Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park, known to the Lakota as “mako sica” or “land bad,” is a testament to Earth’s dynamic past. Its challenging terrain once sustained Native American tribes and now reveals fossil beds teeming with ancient treasures, like saber-toothed cats and early horses. These discoveries offer a window into prehistoric life, making the park a must-visit for curious travelers. Staying at Welsh’s Motel, a premier choice among Badlands hotels, puts you minutes from these fascinating sites, where you can explore trails and overlooks showcasing the park’s rugged beauty.

The Badlands’ dramatic landscape formed over millions of years. A shallow sea once covered the area, depositing layers of mud and sand that hardened into sedimentary rock. Tectonic uplift and relentless erosion by wind and water carved the iconic spires, canyons, and colorful rock layers visible today. Each layer tells a story of ancient environments, from clay to volcanic ash, making the Badlands a living classroom for geology lovers. With lodging near Badlands at Welsh’s Motel, you’re perfectly positioned to witness this ever-changing landscape up close.