BADLANDS...........An Amazing National Park
Written: Apr 30 '03 (Updated Mar 20 '05)
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Pros: Easy access off Interstate 90. Beautiful, fanciful, landscape!!
Cons: Hot in summer, cold in winter.
The Bottom Line: Seeing this rugged and mystical place is a must for everybody.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Badlands National Park |
I have been to the Badlands before. The first time I was amazed at the scenery. I had no idea as to what it would look like. That was years ago. More recently I was there again and it still took me by surprise. The landscape is ever changing in the light and shadows of the sun. It is gorgeous! For those from the south west or have traveled to Bryce Canyon National Park you would have an idea as to what these badlands look like.
GETTING THERE
Both times we came in by car traveling from NY. Driving through South Dakota on Interstate 90 you are just ten miles or so north of the entrance to the loop road that goes through the monument. Just a reminder if you happen to be driving from the east, while in Minnesota check out Pipestone National Monument it too is off I90. I found this area very interesting.
To get to the badlands you can fly into either Rapid City or Sioux Falls, rent a car, and go site seeing. There is much more than the Badlands in this area. More on that later.
FEES
There is a ten dollar fee per car to check out the park. I suggest purchasing an Annual Pass for $50.00 if you plan to visit a few National Parks, Monuments, or Sites during the year. The pass is good for one year from date of purchase. Fees are different in many parks.
There are other passes available too. For more info I have a review on National Parks and things to know.
VISITORS CENTER
I always suggest making a stop at the Visitors Center. Its a great place to get orientated. This one has a film of the area. See it and then ask questions. The rangers offer walks and talks. These are generally scheduled so sign up.
You can also get maps and guides and do the area on your own. That's what most visitors do.
The Visitors Center is also where you can get your National Parks Passport canceled. For more on this wonderful way of collecting National Parks, Monuments, and Historic Sites see my review at the end of this piece.
The center which is open all year also has exhibits, restrooms, and water.
This is where an Accessibility Guide to the Park for those in wheelchairs. There are a couple of suitable trails.
THE LOOP
The park can be seen in one day. This is checking out the visitors center, driving the loop, taking a hike or two, and making a few stops at overlooks. Look for the different entrances on a map. There are different ones depending where you are coming from.
The 30 mile loop takes you to many overlooks. Have your camera loaded with film and extra. Be sure to take a hike or two. These get you among the buttes, spires and pinnacles that make up this area. Try to be there at different times of the day for dramatic sunrise and sundown photos. One way to be there is by staying overnight.
CAMPING
The first time we arrived we stayed in a campground outside the park. There are many to choose from. KOA has a couple there too.
I strongly suggest trying to stay at the park run campgrounds in the park itself. Unfortunately you are not assured a spot in that this is a first come first served campground.
We stayed at the Cedar Pass campground. There is a $10.00 per night fee. It's pretty much an open area but the views of the buttes and hills above you are fantastic.
Be sure to go to the amphitheatre for the nightly talk and slide show. These are always interesting.
Another place to check out is the Cedar Pass Lodge. I did not stay here but it looks great! there are also cabins available.
EATS
We had most of our food with us. There are fast food places on the roads to the park. Inside the park is the Cedar Pass Dining Room. I believe reservations are needed. There are a few picnic area in the park. No open fires are allowed.
OTHER NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST
We visited Custer State Park. It is a fine one with much to see. This is just south of Mount Rushmore.
Read about my visit there in early August when the Sturgis Bike Rally takes place. Ha, I got a very memorable picture there.
Wind Cave National Park is also nearby Custer State Park. We visited it and I hope to review it soon.
Just north is Wall. This is a town noted for Wall Drugs. We were seeing signs for it miles and miles ahead on I90. It reminded me of all the signs for Pedro and South of the Boarder while traveling through North and South Carolina. This Wall Drugs also has the feel of South of the Boarder. It's a fun tourist trap. It's also Wall to Wall motorcycles in early August.
WRAPPING UP
Badlands National Park received its Park status in 1978. It was a National Monument from 1939 till then. It is a great place to get to know the rugged terrain and beauty of the United States. Coming from NY it was our first amazing site. I'll never forget that first time! We loved it and hope to visit again with our grandchildren when they become of age.
The Badlands National park was listed in the book1,000 Places To See Before You Die
More Epinions by Popsrocks
.Acadia National Park My favorite National Park !!
.Biscayne National Park Great snorkeling
.Bryce Canyon National Park Home of the Hoo Doo
.Death Valley National Park Not so Hot
.Dry Tortugas National Park A unique Island Fort with snorkeling
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
.Everglades National Park A safari in Florida
Fire Island National Sea Shore
Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Grand Canyon National park The North Rim
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Pennsylvania
Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
Mount Rushmore, Four Great Men Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln
Pipestone National Monument
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Teddy Roosevelt's Summer White House
Saratoga National Historic Site, New York
Shenandoah National Park
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Vanderbilt National Historic Site
Virgin Islands National Park WOW !!!! But don't tell anyone about it.
Wind Cave National Park
Zion National Park Amazing diversity!
DC area Monuments and places of interest.
The Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
Washington DC
The Korean War Veteran's Memorial
The Vietnam War Veteran's Memorial
The National World War II Memorial This is a new major memorial that will be dedicated May 2004
The National Art Gallery
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
A couple of helpful books
National Parks for Dummies A great book for planning a trip
National Geographic Guide to National Parks A good reference book
National Parks PassPort
.Collect National Parks
National Parks System
Our National Parks
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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