in addition to ramps and reserved parking. The Cedar Pass Lodge’s gift shop and dining room are fully accessible with ramps, wide doors and aisles, restrooms and reserved parking.
Looking for more? Make the most of your Badlands adventure by immersing yourself in rich Indigenous culture at a historic Lakota village, feeling the Cold War power of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site or marveling at the wonders of the Black Hills. Around the park, get up close with some furry friends at Roberts Prairie Dog Town or book a horseback excursion through Hurley Butte Horseback. Need to stock up or find a souvenir? Visit the Native West Trading Company or the iconic Wall Drug Store.
Explore more in the directory below.
Once the site of an ancient ocean, Badlands National Park is one of the world’s richest fossil beds and a haven for wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Dive in to discover why these so-called "bad lands" inspire wonder in everyone who visits.
All 244,000 acres of Badlands National Park feel like something from a sci-fi novel. The...
Ready for an otherworldly experience? The greatness of the Badlands awaits! To catch the best light, plan on staying at least a couple of days to admire a Badlands sunrise and sunset. Hotels, motels, cabins, RV parks and campgrounds are available with easy access to the park’s 244,000 acres of hiking, camping and traveling. Find your perfect spot to stay near Badlands National Park, Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands Loop Road and all the scenic lookouts, bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.
The South Dakota towns of Wall and Interior offer the most convenient hotels, inns and motels near the Badlands. Luckily for guests, offerings include affordable name-brand chains. New local owners of Hansen Inn & Cabins in Wall have remodeled the hotel with modern furnishings and trendy decor. If you prefer city amenities such as local brews and upscale eats, Rapid City is only 60 miles away.
Cattle farms, ranch houses, tipis, cabins, RV parks and campgrounds amp up an Old West wilderness experience. Book one of 33 authentic, custom-built log cabins at Badlands Frontier Cabins, or find a cabin, tent or RV site, or group campsite at Cedar Pass Lodge. The Circle View Guest Ranch and Badlands Heritage Guest Ranch are both Old West bed-and-breakfast/working cattle ranches on the Badlands prairies.
In addition to Badlands exploration, some of these options include fishing, boating and horseback riding. Discover more about the Badlands' official campgrounds, Cedar Pass and Sage Creek Campground.
Once the site of an ancient ocean, Badlands National Park is one of the world’s richest fossil beds and a haven for wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Dive in to discover why these so-called "bad lands" inspire wonder in everyone who visits.
Ready for an otherworldly experience? The greatness of the Badlands awaits! To catch the best...
Restaurants Near Mount Rushmore
You’re in luck! Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a stone’s throw from all kinds of adventures around South Dakota’s western region. The memorial’s grounds overflow with activities for the whole family, and nearby charming towns like Custer, Deadwood, Keystone, Hill City and Rapid City easily fill out an itinerary. Sprinkle in a generous handful of nearby national parks, monuments, forests and historic sites, and you have a recipe for endless fun. It’s easy for visitors to find plenty of things to do in this area with unplanned exploration, but if you want a preview of what to uncover near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you’re in the right place.
There’s much to see and do for visitors at Mount Rushmore, America’s Shrine of Democracy. Stop by the Sculptor’s Studio to see the original vision for the project. Stick around until dusk in the summer months for an inspirational evening lighting ceremony. Craving a treat? Pick up a cone of Thomas Jefferson ice cream — based on the first written recipe for ice cream in the United States — at the Carver’s Cafe. Kids can embark on an exciting quest led by the National Park Service to become a Junior Ranger. No matter your age, you’ll find something to enjoy at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Like coffee pairs with cream, Crazy Horse Memorial® complements Mount Rushmore National Memorial. While Mount Rushmore may be one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Crazy Horse Memorial® holds the title for largest — and is only 13 miles away. The massive project began in 1948 and will be the largest mountain carving in the world when completed. The surrounding campus is a treasure trove of Native culture. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Native tribes at the Indian Museum of North America or The Native American Educational and Cultural Center to learn about the traditions and culture of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribes. Check their calendar of events for unique programming that happens on-site.
How do 71,000 acres of granite towers, sprawling meadows and clear mountain lakes populated by vibrant wildlife sound to you? If the answer is “incredible,” don’t skip Custer State Park while visiting Mount Rushmore. Custer State Park is one of the last remaining wild places in the country. Discover trail rides, scenic drives, bike rides and mountain lakes just waiting to be explored. Drive through the heart of the park and watch for some of the 1,300-plus bison that wander the park on the Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway. Spend a day sprawled out by the water at Sylvan Lake — one of the many picturesque mountain lakes in the park where visitors swim, kayak, paddleboard and fly-fish. Hike through (or rock-climb on) the Needles, one of the park’s most marvelous rock formations that stuns millions yearly. If you enjoy an outdoor activity, it will be even better at Custer State Park.
Consider driving the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway if you want to upgrade your Mount Rushmore visit into a stunning, all-day road trip. The byway takes you through some of South Dakota's most breathtaking landscapes, including Custer State Park, the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, the Black Elk National Wilderness Area, and past the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. As you wind your way through the scenic byway, you and your fellow travelers will be treated to stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled for shaggy white mountain goats, grazing deer and playful chipmunks. Don’t miss the view of Mount Rushmore framed through the tunnels along Iron Mountain Road. With so much natural beauty to take in, you'll be glad you chose to experience it all from the comfort of your car.
About an hour’s drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial lies Wind Cave National Park, a must-visit destination in South Dakota's western region. Wind Cave offers an enchanting journey through its intricate network of caverns decorated with boxwork formations and shimmering crystals. Above ground, the park sprawls with undulating hills carpeted in lush, wild grass, providing a home for abundant wildlife, such as bison, elk and prairie dogs. Visitors can embark on guided cave tours to uncover the hidden treasures below or explore the park's diverse landscapes through its network of hiking trails. PLEASE NOTE that cave tours are suspended to late fall/early winter for elevator replacement.
For another unforgettable caving experience, Jewel Cave National Monument awaits. Renowned for its jewel formations and being the third-longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave offers a unique adventure. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave offer various guided tour options, from accessible explorations of the main caverns to more challenging excursions delving into narrow passages illuminated only by the soft glow of headlamps.
The rolling forests and towering granite formations of the Black Hills make an incredible playground for unexpected outdoor recreation. Rent an all-terrain vehicle, hike in the Black Hills National Forest or chase waterfalls along the Spearfish Canyon State & National Scenic Byway.
Looking for more? Book an open-back Jeep tour to get up close to wildlife, take a peaceful horseback ride or feel the adrenaline rush at an adventure park. Embrace your inner historian by visiting a courthouse museum or an Old West-style town. Start an 1880 Train ride in either Keystone or Hill City. Explore the uncanny valley by posing for a photo with a wax president or a Rushmore-sized recreation of Lincoln’s eyeball.
Bring the spirit of discovery along with you to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Whether at the memorial or exploring the surrounding area’s Great 8 spots, every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered, an experience waiting to unfold and a moment waiting to inspire.
You’re in luck! Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a stone’s throw from all kinds of...
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a stone’s throw from all kinds of adventure around the western region of South Dakota. After a day spent enjoying one of the many things to do near the memorial, you’ll need a cozy place to wind down and get a good night’s rest. Good news! The accommodations are as spectacular as the outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Nearby cities like Custer and Rapid City offer a wide range of lodging options. Warm, inviting, family-run bed-and-breakfasts will greet you with open arms. At the same time, vibrant lodges and resorts provide a unique experience, and traditional hotels offer every amenity you need.
Looking for a standard stay? The area surrounding Mount Rushmore National Memorial offers plenty of hotels and motels. Book a familiar room at the Comfort Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn or the Quality Inn. Looking for something with a little more personality? Try the Mile Hi Motel, Rocket Motel or the Ramada — or pick one of the many hotel options in the directory below.
We get it. Sometimes, you just want to embrace your inner wild side and venture into the great outdoors. The camping in Western South Dakota offers that perfect escape. Those who love an isolated camping experience can enjoy dispersed camping throughout the Black Hills National Forest. There are also 30 campgrounds with more than 682 individual campsites. Alternatively, pick one of the many developed campsites available to visitors – Beaver Lake Campground, Fort Welikit Family Campground or Big Pine Campground are all fine choices.
If you’re driving your campsite — or hauling it by a hitch — reserve an RV site at Rushmore View RV Campground (where the name says it all) or the Bridle Ridge Horse and RV Camp. For a classic camping experience with excellent tent sites and cabins, Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch is a great choice.
Having an entire place to yourself — a home away from home — has its unique charm. Cook yourself a meal, let the kids play in the backyard and bring the pets along for the journey. When it comes to vacation rentals, western South Dakota has no shortage. Book a grand cabin at Newton Fork Ranch or a quaint evening at the Restmore Inn. Embrace your luxurious side with floor-to-ceiling windows in the elegant Glass Lodge or at one of Under Canvas’ renowned glamping tents with full amenities. For a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, consider Yak Ridge.
Still looking for more? Explore more options in the directory below.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a stone’s throw from all kinds of adventure around the...
Whether you’re coming to see iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, scenic landscapes like Badlands National Park or lesser-known wonders like Dignity: Of Earth & Sky, a South Dakota vacation is full of surprises. But with the right preparation, your travel plans won’t be!
Walk in the footsteps of Wild West legends or wake up to Missouri River views at scenic hotels and resorts. Dine at award-winning restaurants in vibrant cities and quaint small towns. Spot an array of wildlife in South Dakota’s state and national parks, from baby bison to bighorn sheep. Visit classic roadside attractions like Wall Drug Store and The World’s Only Corn Palace, then venture off the beaten path for postcard-worthy views along our scenic byways.
Whatever your adventure style, we’ve got tips, tricks and itineraries to help you plan the perfect South Dakota vacation.
South Dakota is where buffalo roam, gunslingers entertain, and mountains & monuments stand tall over open land. Produced by the award-winning Armchair Productions and recorded on-location throughout South Dakota, this audio adventure podcast is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there!
Available now on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
Walk in the footsteps of Wild West legends or wake up to Missouri River views...
No matter what region of South Dakota you’re visiting, you’ll discover incredible attractions and places to visit.
Hit the waterways of the Missouri River or visit the capital in the central region. Explore national parks, monuments and caves in the Black Hills and Badlands of the west region. Learn about frontier history and Native American culture on the glacial lakes and prairies of the northeast region. Sample local wines, go fishing on more than 175 lakes, or discover the exceptional art scene in South Dakota’s largest city—all in the state’s southeast region. Whether you’re on a solo journey or traveling with friends or family, South Dakota’s diverse regions offer unique experiences for everyone.
Using the tools above, you’ll find things to do and tips for planning your South Dakota adventure. Below, take a deeper look at each of our distinctive regions for more trip ideas.
