3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss Visiting Badlands National Park in South Dakota: Unique Landscapes, Fossils, and History
The Badlands, South Dakota is a destination that is perfect for geologists, naturalists, and anyone who is interested in exploring a unique and off-the-beaten-track location. The Badlands is a unique mixture of spires, valleys, buttes and sharply eroded sandstone that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fossil hunter or simply appreciate natural beauty, this mixed prairie grass preserve is a must-visit destination.
Incredible landscape
Badlands National Park is a breathtaking destination with unique and unusual sandstone rock formations that are a sight to behold. The layered spires and erosions formed over thousands of years create a one-of-a-kind skyline. The park offers a variety of experiences with vegetation and fauna filling the crevices and valleys, making for interesting hikes and wildlife viewing. Visitors can expect to see Bison grazing by the side of the road, Prairie dogs, Elk, Coyotes, and wild Horses as well as many other animals.
Abundance of Fossils
Badlands National Park is also known for its rich fossil history. Since the interest in paleontology began in the 1840s, many interesting fossils have been discovered in the park, particularly in the White River area. In fact, by 1854, more than three-fourths of all fossils found in the Badlands had been uncovered in this one area alone. This makes the park a must-see destination for fossil enthusiasts and paleontologists.
Discover historical roots
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the most interesting of the Badlands parks, consisting of three separate units connected by the Maah Daah Hey trail. This park holds a special place in history as Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, had a ranch there and found solace in the “dying” way of life of the Western cowboy and rancher, following the loss of his mother and later, his wife. Though the ranch is no longer in existence, Roosevelt wrote about the peace he found there and returned to politics later in his life. It’s worth visiting to learn about the history of the place and the impact it had on Theodore Roosevelt.