
Badlands Ranger Programs
Badlands National Park
Visiting the Badlands? Curious about the history, culture, and science of the park? Consider attending a ranger program! During a typical summer season, rangers offer many programs throughout the course of the day. Regular ranger programs are listed below and the full program schedule can be found on our calendar . Typically, ranger programs are hosted between Memorial and Labor Day weekends. Be sure to ask a ranger at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center or White River Visitor Center about what programs will be conducted during your visit. Geology Walk May 17th through September 26th, 2026 Where? Door Trail When? 8:30 AM Duration: 30-45 minutes After miles of rolling prairie, the Badlands seem to rise up out of nowhere. How did they get to where they are today? What do all of the layers of the formations tell us? Join a ranger at Door Trail for answers to these questions and more on a walk through Badlands geology. This program is offered on Door Trail, which is a boardwalk trail and ADA accessible. Visitors of all abilities are welcome to join. Fossil Talks May 17th through September 26th, 2026 Where? Fossil Exhibit Trail When? 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM Duration: 20-30 minutes There are millions of years of life embedded in Badlands formations. We know about them because of the fossils paleontologists and visitors alike have found in the park -- and continue to be found every day! Learn about the amazing history of life, evolution, and death at a Fossil Talk, offered in the summer at 10:30am and 1:30pm every day at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. The program takes place at Fossil Exhibit Trail, about 5 miles east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center on the Badlands Loop Road / Highway 240 Prairie Walk May 17th through September 26th, 2026 Where? Ben Reifel Visitor Center When? 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Enjoy an easy to moderate prairie hike exploring the Badlands on this late afternoon ranger-led adventure. Meet outside the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at 5:30 P.M. Evening Program June- July, 2026 Where? Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater When? 9:00 PM Duration: 30 minutes August, 2026 When? 8:30 PM Duration: 30 minutes September, 2026 When? 8:00 PM Duration: 30 minutes If you plan to spend the evening in the park or the surrounding area, consider attending an Evening Program at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. Evening Programs are offered on a wide variety of topics which change daily. In th…

























