View of the North Dakota Badlands

The Badlands are a region of the US state of North Dakota. The Badlands are located in the southwest portion of the state. The area is dry today, but in the past, rivers carved out stunning rock features that stand today. It must truly be seen to be believed.

Understand

Badlands are unique formations resulting from millions of years of sedimentary buildup and erosion.

Cities

• 1 Alexander
• 2 Amidon
• 3 Beach
• 4 Belfield
• 5 Bowman
• 6 Cartwright
• 7 Medora
• 8 Watford City

Other destinations

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • 1 North Unit
  • 2 South Unit
• 3 Little Missouri National Grasslands

Do

• Drive through the Badlands on US Highway 85. The area is sparsely populated and in the summer months gets extremely hot. Fill up your gas tank, check your coolant levels, and pack plenty of water for yourself. Start in Dickinson rather than Williston so the sun won't be in your eyes as well. Notable sights on this drive are: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Little Missouri National Grasslands, Watford City and the Missouri River.
• Fishing. Buffalo Gap Dam, 2 miles southeast of Buffalo Gap (I94 exit 18) for trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Camels Hump Dam, immediately northeast of Sentinel Butte (I94 exit 10) for trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Odland Dam, 7 miles north of Beach for pike, perch, and bluegill.
• Hunting: prime area for mule deer. See map.

Eat

Rocky Mountan Oysters are cattle or buffalo testicles that are breaded and deep-fried. While many people enjoy this delicacy, locals enjoy tricking visitors into eating without disclosing the nature of the food.

Go next

• Montana