Decide whether you want to enter the park from the north, east or west. If you are new to the park, consult with rangers at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Badlands National Park offers a variety of designated hiking trails that allow you to experience the beauty of the park up close and personal. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. 240, which leads to the park boundary and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at … Good Times in the Badlands. The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. The wide-open vistas are truly breathtaking. Hiking Trails. It is only 25 miles away from Wind Cave National Park and 96 miles from Badlands National Park. Badlands National Park is one of those parks you just have to see to believe. On the Road into Badlands National Park by Photographer Gabby Salazar, 2008 Artist in Residence ... What better way to experience the beauty of the Badlands than to hike through the prairie grasses and unique geologic formations? The nearest airport to Badlands National Park is Rapid City (RAP). Badlands National Park is just a few miles east of South Dakota’s famous Black Hills National Forest, a beautiful, tourism-driven landscape dotted with an abundance of quaint western towns. But, between getting a late start from Custer, misjudging the distance and time to the park, and the thunderstorms that rolled in, we had about 24 hours in which to see as much of the Badlands as we could. Watch for drop-offs. For those traveling west on I-90, take Exit 131 (Interior) and follow the signs directing vehicles south approximately three miles to the Northeast Entrance. From there, the maintained trail ends. From tiny shrews to 2,000-pound bison, the Badlands is home to many species of … Visiting Badlands National Park Located in beautiful South Dakota, Badlands National Park is an amazing cross between being on the surface of Mars and being surrounded by sand castles! Head east on Interstate 90 to Wall, where you’ll take Exit 110 to Highway 240, the Badlands Loop Road. The Badlands hiking trails give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the intricacies of Badlands National Park, both from above and below! We visited Badlands National Park as part of a fun National Park road trip. There is no public transportation within the park, so you will either have to rent a car or find a guided tour bus. During the summer months, ranger-led programs, and other events are offered throughout the day. Badlands National Park Annual Pass: $55 The Badlands National Park Annual Pass covers entrance fees for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. We didn’t plan to have only a day or so to see Badlands National Park. You can take a bus from Bismarck (BIS) to Badlands National Park via South Walmart, Bismarck, ND, Fargo, ND, Sioux Falls, SD, and Wall, SD in around 16h 32m. Located in extreme southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park is easily accessible by car either on S. Dak. If you are flying in, it is here you should get a rental car.