Years ago we made the trek from Michigan to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
It was quite the drive, but so very worth it.
A few years after that initial trip we made the drive again because we loved it just that much.
WHAT TO SEE AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
The Badlands are simply amazing. Beautiful.
The images just don’t do it justice. It is one of those things that just have to be experienced.
If you only have time for one drive in the park pick The Loop Drive, it was our favorite drive.
There is so much too see with lots of turnouts. We were able to pull over and enjoy so many amazing views.
I think we would have done more hiking, but these signs kept up fairly close to our car. Snakes freak me the hell out!
WILDLIFE AT BADLAND NATIONAL PARK
The Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of wilderness. According to the information in the newsletter you should see bighorn sheep, coyotes, ferret, fox, bison, and mule deer.
Emma and I only saw prairie dogs and pronghorns, oh and an owl.
Em has great eyes and can spot the wildlife. She pretty much excels at it.
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK LANDSCAPE
According to the national park site “These geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here.”
WHERE TO CAMP AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
This was our first night pitching a tent. We had a spot at the KOA in Interior, SD.
The KOA also has a putt-putt course, laundromat, clean showers, and a nice pool.
The area where we camped had a kitchen sink/cooking area which was so much easier for clean up.
One of the best things about having a site in the KOA “tent city” was the privacy fence on 2 sides of us. The first night we camped there was a terrible storm. Lighting, thunder and a torrential downpour.
I began to wonder if we weren’t going to get blown away because the winds were so strong. However, we made it through the storm and the tent stayed in one piece.
We really enjoyed the Badlands.
We spent 2 days driving around looking at the wonderful landscapes and trying to spot wildlife. We kept lots of water in the car and had lunch packed so that we could enjoy our time in the National Park.
This is such a gorgeous area to visit. If you are planning a visit to this area be sure to include some time to drive through and enjoy the Badlands.
Other nearby sites you should see while in South Dakota
Don’t Miss These Things To Do In Rapid City, SD
3 Epically Fun Things To Do In The Black Hills Of South Dakota
A Camping Adventure At Custer State Park
14 Memorable Things To Do In South Dakota
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Your adventures are going to be something the two of you remember forever. Very cooL!
These are beautiful photos! I would so love to go there someday-until then, I’ll just have to enjoy pictures 🙂
What you went looking for the sable tooth tiger without me? Daring! Deb, so happy that you have this time out. Much love to you and your daughter. She has a wonderful smile by the way – just like her Mom.
103 degrees? But….it’s a dry heat-LOL!
Sounds like you’re having a great time!
Have fun
Sue