Travel Midwest Magazine Travel Midwest Digital ReplicaSUM17 | Page 18

“ which
makes the
Badlands an
Many fossils and skeletons have
been found throughout the park,
educational site
as well as a
natural wonder.
“
B A D L A N D S N AT I O N A L PA R K
There is perhaps nothing more breathtaking than the
240,000+ acres of nothing but vast, open skies, layered rock
formations, buttes, and spires that are offered in the Bad-
lands National Park. The amount of harsh weather and ero-
sion that has haunted the land, hence the Lakota name
“Badland,” has actually made it beautiful. The deep gorges
and tall rock formations are now layered with different colors
from the erosion, and seem to be dipped in lavender, gray,
yellow, orange, and a white color known as “volcanic ash.”
Many fossils and skeletons have been found throughout the
park, along with Native American tools and history, which
makes the Badlands an educational site as well as a natural
wonder. Hike to the tops of the mountains for a 360-degree
view of the park, or stay in for a night sky viewing, complete
16 | Summer 2017 | Travel Midwest
with millions of twinkling stars and swirling sunset colors.
Take a bike ride through one of the many trails around, or
gas up the car and take a scenic drive along the two-lane
road of the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway. While you’re
out and about, you may see some of the impressive native
wildlife, like bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and black-
footed ferrets!
No matter where your journey takes you, you will be able to
experience the beauty of the Midwest. Stay in a log cabin
for the weekend, or take a drive to several of the parks within
the region and make a road trip out of it. Whatever your
budget and time limit is, whatever activities you’re looking to
try out, you’ll find your heart’s desire in the Heartland.