How to Spend 1 Day in Badlands National Park

The Badlands National Park is an underrated national park. I had no idea this gem was in South Dakota! Towering rock formations rise up from the prairie, creating a landscape that is both otherworldly and beautiful. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from bison and bighorn sheep to prairie dogs and snakes. And its rich history is evident in the fossil beds that contain the remains of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, Badlands National Park is the perfect place for you. Come explore this amazing land of contrasts and discover its hidden treasures.

Keep reading if you’re planning to visit South Dakota and save the pin below for your next trip!

How to Spend 1 Day Visiting Badlands National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Things to Know Before You Go

Climate: It’s a humid continental climate climate which means you can expect hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. In the summer, temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C), while they can drop to 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C) in the winter. The park receives an average of 16 inches of precipitation annually, most of which falls during the summer months.

Best time to go: April through June and September through November is the best time to visit because of the more mild temperatures.

Language: English is the predominant language.

Money: US Dollar ($USD). Most businesses accept cash and all major credit cards.

Tips Before You Go

Make sure to gas up your car
Take out cash from an ATM for roadside stands
Create a road trip playlist
Wear SPF – yes, even in the car (here’s my favorite tinted SPF)
Pack a cooler with lots of water and high-protein snacks
Don’t forget your sunglasses/hat/visor
Be prepared for all weather conditions & pack layers
Bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine if you get carsick

How to Get to the Badlands National Park

✈️ Airport: The Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the easiest airport to fly into South Dakota to access the Badlands.

🚗 Car Rental: Easily rent a car here at the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).

Day 1

I highly recommend staying in Wall, South Dakota as it provides easy access to Badlands National Park. If you’re coming from Sioux Falls it’s about a 4-hour drive and from Rapid City it’s 50 minutes. This small town is home to the famous Wall Drug, a roadside attraction that has been around since 1931. Wall Drug is known for its free ice water, collection of advertising signs, and its wide variety of souvenirs.

Book Your Hotel in Wall, South Dakota near Badlands National Park

But what makes Wall Drug truly unique is its history. The store was founded by Ted Hustead, who was inspired to open it after reading a sign that said “Water, 50 Miles.” Hustead figured that if people were willing to drive 50 miles for water, they would be willing to drive even farther for free ice water and other souvenirs.

And he was right. Wall Drug quickly became a popular destination for travelers on the way to Mount Rushmore. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Dakota.

After spending a few hours wandering around the Wall Drug, head over to Salty Steer for a delicious dinner before an early night in!

Day 2

Rise and shine! It’s time to witness an incredible sunrise over the unique rock formations in the Badlands. Drive out to the trailhead for the Notch Trail which also has access to the Window Trail and Door Trail. Nearby is Medicine Root and Castle Trail.

As it starts to warm up, you’ll want to head back to your Best Western hotel for a shower and delicious breakfast. Take a scenic loop drive along Highway 240 through the Badlands National Park. It’ll take you past some of the park’s most popular overlooks, including Pinnacles Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook, and Big Foot Pass Overlook.

In the afternoon, visit Roberts Prairie Dog Town. This is a great place to see these furry creatures up close. But remember to practice Leave No Trace Principles and respect wildlife! Stay a safe distance away, do not feed or pet, and pack in/pack out your waste.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Red Rock Restaurant. They offer burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and a decent-sized salad bar (which is hard to find in South Dakota!).

Day 3

Of course, there’s always the option to extend your time in the Badlands and do some more outdoor adventures. But if you’re limited on time, you’ve seen some of the best! Enjoy a hot breakfast at the Best Western before hitting the road for a short 50-minute drive to Rapid City or 4 hours to Sioux Falls.