Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Feature

Here a fossil, there a fossil: From the mid-1800s, the fossil-rich Badlands area has welcomed paleontologists, research institutions, and fossil hunters who have discovered the fossil remnants of numerous species from ancient days.

A world of wildlife: Badlands National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife: antelope, deer, black-footed ferret, prairie dogs, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, badgers.

Ready at a moment's notice: The Minuteman Missile Silo, at the entrance to the park, represents the only remaining intact components of a nuclear-missile field that consisted of 150 Minuteman II missiles and 15 launch control-centers, and covered more than 13,500 square mi of southwestern South Dakota.

Stars Aplenty: Because of its remote location and vastly open country, Badlands National Park contains some of the clearest and cleanest air in the country, which makes it perfect for viewing the night sky.