The Badlands National Park area, "mako sica" to the Lakota people, is a place of mystery, spirituality and natural beauty. Jagged buttes and gently-sloped valleys hold their majesty with brilliant colors and a firm resistance to the wind, rain and lightning storms common to the area. Once home to ancient marine life, early mammals and now bison, bighorn sheep and ferrets, Badlands National Park is a must-see stop filled with painted canyons and photo opportunities.

FREE DAYS for 2011: April 16-24 (National Park Week), June 21 (First Day of Summer), September 24 (Public Lands Day), and November 11-13 (Veterans Day weekend)

One million visitors are attracted to the park's 244,000 acres each year, which are divided between three units for hiking and exploring. The Stronghold and Palmer Creek Units to the south are also part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. An entrance fee is required to enter Badlands National Park, and is valid for 7 days.

Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Booking Instructions: One pass is needed per vehicle or motorcycle, please select the appropriate number. The Park pass is valid for 7 days once validated upon arrival at the park.