Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park protects 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The park's geologic formations preserve 37-28 million year old fossil beds containing the richest Oligocene fossil deposits in the world. These colorful layered rocks reveal the story of ancient mammals that once roamed the area, from tiny three-toed horses to massive titanotheres. The park protects critical prairie ecosystem supporting bison, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and over 200 bird species. The mixed-grass prairie represents one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America, with the park preserving significant expanses of this vanishing landscape. Prairie dogs create towns that serve as keystone habitat for numerous species including the endangered black-footed ferret, successfully reintroduced here. Badlands implements prairie restoration and species reintroduction programs including bison and black-footed ferrets. The park manages 1 million annual visitors through scenic drives and trail systems while protecting wilderness areas and paleontological resources. Research programs focus on fossil preservation, prairie ecology, and climate adaptation while restoration efforts target native grasslands and wildlife populations.

Water Features

White River, Seasonal streams, Springs

Ecosystem

This destination features a grassland & savanna ecosystem.