According to the official government website for the average Badlands National Park visit is only 1-2 hours in length as visitors detour from nearby I-90.

If you’re interested in more than just a stop and snap a few pictures experience, we’re sure you’ll find more than enough to keep you fascinated for days.

Here’s some suggestions from the Badlands Visitor Guide published by the National Park Service. These are just some starting points for ideas. If you care to get the specifics you can check out the other pages in this section.

•Drive the Highway 240 Loop Road (60 minutes).
•Take a side trip down Sage Creek Rim Road to Robert’s Prairie Dog Town to see
wildlife and experience spectacular views of the park (30 minutes).
•Visit the Big Pig Dig (30 minutes).
•Hike a Trail (time will vary).
•Attend a Ranger Program (June – August) (20 – 60 minutes).
•Stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to watch the park video and tour the new
exhibits (30 – 60 minutes).
•Take in a sunrise or sunset. They can be viewed from any of the overlooks or
campgrounds located in the park (20 – 30 minutes).
•Stop by the White River Visitor Center which is staffed by members of the
Oglala Sioux Tribe (45 minutes – 1 hour).
•Tour the South Unit of the park. Be sure to get permission from landowners
before crossing private land. A list of contacts is available at the White River
Visitor Center (45 minutes – all day).