Home to colorful canyons and fabulous rock formations, the Badlands National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Located under an hour’s drive to the east of Rapid City, it has some incredible landscapes for you to explore.

Formed over millennia, its reaches look almost otherworldly as huge mesas and vast valleys dot the terrain. Sculpted by the wind and rain, its spires and pinnacles make for some phenomenal photos.

While its dramatic landscapes have been preserved since 1939, local Native Americans have been inhabiting the area for much longer. At the White River Visitor Center you can learn about the rich heritage of the Lakota and their relationship with the rugged region.