If you hail from the Mount Rushmore State or have ever had the pleasure of visiting, you already know that South Dakota is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so when national publications take note, we cannot help but share! In this case, it is our gorgeous Badlands getting the much-deserved attention, as they have been named one of the 25 most beautiful places in the world, and we think the best national park to visit in South Dakota.
Recently released by CNN is their list of the 25 of the most beautiful places around the world, which includes our very own Badlands!
TripAdvisor/Delpitc
As per CNN, “Renowned for its rich fossil beds, Badlands, named by the native Lakota tribe for its arid and extreme terrain, is unlike anywhere else in the United States,” adding how the “short Door Trail affords superb views of the surreal rocky peaks that cover the landscape.”
TripAdvisor/johnfaludi
In addition to the Badlands, CNN lists several other world-renowned landscapes, including Vancouver Island (Canada), Lake District (U.K.), and the Atacama Desert (Chile).
TripAdvisor/CrankingChick Aside from the Badlands, the only other U.S. locations are Denali National Park (Alaska), Horseshoe Bend (Arizona), and Monument Valley (Utah).
Now only are the Badlands magnificent, but also very historic, as they were formed by geologic forces of deposition and erosion 69-million-years ago after the retreating of an ancient sea.
TripAdvisor/Bastiaan
In addition to their geological history, the Badlands also served as a vital spot for early Native Americans who used the landscape for hunting some 11,000+ years ago!
TripAdvisor/BthEln1964
When you visit the Badlands, be sure to bring your camera, as the distinct colors from the rocks’ erosion make for an incredible photo opportunity.
TripAdvisor/Autogirogiringiro
To learn even more about Badlands National Park and all there is to see and do, read 9 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Visiting South Dakota’s Badlands National Park.
TripAdvisor/Siane C Luzzi
Do you have another beautiful place in South Dakota that you would like us to feature? Tell us about it here. For even more Badlands fun, click on This Enchanting Star Park Will Let You Experience South Dakota Like Never Before.
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Address: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in South Dakota March 19, 2022 SKS Best parks in South Dakota Everyone knows about Badlands National Park, but there are some incredible state parks found in South Dakota as well. Palisades State Park has is a great place to explore the towering cliffs over Split Rock Creek. Hiking trails in South Dakota Many people forget South Dakota when they are thinking of the states with the best hikes in the United States. However, it would be a mistake to overlook South Dakota, as it is home to some wonderful hiking trails that you just have to check out. Notch Trail Notch Trail tops our list and is located in the Badlands National Park. This 1.5 mile hike will take you through the canyons of the badlands. However, don’t be mistaken by its short distance. This hike has a long staircase, which can make this short hike more difficult than it first appears. However, don’t let this deter you, as this unique hike will bring you to some awesome views you will not want to miss. Black Elk Peak Loop Black Elk Peak Loop is a bit of a longer hike, clocking in at just over 7 miles. However, this popular hike located in Custer State Park will take you around Little Devil’s Tower, all the way to the Granite Towers and the Summit and Historic Fire Lookout. For great views of South Dakota’s unique rock formations and the surrounding forest, Black Elk Peak Loop is the hike for you. Cathedral Spires Trail The Cathedral Spires Trail is another favorite located in Custer State Park but is much shorter than the Black Elk Peak Loop. At only 1.6 miles, this hike is great for a quick stretch of the legs and gives you views of the towering Cathedral Spires rising out of the forest floor.
Recently released by CNN is their list of the 25 of the most beautiful places around the world, which includes our very own Badlands!
TripAdvisor/Delpitc
As per CNN, “Renowned for its rich fossil beds, Badlands, named by the native Lakota tribe for its arid and extreme terrain, is unlike anywhere else in the United States,” adding how the “short Door Trail affords superb views of the surreal rocky peaks that cover the landscape.”
TripAdvisor/johnfaludi
In addition to the Badlands, CNN lists several other world-renowned landscapes, including Vancouver Island (Canada), Lake District (U.K.), and the Atacama Desert (Chile).
TripAdvisor/CrankingChick Aside from the Badlands, the only other U.S. locations are Denali National Park (Alaska), Horseshoe Bend (Arizona), and Monument Valley (Utah).
Now only are the Badlands magnificent, but also very historic, as they were formed by geologic forces of deposition and erosion 69-million-years ago after the retreating of an ancient sea.
TripAdvisor/Bastiaan
In addition to their geological history, the Badlands also served as a vital spot for early Native Americans who used the landscape for hunting some 11,000+ years ago!
TripAdvisor/BthEln1964
When you visit the Badlands, be sure to bring your camera, as the distinct colors from the rocks’ erosion make for an incredible photo opportunity.
TripAdvisor/Autogirogiringiro
To learn even more about Badlands National Park and all there is to see and do, read 9 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Visiting South Dakota’s Badlands National Park.
TripAdvisor/Siane C Luzzi
Do you have another beautiful place in South Dakota that you would like us to feature? Tell us about it here. For even more Badlands fun, click on This Enchanting Star Park Will Let You Experience South Dakota Like Never Before.
TripAdvisor/Delpitc
TripAdvisor/johnfaludi
TripAdvisor/CrankingChick
Aside from the Badlands, the only other U.S. locations are Denali National Park (Alaska), Horseshoe Bend (Arizona), and Monument Valley (Utah).
TripAdvisor/Bastiaan
TripAdvisor/BthEln1964
TripAdvisor/Autogirogiringiro
TripAdvisor/Siane C Luzzi
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in South Dakota
March 19, 2022
SKS
Best parks in South Dakota Everyone knows about Badlands National Park, but there are some incredible state parks found in South Dakota as well. Palisades State Park has is a great place to explore the towering cliffs over Split Rock Creek. Hiking trails in South Dakota Many people forget South Dakota when they are thinking of the states with the best hikes in the United States. However, it would be a mistake to overlook South Dakota, as it is home to some wonderful hiking trails that you just have to check out. Notch Trail Notch Trail tops our list and is located in the Badlands National Park. This 1.5 mile hike will take you through the canyons of the badlands. However, don’t be mistaken by its short distance. This hike has a long staircase, which can make this short hike more difficult than it first appears. However, don’t let this deter you, as this unique hike will bring you to some awesome views you will not want to miss. Black Elk Peak Loop Black Elk Peak Loop is a bit of a longer hike, clocking in at just over 7 miles. However, this popular hike located in Custer State Park will take you around Little Devil’s Tower, all the way to the Granite Towers and the Summit and Historic Fire Lookout. For great views of South Dakota’s unique rock formations and the surrounding forest, Black Elk Peak Loop is the hike for you. Cathedral Spires Trail The Cathedral Spires Trail is another favorite located in Custer State Park but is much shorter than the Black Elk Peak Loop. At only 1.6 miles, this hike is great for a quick stretch of the legs and gives you views of the towering Cathedral Spires rising out of the forest floor.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Everyone knows about Badlands National Park, but there are some incredible state parks found in South Dakota as well. Palisades State Park has is a great place to explore the towering cliffs over Split Rock Creek.
Hiking trails in South Dakota
Many people forget South Dakota when they are thinking of the states with the best hikes in the United States. However, it would be a mistake to overlook South Dakota, as it is home to some wonderful hiking trails that you just have to check out.
Notch Trail
Notch Trail tops our list and is located in the Badlands National Park. This 1.5 mile hike will take you through the canyons of the badlands. However, don’t be mistaken by its short distance. This hike has a long staircase, which can make this short hike more difficult than it first appears. However, don’t let this deter you, as this unique hike will bring you to some awesome views you will not want to miss.
Black Elk Peak Loop
Black Elk Peak Loop is a bit of a longer hike, clocking in at just over 7 miles. However, this popular hike located in Custer State Park will take you around Little Devil’s Tower, all the way to the Granite Towers and the Summit and Historic Fire Lookout. For great views of South Dakota’s unique rock formations and the surrounding forest, Black Elk Peak Loop is the hike for you.
Cathedral Spires Trail
The Cathedral Spires Trail is another favorite located in Custer State Park but is much shorter than the Black Elk Peak Loop. At only 1.6 miles, this hike is great for a quick stretch of the legs and gives you views of the towering Cathedral Spires rising out of the forest floor.
