Top Things to Do in Badlands National Park
Things to Do in Badlands National Park
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Badlands National Park.
Top Attractions in Badlands National Park
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Geologic Formations
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
National Parks • Geologic Formations
National Parks • Geologic Formations
National Parks • Geologic Formations
National Parks • Geologic Formations
National Parks • Geologic Formations
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsThe approximately 30-mile Badlands Loop Road takes you to all the main overlooks and trailheads in the North Unit of Badlands National Park. It also passes the visitor center and a restaurant.
Even without all the stops, the drive itself offers stunning views. At times you will be surrounded by multicolored spires, pinnacles, buttes, and gorges, and at other times you will be surrounded by open grasslands. In addition to the specatular landscape, you are likely to see bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. We drove it from east to west, but it really doesn't matter which way you go.
I highly recommed this drive. It really is a must if you want to experience Badlands National Park.Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsThe Badlands Wall was carved by the White River and runs roughly east and west. It is essentially the line of erosional features with all the spectacular shapes and colors that make up the stunning views in the North Unit of Badlands National Park. You are driving along the wall on the Badlands Loop Road. The Badlands Wall separates an upper prairie to the north from a much lower prairie to the south, at times offering spectacular views across the wall to the valley below. Enjoy!Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hdempseyWashington DC1,282 contributionsWasn't sure how this one would go since we had our two and four year olds in tow, but it was worth it. I did the ladder with my two year old in backpack carrier so I can tell you it's do-able. I saw several other parents with young kids doing the same thing. My four year old did the ladder herself with some guidance. We had a good cloudy day for it, but there is no cover so if it's hot and sunny be prepared. Really a nice view and snack spot at the end.
I had a hard time making up my mind if we'd do the ladder before we saw it in real life. it is actually kind of curved and starts off really easy and is more vertical towards the top, but the hard part is really only 10-15 ft, not the whole thing.Written 8 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ksmith727Liberty135 contributionsSuper visitor center! Great information in a nicely presented way. My favorite part was the room where three paleontologists were working on cleaning fossils. They were behind plexiglass, but were able to answer questions. So fascinating!Written 10 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsWe love to watch prairie dogs. We first encountered them in Custer State Park, early in the morning when they were very active. They were not quite so active during our hot, mid-day visit to Roberts Prairie Dog Town, but they were no less entertaining. I love when they reach up and jump while chirping! The town is located on a large, open grassland, and there were bison grazing in the distances. It was very scenic. I highly recommend a stop.Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsBig Badlands Overlook was our first stop after entering the park from the northeast. What an awesome introduction to the Badlands! There is a parking lot, and a boardwalk trail leading out onto a peninsular ridge. The views in all directions are spectacular! The layers in the vast array of rock formations is so beautiful. I highly recommend a stop at this overlook.Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- janvancouver_BCVancouver, Canada125 contributionsOne of our favorite overlooks. We parked the car and did a short walk on either side of the highway. The mounds are beautiful. There are red as well as yellow. We did this stop in late afternoon so the mounts were highlighted by the lower sun. Gorgeous.Written 18 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsThis is the highest overlook on the Badlands Loop Road, and it offers some of the most panoramic views. It was also our last overlook, driving east to west, so we just savored the scenery. There are a couple vantage points if you walk down from the parking area--be sure to check them out. I highly recommend a stop here.Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey13,296 contributionsIf you want to get up close with the amazing rock formations of the Badlands without a full-on hike, this is a great option. The Door Trail is 0.75 miles long (round-trip), flat, and great for almost all ability levels.
The trail starts off as a boardwalk (100 meters of the hike is on a boardwalk). Once off the boardwalk, you will hike 800 meters into the Badlands, on rough, uneven terrain. The national park service lists this part of the trail as strenuous but I think most people will find it to be easy but fun. Kids will love this short, fun hike.
Tip: The Notch Trail, Door Trail, and Window Trail all start from the same parking lot.Written 21 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JM CirlinOverland Park, Ks261 contributionsDidn't expect this trail to be so scenic. I think it was my favorite trail in the park. It resembled a very steep mountain goat trail, but it's pretty short. Turn around at the mushroom rock formations at the top of the pass. Bring trekking poles for the hike down.Written 26 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tricia BWisconsin351 contributionsWe hiked Medicine Root/Castle Trail starting off on the north side of the trail first where we saw some coyotes and deer. We were glad we started off with the Medicine Root part of the loop because it was less interesting than the last half of the trail that looped around to Castle Trail. It was definitely worth the little side trip to Saddle Pass; the views were stunning. However, don't expect to be alone because many people hike up the steep trail to Saddle Pass from farther down the road. The loop we took did not have a strenuous incline. It was a pretty easy 4.3 mile hike but bring plenty of water because it gets hit with very little shade. To get to the trailhead parking, we turned on Old Northeast Road.Written 6 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsThis is a 1/4 mile boardwalk loop trail that has several interprative signs with fossil replicas. We happened to arrive with the full sun, and the terrain was almost blinding. I recommend a visit to this trail.Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FDingerFlorida1,207 contributionsWe drove the gravel Sage Creek Rim Road east to west from the Badlands Loop Road. It offers beautiful views of the prairie grasslands to the north and the steep drop of the Badlands Wall to the valley to the south. We saw pronghorn antelope, bison, and of course prairie dogs at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. I highly recommend a visit to this part of Badlands National Park.Written 24 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kevin O10 contributionsThis was an amazing adventure to the end of the Sheep Mountain Table Road. My Jeep Wrangler had no problems with the terrain and we never used the 4x4, it just needed high clearance. This trip was far more scenic and enjoyable than the paved over crowded roads in the North Unit. It was the best day of a trip over a week long exploring the area. Take a lunch and chairs and set at the end of the road for a couple of hours and listen to the wind.Written 31 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Leza HLondon, UK644 contributionsCouldn’t take enough photos but they’ll never do it justice. Some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever looked out over.Written 19 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Badlands National Park
- The top attractions to visit in Badlands National Park are: See all attractions in Badlands National Park on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Badlands National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Badlands National Park on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Badlands National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Private Badlands National Park Day Tour
- Private Tour - Badlands/Wall Drug/Minuteman
- Private Badlands Package
- Badlands-Wall Drug-Minuteman (Public)
- Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Adventure
- The most popular things to do in Badlands National Park with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Badlands National Park on Tripadvisor