Badlands National Park is a unique park located in southwestern South Dakota near the town of Interior. The area takes up about 243,000 acres. One day at Badlands National Park is the perfect amount of time to see what the park has to offer. Visitors will be impressed by the unique landscapes and intense hikes.
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History of Badlands National Park
Native Americans have lived on this land for 11,000 years, the last being the Lakota and the Great Sioux Nation. In the 1800s, the homesteaders began to move to the area. The United States basically kicked all the Native Americans out of the area.
In 1890, a large clash happened between the settlers and the Native Americans that resulted in the death of over 300 Indians. This became known as the Wounded Knee Massacre. From that point on, the Americans controlled the area.
Badlands became a National Monument on March 4, 1929 and officially became a National Park in 1978.
Best Time to Spend One Day at Badlands National Park
Early summer or fall are great times to spend one day at Badlands National Park. Late summer can get very hot and winters can be very cold. Most of the trails are not good in the heat or the snow. We went at the end of May and it was still pretty chilly.
How to Get to Badlands National Park
The closest major airport to Badlands National Park is in Rapid City. However, this is still a smaller airport and flights tend to be expensive. If you want to save some money, opt to fly into Denver and drive to South Dakota. We saved a ton of money on our flights by doing this (especially since we have the Southwest companion pass).
When spending one day at Badlands National Park, I recommend going in through the Northeast Entrance and exiting through the Pinnacles Entrance.
To get to Badlands National Park from Rapid City, head east on I-90. At exit 131, get on the 240 south for 8.5 miles where you will see the Northeast Entrance.
From Sioux Falls, head west on the I-90 and then take exit 131 to the 240 south for 8.5 miles to the Northeast Entrance.
Transportation Around Badlands National Park
There is no transportation around Badlands National Park, so you will need to have your own car. I recommend getting a car from Autoslash as I always find the best prices there.
Hours and Admission
Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It costs $30 per car to get into Badlands National Park. If you plan on visiting several National Parks in a year, opt to buy an America the Beautiful Pass.
Where to Stay at Badlands National Park
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best National Park hotels here!
There are not a lot of hotels located near Badlands National Park. I recommend staying in Rapid City which is about an hour from Badlands National Park. Rapid City has a lot of food and hotel options. We opted to stay at the Hampton Inn Rapid City. It was nothing fancy, but clean and in a good location so it was fine for us!
What to See During One Day at Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is divided into three units: The North Unit, The Stronghold Unit, and the Palmer Creek Unit. During one day at Badlands National Park, you will spend your time in the North Unit where all of the main sites are located. The Stronghold Unit and the Palmer Creek Unit are part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and closed seasonally. There are a few scenic overlooks, one trail, and a visitors center in these sections, but besides that, there is not much to see.
Another cool thing about Badlands National Park is that they have an open trail policy. This means that you can hike wherever you want and do not have to stick to the trails. Feel free to explore any part of the park, but remember to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Enter the park from the Northeast Entrance as that is closest to the visitor’s center and the main hikes you will complete during one day in Badlands National Park.
Shaka Guide
Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the National Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.
Day 1
Notch Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
The Notch Trail is the best trail to complete during one day at Badlands National Park. This moderate to strenuous trail winds through a canyon. Then, hikers will have to climb a wooden log ladder up to a ledge which winds along a series of drop offs where running water has created a pathway. The end of the trail takes you to a lookout over the National Park.
This trail should take you about an hour or two to complete. Note that those who do not like heights should not do this trail after the log ladder. Also, you should not hike this trail after or during heavy rains as it can be quite slippery.
Door Trail
Distance: 0.75 miles round trip
After completing the Notch Trail, head over to the Door Trail. This easy trail is 0.25-mile along a boardwalk. From there, you will walk into the vast desert of Badlands for some incredible views. The end of the trail overlooks a canyon area. Plan to spend no more than 30 minutes along this trail.
Note that after the boardwalk, there are only yellow poles that mark the path, so make sure to pay attention to where you are walking. The terrain is uneven and there are some cliff drop offs.
Window Trail
Distance: 0.25 miles round trip
This super easy quarter mile walk leads you to a natural wind with view of the canyon. Much of this trail is along a boardwalk, so it is easy to hike. This quick hike should take you 10-15 minutes to complete.
Saddle Pass
Distance: 0.25 miles round trip
Although this trail is short, it is straight up hill, thus making it a more strenuous hike. The trail is not paved, but it is marked with blue poles, so it is easy to follow. At the end, you will be rewarded with views of the White River Valley. This trail connects to the Castle Trail if you want to make it into a longer hike.
This trail should not be done after lots of rain as it can be very slippery.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Distance: 0.25 miles round trip
This easy trail goes along a boardwalk that features fossil replicas. Visitors can learn about the animals that once inhabited the area and whether they adapted, moved, or became extinct. Plan to spend 15-20 minutes along this trail.
Drive Badlands Loop Road
Distance: 40 miles
To conclude one day at Badlands National Park, drive the Badlands Loop Road. Badlands Loop Road offers over 10 different scenic lookouts over the park. It may take you an hour or two to drive, depending on how many different stops you make. Make sure not to miss Panoramic Point and the Yellow Mounds Overlook.
As you drive around the park, make sure to be on the lookout for wildlife! You may spot bison, sheep, prairie dogs, and more! The Badlands Loop Road takes you to the Pinnacles Entrance to the park, so you will not have to backtrack to the Northeast Entrance.
More Than One Day at Badlands National Park?
If you have more than one day at Badlands National Park, there are a few other hikes you can complete.
Castle Trail
Distance: 10-miles round trip
The Castle Trail is the longest trail through the park. It begins at the Door and Window Trailhead and ends at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This moderate hike is level most of the way. It passes through many Badlands formations and give you a good overview of the park. This hike may take you most of the day, so make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.
Medicine Root Loop
Distance: 4-miles round trip
This moderate trail connects to the Castle Trail and the Saddle Pass Trail. Plan to spend at least two hours enjoying the views of the prairie and the Badlands.
Cliff Shelf
Distance: 0.5-miles round trip
The Cliff Shelf Trail winds along a boardwalk and through a juniper forest. This moderate trail should take about 30 minutes to complete and climbs about 200 feet. There is a chance to see wildlife such as deer or bighorn sheep along this trail.
Other Attractions near Badlands National Park
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Cost: Free
Hours: 8am-4pm, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
If interested in adding another National Park site to your trip, head to Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. This site talks about the United States’ history in the Cold War and the arms race. Visitors can visit a small museum about the Minuteman Missiles and take a guided tour of the Underground Launch Control Center. I recommend stopping here before going into Badlands National Park.
Wall Drug Store
Cost: Free and up
Hours: 8am-8pm
After spending one day at Badlands National Park, make sure to stop at Wall Drug Store on your way back to Rapid City. Wall Drug is a popular roadside stop due to its free ice water and 5 cent coffee. The drugstore began in 1931 and became a sensation when they thought of the idea to offer free ice water to people. Wall Drug was a great location due to its proximity to Mount Rushmore.
The complex contains various shops, a cafe, soda fountain, and a fun backyard area. A root beer float is the perfect snack after a long day of hiking in Badlands National Park. Make sure not to miss the back building which has tons of historical pictures of the area.
Places to Eat in Rapid City
If you base yourself in Rapid City, there are several awesome places to grab a bite to eat.
For breakfast, stop at Harriet and Oak. This adorable coffee shop has some delicious options that are perfect to fuel up for the day. Juniper and Everest Cuisine are great dinner options. Juniper is a newer restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients. Everest Cuisine is a delicious Indian and Nepalese place, which is the perfect place to eat when the weather is chilly.
Tips for Spending One Day at Badlands National Park
- Bring plenty of water -Badlands is a desert.
- Bring your own food, as there are no food options in the park.
- The Visitors Center has flushable toilets. All the trailheads have drop toilets.
- Bring layers as the weather can change throughout the day.
Spending one day at Badlands National Park is the perfect addition to a South Dakota trip. You can easily see the park in one day. If you have more time, try to spend at least three days in Rapid City so you can visit Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse.
