Badlands itinerary

What to do with one to three days in Badlands National Park.

By The Green Adventures · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check

Here is how to spend one to three days in Badlands, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 5 hours of listed activity time.

Start at Ben Reifel Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

Hiking the Badlands (1 to 5 hours). Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park?

Afternoon

Badlands Ranger Programs (20 to 60 minutes). Many different programs are led by rangers at Badlands National Park. (best in spring, summer, fall)
Visit the White River Visitor Center (15 to 60 minutes). The White River Visitor Center is the main facility in the South Unit of the park. (best in spring, summer, fall)
Badlands Astronomy Festival (30 to 60 minutes). Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival. (best in summer)

Day 2

About 1.5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

Horseback Riding in the Badlands (time not listed). Enjoy views of the Badlands from the saddle!

Afternoon

Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center (15 to 60 minutes). There's something for everyone at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in the North Unit of Badlands National Park.
Hiking Badlands Back Roads With Your Dog (time not listed). Back country roads are a great place to escape the everyday with your pet. (dogs OK; best in winter, spring, fall)
Enjoy the Night Sky (30 to 90 minutes). Night Sky Viewings are a great way to see the dark skies of the Badlands. (best in spring, summer, fall)

Day 3

About 1.5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

Drive Around the South Unit of the Badlands (1 to 2 hours). Enjoy stunning views of Badlands National Park's South Unit by driving around its perimeter.

Afternoon

Pick Your Park Adventure in the Badlands (time not listed). Pick your park adventure in the Badlands by deciding where to go next at the end of every chapter. (dogs OK)
Visit the Fossil Preparation Lab (time not listed). Visit the Fossil Preparation Lab in Badlands National Park, where visitors have the opportunity to engage with paleontologists and other park staff working on Badlands fossils! (best in summer)
Spotting Wildlife in the Badlands (time not listed). Many animals call Badlands National Park home.

Make it work

When to go: May and September. See the best time to visit.
Where to stay: 2 campgrounds and 1 lodge in the park; see camping and lodging.
Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Today at Badlands

Live

Loading the forecast…

Checking park alerts…

Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.

Sources

National Park Service: things to do in Badlands National Park (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Badlands?

One day covers the highlights; 3 days lets you add longer hikes. Add travel time between areas of the park.

What should I do with one day in Badlands?

Start at Ben Reifel Visitor Center, then: Hiking the Badlands, Badlands Ranger Programs, Visit the White River Visitor Center, Badlands Astronomy Festival.