What to Do Near Badlands National Park
- FlyBadlands
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re planning a trip to Badlands National Park, you may be wondering what else there is to do nearby. While the park itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area has plenty to offer — from scenic drives and wildlife viewing to quirky roadside stops, small-town charm, and one truly unforgettable way to experience the landscape.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, here are some of the best things to do near Badlands National Park.
1. Drive the Badlands Loop Road
One of the most iconic things to do near Badlands National Park is simply to drive the Badlands Loop Road. This scenic route takes you past some of the park’s most famous overlooks and gives you easy access to incredible views without needing to hike far.
Along the drive, you’ll find dramatic rock formations, sweeping prairie views, and plenty of pull-offs where you can stop for photos and take in the scenery.
If it’s your first visit, this is an absolute must.
2. Stop in Wall, South Dakota
The town of Wall is one of the most convenient and popular stops near the Badlands. Located just minutes from the park, it’s a great place to stay, grab a bite to eat, and explore a little local character.
Wall is also a practical home base for travelers visiting the park because it gives you easy access to both the Badlands and other nearby attractions.
3. Visit Wall Drug
No list of things to do near Badlands National Park would be complete without mentioning Wall Drug. Yes, it’s touristy — but it’s also part of the South Dakota road trip experience. Whether you stop for a quick look or spend more time wandering through, it’s a fun and classic roadside stop that many travelers enjoy.
From signs and souvenirs to snacks and old-school Americana, it’s worth checking out while you’re in the area.
4. See the Badlands from the Air
One of the most unique and memorable things to do near Badlands National Park is to see the landscape from above.
Most visitors experience the Badlands from scenic overlooks or roadside pull-offs, which are beautiful — but seeing it from the air gives you a completely different perspective.
From above, you can truly appreciate the scale of the formations, the winding ridges, the open prairie, and just how dramatic the landscape really is. A scenic flight with Fly Badlands, based at the Wall Municipal Airport, offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience the area and often ends up being one of the highlights of a South Dakota trip. If you’re looking for something a little beyond the usual tourist stops, this is absolutely worth considering.
5. Watch for Wildlife
The area around Badlands National Park is also great for wildlife spotting.
Depending on the time of year and where you’re driving, you may see:
Bison
Bighorn sheep
Prairie dogs
Antelope
Coyotes
Hawks and other birds
Even if you don’t set out specifically for wildlife viewing, chances are you’ll encounter some while exploring the park and surrounding area.
6. Visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
For something a little different, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located near the Badlands and offers a fascinating look into Cold War history.
It’s a surprising and worthwhile stop if you’re interested in history, military history, or just want to add something unique to your trip beyond scenery alone.
This can be a great complement to a Badlands visit, especially if you want to mix natural beauty with a bit of historical perspective.
7. Catch Sunrise or Sunset in the Badlands
If your schedule allows, one of the best things you can do near Badlands National Park is simply plan to be there at the right time of day.
Sunrise and sunset bring out some of the most dramatic colors in the rock formations and create a completely different feel than midday.
The softer light, longer shadows, and changing colors make the landscape even more striking.
If you only have time for one “special” viewing moment, sunrise or sunset is hard to beat.
8. Stay a Little Longer Than You Planned
A lot of people think of the Badlands as a quick stop on a road trip — but many visitors end up wishing they had given themselves more time.
There’s something about the landscape that makes people want to slow down, explore more overlooks, linger in town, and take in the experience instead of rushing through it.
If you can, give yourself a little breathing room in your itinerary. The area is worth more than a rushed drive-through.
Final Thoughts: What to Do Near Badlands National Park
There’s plenty to do near Badlands National Park, whether you want scenic views, classic roadside Americana, wildlife, history, or a truly unforgettable adventure.
If you’re putting together your itinerary, some of the best things to include are:
Driving the scenic loop
Exploring Wall, South Dakota
Visiting Wall Drug
Watching for wildlife
Catching sunrise or sunset
Visiting the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
And, for a truly memorable experience, seeing the Badlands from the air
The Badlands is one of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the country — and the surrounding area has more to offer than many people realize.
Experience the Badlands from a whole new perspective
A scenic flight with Fly Badlands offers unforgettable aerial views of the landscape near Badlands National Park.
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