The health benefits of hiking are well known and well documented nowadays. And few things are better for a “nature bath” than going on a reinvigorating hike in a national park. These are some of the greatest day hikes in the U.S. National Park System.
In southwestern South Dakota, a huge collection of multicolored rock formations sits within sprawling prairie, providing a home to one of America’s largest federal bison herds. Although its name implies …
One of the most accessible and easy-to-visit national parks in America, Badlands National Park is home to many scenic overlooks. Getting to these viewpoints doesn’t require much effort whatsoever. All …
If you’re someone who loves exploring new landscapes with your trusted four-legged friend, you’ll be happy to learn that dogs are welcome in Badlands National Park! That said, however, there …
In the rolling prairie of southwestern South Dakota lies Badlands National Park, home to a magnificent collection of colorful buttes, hills, pinnacles and spires. There are many ways to explore …
While much of the state consists of seemingly endless prairie, the southwestern corner of South Dakota boasts beautiful mountains, marvelous caves and spectacular badlands. This is where you’ll find all …
On sunny afternoons, the landscapes of Badlands National Park can, although still spectacular, also be quite monochromatic. Sunset in the Badlands, however, is a completely different thing, the low-angled sun …
Preserving one of America’s last remaining tracts of intact mixed-grass prairie, Badlands National Park is home to several iconic prairie animals. If you’re planning to do some wildlife watching during …
While the otherworldly landscapes of the South Dakota Badlands used to deter early fur trappers and pioneers, they now attract casual hikers and experienced backpackers alike. Compared to most U.S. …
As daunting, unforgiving and monochromatic as the landscape may appear during the day, it’s a completely different experience to see Badlands National Park at sunrise. While the harsh overhead sunshine …
Many people visit America’s national parks to enjoy spectacular landscapes, scenic views and unique sights. And while there are numerous amazing overlooks in the national parks, nothing beats the view …
With all that overwhelming natural splendor, it’s easy to forget that the National Park System also preserves a wealth of other things and places. In fact, there are literally thousands of Native American heritage and cultural sites in America’s national parks, preserving archaeological sites, battlefields and cultural landmarks.
While wildlife encounters when hiking are absolutely unforgettable, sometimes it’s better—or best—to see animals from the safety of your car. Although I’m a huge advocate for leaving your vehicle and exploring a park on foot, more often than not, you simply have to drive to see a park properly. Luckily, there are several epic wildlife drives in the national parks.
If you’d like to put on your paleontology hat, learn about prehistoric fossils and dinosaurs, and maybe even look for them yourself, the national parks and monuments in this post can’t be beat. From Badlands and Petrified Forest to several Fossil Beds National Monuments, they’re the absolute best National Park Service sites for fossil hunting.