The Badlands National Park
By: Hayley Gibson
Activities and Events
From Hikes, Camping, Exploring the back country and the badlands Gps adventure, there are many interesting things to do while in the Badlands (Become a Junior ranger, and visiting the fossil prep lab are also on the activities list.)
Fascinating Facts
Four Species of wildlife have been reintroduced into the Badlands since its establishment in 1939.
The Badlands have some of the fastest eroding landscapes on this Earth.
- During the ice age of dinosaurs, a warm, shallow sea covered the great plains which is now known as the Badlands.
History of Park, Monument, or Memorial
homesteading began before the end of the American Civil War, however, it didn't really impact the Badlands until the 20th century. The U.S. government stripped Native Americans of much of their territory and forced them to live on reservations. thankfully on november 10th 1978 it became Badlands national park.
Climate
The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.
Association with Native Americans
For 11,000 years, Native Americans have used this area for their hunting grounds. Their descendants live today as a part of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Archaeological records combined with oral traditions indicate that these people camped in secluded valleys where fresh water and games were available year round. Eroding out of the stream banks today are the rocks and charcoal of their campfires, as well as the arrowheads and tools they used to butcher rabbits, and other games.