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25216 Ben Reifel Road Interior, SD 57750 Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750. The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall. Entrance Fee (Standard Entrance Pass)
Other Entrance Passes
Ben Reifel Visitor CenterLocated at park headquarters, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center features exhibits, an air conditioned theater,and restroom facilities. White River Visitor CenterThe visitor center is located on the Pine Ridge Reservation and offers a staffed information desk, exhibits, restrooms, picnic tables, and water. Impromptu talks are available by request. This visitor center is only open during the summer season. Public WiFi is available.
Public Wifi is available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Cell phone coverage for major carriers varies throughout the park from full coverage to no coverage depending on your location in the park. Please plan accordingly for communication and safety needs. 
NPS Photo / Alex Ennes Getting AroundBadlands National Park is located in a rural area of the country where cell service is not always available and GPS directions are not always reliable. Familiarizing yourself with park maps and directions can make navigating the park much easier.
In the North Unit, the two main roads are the Badlands Loop Road and Sage Creek Rim Road. The South Unit has no roads that go directly through the park, but visitors can drive up Sheep Mountain Table or opt for a scenic drive around the South Unit. Getting out of the car on your visit can also pose some challenges! Whether you're hiking, biking, or exploring the Badlands another way, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Review these guidelines on the safety page to know before you go. In an emergency, call 911. The Badlands were named by the Lakota for their rough and unforgiving terrain -- but today, the park is proud to offer many accessible trails and overlooks so that everyone can experience the beauty of the Badlands. In addition to trails and overlooks, information about accessible programs, virtual visits, and audio descriptions can be found on the accessibility page. Bringing Others AlongExploring the Badlands is more fun with friends and family. If you're bringing children with you, there is plenty of fun waiting for them in the park. Check out things to do with kids before you come to plan for your family visit. Many of these activities can be done before coming to the park as a sneak-preview or after as a fun way to review what you saw and learned. Weather in the BadlandsBadlands weather is variable and unpredictable. Extremes range from 116° F to -40° F, with hot and dry summers. Checking the weather page can give you an overall idea of what the weather may look like on your visit, but checking in on the local weather forecast as your trip approaches is a great way to be prepared. According to the weather, pack appropriately -- depending on the forecast, you could need items like sunscreen, hats, rain jackets, waterproof boots, warm winter jackets, or snowpants! Stay UpdatedGet online to stay informated before, during, and after your visit! Current conditions and alerts are posted as banners on the park website and can keep you updated on current closures, restrictions, or emergencies in the park. You can also use social media to get the latest information on park conditions -- and have a little fun while you're at it! Follow us @BadlandsNPS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. |
Last updated: April 23, 2021