Stopping at a visitor center is an exciting activity for many visitors coming through the park.
NPS Photo
Park Hours
Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entrance fees are collected year round. In the winter or in extreme weather events, roads going through the Badlands may be closed. Check road conditions on your route before leaving for your trip. In the winter, roads can be slick and icy -- please use caution when driving.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Located at park headquarters, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center features exhibits, an air conditioned theater,and restroom facilities.
Physical Address
25216 Ben Reifel Road Interior, SD57750
Mailing Address
25216 Ben Reifel Road Interior, SD57750
The visitor center is located several miles south of exit 131 off of Interstate I-90. It is also accessible via Highway 44 through the town of Interior.
Current Hours (Winter Hours (Oct - April))
September 29–April 28
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Winter hours are typically observed from October until April.
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Hours vary depending on season. Be sure to scroll further down to view hours
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Winter Hours (Oct - April)
September 29–April 28
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Winter hours are typically observed from October until April.
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is surrounded by Badlands buttes and formations. NPS Photo
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open through the coldest winters. NPS Photo
The visitor center hosts multiple exhibits that explore the cultural and natural history of the park. NPS Photo
The parking lot at the visitor center can accommodate most vehicles and has a large vehicle area. NPS Photo
The visitor center parking lot can fill up during busy summer months, please plan accordingly. NPS Photo / Serena Rosales
Many visitors to the North Unit enjoy the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, conveniently located on the Badlands Loop Road.
NPS Photo
At the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, visitors to Badlands National Park can get answers to their questions from rangers at the information desk. There, park staff can distribute maps and other park materials, provide directions and local area orientation, hand out Junior Ranger booklets, and answer any questions you might have about earth science, wildlife, history, and more. In this building, visitors may also explore museum exhibits, visit a working Fossil Preparation Lab, or stop by the park bookstore.
White River Visitor Center
The 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.
Physical Address
2734 BIA 2 Porcupine, SD57772
Mailing Address
2734 BIA 2 Porcupine, SD57772
The visitor center is located on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It lies at the intersection of BIA 2 and BIA 27. It is approximately 30 miles south of Scenic, SD, and 60 miles east of Hermosa via Highway 40.
Closed today
Current Hours (Off Season (October - May))
September 27–May 18
Every Day:Closed
The White River Visitor Center is typically closed from late September through Memorial Day.
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:00 PM
This visitor center is located on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is only open seasonally.
2022 Summer season, the the last day White River Visitor Center will be open is October 14.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Off Season (October - May)
September 27–May 18
Every Day:Closed
The White River Visitor Center is typically closed from late September through Memorial Day.
The visitor center is located on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and flies the flag of the Oglala Sioux Tribe accordingly. NPS Photo / Earl Perez-Foust
The visitor center is ADA accessible and has bathrooms, exhibits, and park information available. NPS Photo / Serena Rosales
The south unit of the park is managed in cooperation with the Oglala Sioux Tribe. NPS Photo / Serena Rosales
The south unit of the park is managed in cooperation with the Oglala Sioux Tribe. NPS Photo / Serena Rosales
The White River Visitor Center focuses its interpretation on Lakota culture and treaty history. NPS Photo
The White River Visitor Center is an excellent stop for anyone visiting the South Unit of the Badlands.
NPS Photo
The White River Visitor Center in the South Unit is a great place to visit if you want to explore the cultural significance of Badlands National Park. You can speak with rangers about the Badlands in Lakota heritage, learn about the history of the area through museum exhibits, pick up maps, and get your passport stamped. The visitor center is located on the Pine Ridge Reservation and offers a staffed information desk, exhibits, restrooms, picnic tables, and water. Impromptu talks are offered daily throughout the summer season.
