Q. Where is Badlands National Park located?
A. Badlands National Park is located in southwest South Dakota. 

Q. Is rock collecting allowed?
A. All collecting of rocks, minerals, plants, fossils or cultural objects (i.e. arrowheads) is illegal and punishable by a fine. This means that picking up any of the mentioned items is forbidden.

Q. Why is this area called “Badlands”?
A. To the Lakota, this harsh and desolate landscape was known as "mako sica," meaning “land bad." Early French trappers similarly described the area as “bad lands to travel across." Today, geologists consider all the places in the world with similar topography and formation badlands.

Q. How far is Badlands National Park from Mount Rushmore?
A. Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park is located 114 miles or 1.5 - 2 hours from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and only an hour from Rapid City.

Q. Are there hiking trails in Badlands National Park?
A. Badlands National Park has five trails, varying from one-fourth mile to eight miles in length for exploring park features. The two recommended trails are the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (.5 mile) or Fossil Exhibit Trail (.25 mile). The remainder of the park is open to exploration using a topographic map and a compass. 

To find out more about Badlands National Park summer programs and activities and to make your lodging reservations log onto: www.nationalparkreservations.com or call toll free 1-866-875-8456 today!