Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [28]
Just the Facts
GETTING THERE & GATEWAYS
Located in extreme southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park is easily accessible by car either on S. Dak. 44 east of Rapid City, or off I-90 at Wall or Cactus Flat. Westbound I-90 travelers take Exit 131 south (Cactus Flat) onto S. Dak. 240, which leads to the park boundary and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at Cedar Pass. This road becomes Badlands Loop Road, the park's primary scenic drive. After passing through the park, S. Dak. 240 rejoins I-90 at Exit 110 at Wall. Eastbound travelers do the reverse, beginning in Wall and rejoining I-90 at Exit 131.
The Nearest Airport. Rapid City Regional Airport (☎ 605/394-4195), located 10 miles southeast of Rapid City on S. Dak. 44, provides direct access to the Badlands, Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore. Northwest, Delta/Skywest, United Express, and Allegiant operate daily flights to Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Denver, and twice-weekly flights to Las Vegas. Car-rental companies at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Toll-free numbers for airlines and car-rental agencies appear in the appendix (p. 660).
INFORMATION
For Badlands National Park information, contact Badlands National Park, P.O. Box 6, Interior, SD 57750 (☎ 605/ 433-5361; www.nps.gov/badl).
For information about the area, contact South Dakota Tourism, 711 E. Wells Ave., Pierre, SD 57501-3369 (☎ 800/ SDAKOTA or 605/773-3301; fax 605/ 773-3256; www.travelsd.com), or the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association, 1851 Discovery Circle, Rapid City, SD 57701 (☎ 605/355-3600; www.black hillsbadlands.com).
The National Park Service distributes a wide variety of brochures on topics including geology, prairie grasses, backpacking, biking, wildlife, plants, and use of horses in the park. You can pick up brochures at the park visitor centers and ranger stations or download them from the park's website.
The Prairie Preamble, published by the nonprofit Badlands Natural History Association, P.O. Box 47, Interior, SD 57750 (☎ 605/433-5489; www.nps.gov/ badl/exp/bnha.htm), provides up-to-date information on visitor center hours, park programs, camping, and hiking trails.
VISITOR CENTERS
Visitor centers are at Cedar Pass and White River. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center at Cedar Pass is open year-round and features exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history. The White River Visitor Center, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, is open June through late August only. It includes exhibits about Oglala Sioux history.
FEES
Park entry fees will rise to $15 per passenger vehicle (up to 7 days) in 2006, motorcycles will be $10, and each person on foot or bike will pay $7.50. Members of the Oglala Sioux tribe pay half-price. Camping costs $10 per site per night at the Cedar Pass Campground in summer; $8 in winter. Camping at Sage Creek Primitive Campground is free.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS & WARNINGS
Water in the Badlands is too full of silt for humans to drink and will quickly clog a water filter. When hiking or traveling in the park, always carry an adequate supply of water. Drinking water is available only at the Cedar Pass area, the White River Visitor Center, and the Pinnacles Ranger Station. No campfires are allowed. Climbing Badlands buttes and rock formations is allowed, but it can be extremely dangerous due to loose, crumbly rock. Unpaved roads in the park can be dangerous in winter and during thunderstorms, when surfaces may become extremely slippery.
SEASONS & CLIMATE
Badlands weather is often unpredictable. Heavy rain, hail, and high, often damaging winds are possible, particularly during spring and summer. Lightning strikes are common. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C), so sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and plenty of drinking water are essential to avoid severe sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke. Winter travelers should be aware of approaching storms and be prepared for sleet, ice, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions.