Badlands National Park

My next stop was Badlands National Park.  I left Livingston, Montana area at 6:45 am.  I departed early because my goal was to reach my next overnight stay in Wall, South Dakota early enough so that I would have time to visit the Badlands National Park Visitor Center and Wall drugs.

I arrived at Sleepy Hollow Campground in Wall, S.D. at around 2:45 pm. 

After I checked in, I immediately departed for the scenic drive in the Badlands National Park.  The road entrance was not too far from my campground.

This beautiful drive, without sightseeing stops, took approximately 50 minutes to reach the visitor center.  The visitor center closed at 5pm and I arrived around 4:30 pm.  

Upon my arrival to the National Park, I stopped at the park entrance sign.  I like to take my photo standing next to National Park signs, but that didn’t happen this time!  

When I pulled up there was a huge Bison scratching his back on the sign.  I watched for a while then got back on the road to the visitor center.

Like all National Parks, I again had a take my breath away moment when coming around a bend and seeing the scenery.  Even though there was smoke in the sky, the sights were beautiful.  

I made my way along the winding road and had a quick visit at the visitor center.  On my way back I stopped several times at scenic stops and enjoyed the sites.  I saw big horn sheep and bison.

Upon return to Wall, S.D. I stopped into the famous Wall Drug Store.  I walked around the shops and ordered some chicken strips to enjoy in the van back at the campground. It was an interesting stop.

My total miles driven today were 667.8.  This included the couple of hours driving around the National Park.

I would love to return to South Dakota and visit Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills, Historic Deadwood, and Crazy Horse monument.

Even though this stop was a quick one, I really enjoyed it!