Unearth the long-buried past in Badlands National Park, a place like no other. This strange, alien landscape of rocky peaks hides tens of millions of years of history. Learn all about it as you explore with this self-guided driving tour, which takes you along the Badlands Wall and shows you the best overlooks, hiking trails, and more.
The tour of Badlands National Park begins in the town of Wall (if it’s more convenient, you can also begin the tour from the town of Philip). From there, you’ll head south into the park itself. Once you enter the park, you’ll have the option to take a quick detour to see a prairie dog colony at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. It’s a pretty uncommon sight, and highly recommend for any animal lovers.
Then there’s Ancient Hunters Overlook, where the ancestors of the Lakota community once butchered bison they had killed in their hunts. As you drive, you’ll hear lots more about the former local hunters and their prey. Then you’ll arrive at Yellow Mounds Overlook, which really outdoes its unappealing name by revealing millions of years of geologic history.
Finally, you’ll arrive at Big Badlands Overlook. This one really earns its name and offers one of the best views in the entire park. Your tour concludes here.
