Winter in Badlands National Park often creates snow covered wonderlands throughout the park.
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
Officials at Badlands National Park plan to host the 2025 Badlands Astronomy Festival, July 18 - 20, 2025, daily from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., at the park. The annual festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, and visitors for a three-day astronomy celebration.