Located in southwestern South Dakota in the United States, Badlands National Park is a 240,000-acre park operated by the National Park Service, protecting the largest preserved mixed grass prairie in the country. Human occupation of the Badlands area traces back more than 11,000 years, when Paleoindian spear hunters camped out in the area’s secluded valleys in search of big game.

  • Who were the predecessors of the modern-day Lakota tribe?
    • Their descendants, the Arikara indigenous people, were the predecessors of the modern-day Lakota tribe.
    • The Lakota tribe encompassed seven bands of tribes, which comprised the Great Sioux Nation at the time of the arrival of European settlers in North America.
  • What was the Wounded Knee Massacre?
    • In 1890, one of the most notable clashes between Plains Native Americans and the United States military occurred in the form of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
    • More than 300 indigenous people were killed under the leadership of Chief Spotted Elk.
  • When was Badlands designated as a National Park?
    • The area was designated as Badlands National Monument in January 1939.
    • In 1978, the Badlands area was permanently protected as a National Park.
  • How large is Badlands National Park?
    • The park encompasses more than 242,000 acres throughout southwestern South Dakota.
  • What natural features can be found in the park?
    • The park is home to:
      • Eroded pinnacles, buttes, and spires formed by volcanic ash and river deposits.
      • The country’s largest extant mixed grass prairie landscape.
      • Geologic formations dating back around 500,000 years.
    • The formations are expected to fully erode away within another 500,000 years, eroding at a rate of one inch per year.
  • What types of wildlife can be found in the park?
    • More than 400 plant species grow throughout the park, including western wheatgrass, which forms the foundation of the prairie ecosystem.
    • The park is home to various species, including:
      • Bison
      • Pronghorns
      • Wild sheep
      • Prairie dogs
      • Various reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects
  • What is the Ben Reifel Visitor Center?
    • The Ben Reifel Visitor Center serves as an entrance to the park.
    • It features interactive and digital exhibits focusing on the natural and cultural history of the Badlands area.
  • What are the two major units of the park?
    • The park is split into two major units:
      • The northern Wilderness Area, which preserves more than 64,000 acres of open land.
      • The southern Stronghold Unit, which is co-managed by the Oglala Lakota tribe and the National Park Service.
  • What are the main scenic overlooks in the park?
    • Scenic overlooks include:
      • White River Valley Overlook
      • Big Foot Pass Overlook
      • Conata Basin Overlook
  • What historical sites are located in the Stronghold Unit?
    • The Stronghold Unit showcases:
      • Sites of 1890s tribal Ghost Dances.
      • The former WWII U.S. Air Force gunnery area, which still contains unexploded weaponry.
  • What hiking trails are available?
    • Hiking trails of varying difficulty include:
      • Door Trail – a beginner-friendly, quarter-mile boardwalk.
      • Fossil Exhibit Trail – features fossil replicas and extinct species information.
      • Notch Trail – an advanced-level trail with views of the White River Valley.
      • Saddle Pass – another advanced-level trail with scenic overlooks.
  • Where can visitors stay overnight in the park?
    • Two campgrounds are available:
      • Cedar Pass Campground – located near the visitor center.
      • Sage Creek Campground – offers a more remote camping experience.
    • Backcountry camping is also permitted in both units.
    • Cedar Pass Lodge, operated by Forever Resorts, offers indoor lodging.
  • What events and programs are offered at the park?
    • A night sky observation program is offered on weekend evenings throughout the summer.
    • The Badlands Astronomy Festival is a three-day event held every June, featuring workshops by astronomy experts.
  • Where can I find more information about Badlands National Park?

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