Don't go during a snow storm but that's probably obvious to anyone except for me. Roads going in and coming out are not well plowed. That being said, if you're looking for solitude and to be alone wi… Full review by mikex2017
Dec 7, 2023
Scenery was beautiful, but the hiking didn’t have the elevation I was hoping for and it was very crowded, I like more seclusion. There were people EVERYWHERE, which definitely isn’t my thing. Beautif… Full review by Meander38187221095
Oct 15, 2023
Make sure you have a full tank in the morning before setting off. Grab the ice cooler and make sure you have food and water in it. After you get in the park, make sure you head to the bathroom. It … Full review by kirbykirby
We will be coming from Valentine, NE with our Airbnb in keystone, sd. We are deciding whether or not to go straight north to hit the interstate, go north for a bit and take hwy 44, or going west to Chadron then up north. Google maps says going through Pine Ridge is the fastest but I do t want to do that and I heard that the road might even be closed because they are trying to keep COVID out. Is going north through Rosebud an option. Roads are open? I’m assuming it will not be nearly as depressing as traveling through Pine Ridge, is that correct? Chadron is the longest way and since we will be canoeing in the morning, my kids will be really cranky if we take any longer than necessary. Thanks.
A:
I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a …
I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a little farther from Keystone than from Wall, but food choices and accomodations are much better in Keystone. Also, there are many attractions close to and in Keystone that may be of interest to you and your children, depending on their ages. I hope this helps you and I wish you a very pleasant and enjoyable vacation.
I’m fearful of steep / scary drives within the mountain ranges. How is the drive through the Badlands?
A:
I agree with you on that. I can't believe people drive on that Million Dollar highway in Colorado with the drop-offs and no guard rail! But I was just visiting the Badlands a few …
I agree with you on that. I can't believe people drive on that Million Dollar highway in Colorado with the drop-offs and no guard rail! But I was just visiting the Badlands a few weeks ago with my husband and am happy to report that it's nothing to be afraid of. Not at all! There is one drop off on the unpaved road, but you don't need to take that. Just stay on the paved road and you'll be fine. It's so beautiful and other-worldly...definitely worth seeing and I wasn't scared at all.
Is it ok to drive a travel trailer camper (med-sized) on The Loop road? I read it's a 2 lane paved road, so I'm thinking that it should be ok. Can anyone confirm?
How do I go about the night sky viewings at the park?
A:
If you google Night Sky Program Badlands National Park you will find the website. I am not allowed to post a web address here. This is a copy of the page Night Sky Program …
If you google Night Sky Program Badlands National Park you will find the website. I am not allowed to post a web address here. This is a copy of the page Night Sky Program Brilliant Jupiter and Milk Way rise above the Moonlit Castle Trail. Photo by Wally Pacholka / AstroPics. Brilliant Jupiter and Milk Way rise above the moonlit Castle Trail. Photo by Wally Pacholka / AstroPics Night Sky Observing Summer night sky viewing is offered at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater each evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After the evening ranger program, stay to enjoy the spectacular night sky. Telescopes are provided thanks to funding from our partners - Celestron and Badlands Natural History Association. The ranger will point out constellations, stars, and planets. Everyone is given an opportunity to see impressive objects of the night sky. 2019 Badlands Astronomy Festival July 5-7 The Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, South Dakota residents and visitors for a "stellar experience". Celebrate the beauty of a dark night sky and the wonder of space exploration. Novices and experts alike will enjoy daily family-friendly activities and evening presentations with special guest speakers. Nightly telescope viewing will be sponsored by the NPS Night Sky Program and Celestron. This three-day celebration at Badlands National Park will support the continued protection and enjoyment of our incredible night skies as a precious natural resource. The festival will focus on active engagement in resource education programs and hands-on experiences. Astronomy Festival events do not require advance registration or tickets. Please just drop by. VIP Night Sky Assistant, Chuck Schroll VIP Night Sky Assistant, Chuck Schroll NPS Photo Rarely do most people have the opportunity to experience the awesome dark skies and the spectacular sights found here. Badlands National Park offers such wondrous sights for those who visit the park. On any given night, visitors will be exposed to more than 7,500 stars. Especially phenomenal is the clarity of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Night sky views include not only galaxies but also star clusters, nebulae, planets and moons. Visitors are also treated to fly-overs by numerous satellites and the International Space Station. You Can Help! If you are interested in sharing your love of astronomy and natural dark skies, consider applying for a position as a Volunteer In Park (VIP) Night Sky Assistant. For more information contact the park’s Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Oops! Something went wrong, Please try again after a few minutes
Frequently asked questions
Q:
What can we see at the park?
A:
A visit to the park allows for an exploration of America's Cold War nuclear deterrent. We suggest that you start a visit at the Visitor Center. Ranger-guided...
AdCompare Prices & Save Money With Tripadvisor (The World's Largest Travel Site). Tripadvisor Checks Up To 200 Sites To Help You Find The Lowest Prices.
Millions of hotel reviews · Easy price comparison · Candid traveller photos
Save
Share
More
