05/02/2026
👁👃👁 See How Clear a Night Sky Can Be
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Badlands National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it offers some of the darkest skies in the country. Imagine gazing up at a celestial canopy glittering with countless stars, planets and galaxies, a sight that fills you with wonder and reminds you of the vastness of the universe. Check out a ranger-led Night Sky Program on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day for a truly amazing experience.
Accessibility in the Park
Accessibility continues to be a priority in South Dakota. In Badlands National Park, amphitheater programs are wheelchair-accessible and involve accessible telescopes for sky viewings. Ramped entrances, accessible restrooms and reserved parking are available to wheelchair users at both the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and White River Visitor Center. The former includes a chance to hold fossils and rocks, and the park film is open-captioned with listening devices available.
There are two wheelchair-accessible campsites at Cedar Pass Campground. Most overlooks are accessible to wheelchair users. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, Window Trail and first sections of the Door and Cliff Shelf trails are accessible. The surrounding terrain at Conata Picnic Area has an accessible vault toilet, although surrounding terrain is rough, and the Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area also has an accessible vault toilet in addition to ramps and reserved parking. The Cedar Pass Lodge’s gift shop and dining room are fully accessible with ramps, wide doors and aisles, restrooms and reserved parking.
More Things to Do Near Badlands National Park
Looking for more? Make the most of your Badlands adventure by immersing yourself in rich Indigenous culture at a historic Lakota village, feeling the Cold War power of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site or marveling at the wonders of the Black Hills. Around the park, get up close with some furry friends at Roberts Prairie Dog Town or book a horseback excursion through Hurley Butte Horseback. Need to stock up or find a souvenir? Visit the Native West Trading Company or the iconic Wall Drug Store.