Badlands National Park With Kids

We visited Badlands National park as a day trip when camping at Custer State Park in South Dakota. This trip involved a stop at Scotts Bluff National Historic Site, visiting Mount Rushmore, touring Wind Cave, and this day at Badlands.

Depending on where you are coming from, Badlands National Park feels fairly remote. There are some other nearby attractions, like Wall Drugs and the Minute Men Missile National Historic Site (https://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm), but overall, this area of south Dakota is sparse. The remoteness of the location adds to the impact of the stark landscape.

Prairie grass and tall rock formation provide a rich contrast in landscape.

Our favorite activity at Badlands National park was walking simple trails that allowed for a closer look at the landscape. The visitor center and diving through the park were also good experience.

Tips for visiting Badlands National Park with Children:

• Think about the season you would like to visit - Summer can be hot and there is little shade. Winter in South Dakota can be quite cold. Plan ahead and be prepared.
• Drink plenty of water and bring snacks.
• Sunscreen and hats are a good idea, as much of Badlands National Park is open and exposed.
• Be careful near steep drop offs - there are many.
• Check with a ranger for a park map and updated information.

Badlands National Park offers a unique landscape.  Depending on your planned activities, you could spend days at Badlands, but for us, a day trip felt long enough.  

If we were to visit again, I would take longer to explore and visit Minutemen Missile National Historic Site. Now that our children are older, I think they would benefit from this piece of Cold War history.

Check the Badlands National Park website for the latest news and updates.  https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

*All information is based on our experience at this park and is provided for information and entertainment only, not as professional advice. Reading and using information from More Than Scenery as well as any travel/hiking/camping is at your own risk.  Accuracy is important to me, but park rules and conditions change constantly.  If you find an error, please let me know so that I can correct it.
Unless stated otherwise, all images are my (Jessica Branch) own and I hold the copywrite.  Please get permission before using any images or text from More Than Scenery.