Only a few centuries ago, over half the North American continent was carpeted in the same type of mixed grass prairie you’ll encounter at Badlands National Park. The park retains the largest intact prairie of any in the National Park Service system, providing an enduring home to the animals that keep this type of ecosystem healthy: bison (pictured), prairie dogs, ferrets, pronghorn, coyotes, golden eagles, and others. Many of those critters have been successfully reintroduced here over the years, in some cases reviving populations that were on the brink of extinction.
In the summer months, violent thunderstorms and blazing temperatures can make touring the Badlands challenging, but come fall, the weather mellows to the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit during the day (chillier at night). Some of the grasses yellow in autumn too, making it easier to spot wildlife, and rewarding photographers with gold-hued landscapes.
Nearby in the historic town of Deadwood, both Oktoberfest and Halloween are celebrated—locally, the latter is called “Deadweird.” The area is also known for its spelunking, fossil hunting, cycling opportunities (the George S. Mickelson Trail first among them), and, of course, Mount Rushmore, a 90-minute drive to the west.