#45: Badlands National Park

The southwest corner of South Dakota has an incredible variety of National Park Service sites to explore, and one of our favorites is Badlands National Park. From its mixed-grass prairie to its jaw-dropping geologic rock formations, this is a must-see park. In this episode, we talk about ways to explore the area on foot, by driving along the scenic road and by stopping at the numerous overlooks. You’re likely to spot the resident wildlife: bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and lots of prairie dogs welcoming you to the park. Plus, we offer suggestions on where to stay and how much time to allot for your visit.

Some of the topics we discuss in this episode:

• Other amazing public lands to explore near Badlands NP
• Why there’s a chance you could find a million-year-old fossil in the park
• How Badlands got its name
• When and how bison were returned to the park
• How black-footed ferrets were saved from extinction
• Our favorite hikes in the park
• What it was like to stay in a cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge
• Why Wall Drug is worth a visit
• One perfect day in Badlands National Park

Links to more information:

• Book a cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge
• NPS Badlands National Park website 
• Book a tour at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
• Learn more about Wall Drug
• Where to learn more about our books and travels
• Join the conversation on Facebook - we want to hear from you!
• Check out our Instagram account

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