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nohurry
Explorer
Jan 31, 2015

Badlands, and wind cave S. Dakota that bad?

yahoo travel did a recent article on the 5 worst National Parks. Badlands, and Wind Cave were both on the list. As we are planning a trip to S. Dakota in June/July, I was wondering if any of you agree, or disagree? Are they worth our time? We were for sure going to give the Badlands a visit. Wind Cave not so much. We have 5 nights reserved in the game Lodge CG in Custer SP. Opinions please. Thanks,
  • Badlands are Good. You can spend a day there or drive through in about an hour.
    If you are in the area, it's on the must do list.
    Brian
  • I love stopping at the Badlands. It's not that big, and therefore limited in variety of "things to do", but bad?? No way! Not a destination park, but definitely a layover location.

    Can't speak to Wind Cave - been to Black Hills too many times years ago, so tend to skip the whole area these days in favor of further west locations.
  • Went to both last summer with our three youngest grands. We stayed 4 days in Custer, and did the park and the caves in the area and moved on to Wall and did the Badlands. The park is great for younger children that aren't quite ready for Yellowstone. They like the caves, and the Badlands were a bit different although I don't think their favorite part. The buffalo in Custer seemed to be the highlight for the boys, and Rushmore for the girl. All in all it was a good area for their ages. We have been there many times , the year before with the teenaged grands. The little ones horsebacked rided at Blue Bell. I don't know about staying in the park as we stayed in Custer. I think it is a busy area, we went in June and there were quite a few people there. We always try to go right after the kids are out of school to beat the crowds.

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