When submitting eBird observations at Badlands National Park, it is most helpful to start a new checklist for each hotspot within the national park.

Walk the Shelf Trail near the Visitor Center and around the grounds behind the Visitor Center, keeping a keen eye out for White-throated Swifts and Merlin flying high above. You may even see migrating Sandhill Cranes. Drive the main road through the park and consider visiting Sage Creek Wilderness Area. Long-eared Owls can be found in Juniper draws. Look for Burrowing Owls at Roberts Prairie Dog Town, along with Bald and Golden Eagles. Also drive Conata Basin Road for grassland species: Horned Lark, Lark Bunting, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Common Nighthawk, and some large Bank Swallow colonies.

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. 

Interstate 90 (I-90) is located directly north of the park and provides access to the SE-240 Badlands Loop Road. For those traveling west on I-90, take Exit 131 (Interior) and follow the signs directing vehicles south approximately three miles to the Northeast Entrance. For those traveling east on I-90, take Exit 110 at Wall, South Dakota. Follow signs directing vehicles south approximately seven miles to the Pinnacles Entrance.

SD-44 provides an alternate, scenic access to the park and intersects SD-377 in the town of Interior. Follow SD-377 two miles north to the Interior Entrance.