Badlands National Park

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/22/2026

Is this land really “bad”?

Many visitors wonder why such a strikingly beautiful landscape carries the name Badlands.
For countless generations, the Lakota people referred to this region as Mako Sica, meaning “bad lands." Later, French fur trappers who entered the area also found the land challenging to cross, reinforcing the name that reflects both its ruggedness and its awe‑inspiring character.

Today, modern amenities make living in and visiting this region far more comfortable. It’s easy to forget how demanding life here would have been without air conditioning, heating, paved roads, vehicles, water bottles, or easily accessible food.

A fun historical note: when names were being considered for what would become Badlands National Park, one suggestion was Wonderland National Park. In the end, the name Badlands remained—a title that captures both the dramatic beauty of the landscape and the challenges faced by the people who traveled and lived on these lands long before.

For more information, visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/mako-sica.htm

NPS Photo/M. Shreero

09/15/2026

Getting to spot owls is always a hoot!

Here at Badlands National Park, our resident burrowing owls are always a special sight. These tiny, long‑legged owls have some truly unique traits that set them apart from most of their feathered relatives.

Instead of nesting in trees, burrowing owls make their homes underground — usually by moving into burrows dug by other animals. In the Badlands, that often means you’ll find them living around prairie dog towns, taking advantage of the ready‑made tunnels left behind.

Unlike most owl species that are active at night, burrowing owls are diurnal, meaning you’re more likely to spot them awake and active during the day.

So, the next time you see an owl hanging out close to the ground here in the Badlands and you catch yourself wondering, “Who is that?” — it’s probably our burrowing owl!

NPS Photo/E. Welsh

09/13/2026

Today, September 13, is National Grandparents Day — and here in Badlands National Park, the Black Hills are our geological grandparents!

The rocks that make up the Badlands were formed from materials eroded off the Black Hills and carried here by ancient rivers and winds between 36 and 27 million years ago. The Black Hills themselves are far older, with rocks dating back roughly 2 billion years.

Much like a family tree, you can still see traces of our “grandparents” throughout the Badlands — in sandstones made from reworked Black Hills granite, and in the Medicine Root gravels transported here by long‑gone, rocky streams.

Today, we’re celebrating all grandparents, including our own geological ones. A special shout‑out to our neighbors and partners in the Black Hills: .NPS

Without the Black Hills, the Badlands wouldn’t have any sediment to stand on!

Photo Credit: 1. The Needles in Custer State Park- NPS Photo/K. Tarbet. 2. Devils Tower- NPS Photo/Avery Locklear. 3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial- NPS Photo. 4. Badlands National Park- NPS Photo/K. Tarbet

09/10/2026

The best way to learn is by learning with others — especially under the Badlands night sky!

Ranger programs have long been a staple of the Badlands National Park experience. While the amphitheater itself has changed over the years, one thing remains the same: each evening in th summer, our rangers gather with visitors to share the stories, science, and wonder of this special place after the sun goes down.

Join us for our nightly interpretive programs:

8:00 pm – Evening Program
A ranger‑led presentation featuring topics like geology, wildlife, fossils, night skies, and more.

8:30 pm – Night Sky Program
Stay after the evening program for a guided sky tour, constellation stories, and telescope viewing beneath one of the darkest skies in the National Park Service.

Whether you're a first‑time visitor or a long‑time Badlands explorer, we hope you’ll join us for an evening of discovery under the stars. See you at the amphitheater!

Visit our website for an updated program calendar: https://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

NPS Photos

09/06/2026

Ever wondered what makes up the prairie ecosystem?

Join Ranger Christian, who will share what factors led to the creation and development of the Great Plains prairie. Learn about geology, climate, plants, animals and how they interact together on the grasslands of North America.

The program will take place on Monday, September 7 at 2:00 PM in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center Theatre, and it is free and open to the public—no reservations needed. This is our final speaker of the summer. We hope to see you there!

08/31/2026

Closure Notice #26-002

Closures, restrictions, and public use limits: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(1), the following park areas and facilities are closed, effective: 12:01 AM on Monday August 31 2026 and until further notice:

• Notch Trail and all areas within 100’ of the designated trail

Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Badlands National Park, including park visitors, government employees, concession employees, park residents and stakeholders.

Finding: The NPS issues this administrative order for the purposes of maintaining public health and safety and protecting park resources.

• During the closure period, Park staff will be repairing the section of the Notch trail ladder that has become a safety hazard for hikers.

Approved: Eric Veach, Superintendent

08/30/2026

Ok, now raise your right hand and repeat after me...

Happy Junior Ranger Day everyone! To cap off the super fun National Park Week we are turning it over to the awesome Junior Rangers!

Every single National Park Service site (we're talking National Historic Sites, Monuments, Battlefields, Scenic Rivers, Seashores, Preserves, Memorials, and all that's in between) has a junior ranger book to complete and badge to earn.

Whether Badlands National Park is your first Junior Ranger badge, or your twenty-second, come on down to either one of our visitor centers to get a book, badge, and get yourself sworn in!

NPS Photo/N. Wheeler

08/29/2026

It’s Staff Saturday during National Park Week!

There aren’t enough words in the world to describe the amazing people who keep national parks thriving, but we’re going to give it our best shot. So without further ado… a ranger roll call!
Thank you to…

• Law Enforcement Rangers who work tirelessly to protect our visitors, and our cultural and natural resources.
• Interpretation and Education Rangers who give guided walks and talks, answer questions, and help visitors connect to this incredible place.
• Maintenance staff who keep all the infrastructure of the park working.
• Administration staff who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
• Fee collectors who greet you at our entrances and welcome you into the park.
• Cultural Resources staff who preserve and protect thousands of years of human history.
• Natural Resources staff who care for the wildlife, ecosystems, and landscapes that make the Badlands so special.
• Every amazing Volunteer in every division who generously gives their time and energy.
• All of our incredible Interns who help carry out the National Park Service mission.

Every single person you see — and don’t see — in your visits to National Parks helps make your experience awesome. Every trail, bathroom, visitor center, program, wildlife survey, fossils on display, museum exhibits (and everything beyond and in between) exists because of the amazing staff of the National Park Service.

We hope every park employee has an amazing Staff Saturday!

NPS Photo

08/28/2026

Badlands National Park tells the story of many amazing Americans! Today, on National Park Week’s Freedom Friday, let’s get to know a few of them.

Paleontologists first began uncovering the ancient past of North America here in the Badlands, where exposed rock layers revealed early mammals long before dinosaurs were found out west. These discoveries helped establish the Badlands as one of the earliest and most important fossil‑rich regions in the United States, shaping how scientists first understood ancient ecosystems and the deep history of this landscape.

Lakota have called this landscape home since time immemorial, and the Badlands remain part of their current and ancestral homelands. The name “Badlands” comes from the Lakota words Mako Sica, meaning “bad lands,” describing the challenging nature of the terrain. The Lakota relationship to this area offers a rich cultural history that remains central to the story of the Badlands today.

Homesteaders later arrived, drawn by opportunity and challenged by a landscape that demanded resilience. A handful of families carved out lives in the Sage Creek Basin and surrounding prairie, weathering isolation, harsh seasons, and unforgiving soil. Their stories reflect determination and the complicated history of settlement across the Great Plains.

These are just a few of the stories you can learn about amazing people here at Badlands National Park, but there is one very important final one…

…YOU! Every visitor who walks through Badlands National Park helps keep our stories alive. We love hearing all of your stories, and today we encourage you to share your Badlands National Park stories either in our comments or by tagging us. We can’t wait to read them all.
Keep the stories of amazing Americans alive by visiting your National Park Service sites!

Photos: 1. Old Paleontology field camp (NPS Photo). 2. Lakota Family in front of log cabin (NPS Photo, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument) 3. The Josh Sullivan family, who homesteaded just a half mile south of the park boundary. (NPS Photo)

08/27/2026

It's Thankful Thursday!

During National Park Week, we take a moment to recognize the people and partnerships that make Badlands National Park the incredible place it is. Today, we’re shining a special spotlight on some of the communities, organizations, and individuals who help us protect this landscape and share its stories.

We are honored to work alongside the Oglala Sioux Tribe, whose deep connection to this land guides our understanding of its past, present, and future. Their knowledge and stewardship continue to shape how we care for the Badlands.

Our non-profit partners—the Badlands Natural History Association and the Badlands National Park Conservancy—support vital educational programs, research, and visitor experiences that enrich every trip to the park. Their dedication helps us reach people near and far.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Interior Volunteer Fire Department, whose assistance with search and rescue plays an essential role in keeping visitors safe. Their service to this community and the park is invaluable.

And of course, we celebrate our incredible volunteers, who give their time, energy, and passion to support experiences in the Badlands. Badlands National Park simply wouldn’t be the same without their commitment.

We have too many partners, friends, and supporters to name, but a huge thank you to all of you. Your dedication ensures that the Badlands will continue inspiring generations to come.

Photo Credits: 1. NPS Photo. 2. Badlands Natural History Association Photo. 3. Badlands National Park Conservancy Photo. 4. Interior Volunteer Fire Department Photo. 4. NPS Photo.