Last updated: December 8, 2020
Land of Stone and Light
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
Trip Planning
Find out what there is to do. Information for camping, hiking, and much more.
Prairie Ecology Topics
The Badlands host an expanse mixed-grass prairie with plenty to explore. Learn about this amazing environment here!
Wildlife Topics
Learn all about the many animals that live in Badlands National Park!
Associated Tribes of Badlands NP
Learn who the park's Associated Tribes are and the responsibilities of federal agencies to tribal governments.
Mako Sica: Naming the Badlands
Ever wonder how such a good place got named "Badlands?" Read here to find out who named the park and why they chose the name.
Geologic Formations
Curious about the geologic formations of Badlands National Park? Check out this article to learn more.
History & Culture
Curious about the human history of Badlands National Park? Learn more about the history and culture embedded in the Badlands.
Research in the Park
Learn more about the research that is conducted in the Badlands on the park's Research Portal.
Good Rangers, Bad Lands
Listen to our podcast, where we interview rangers and chat about their role in preserving and protecting the Badlands.
Badlands Natural History Association
Founded in 1959, Badlands Natural History Association is a not-for-profit organization established to support education and research efforts
Museum Collections
Badlands has an extensive set of collections ranging from paleontology to archives.