Interior, SD

Located on the southeastern edge of Badlands National Park, Interior, South Dakota, is the ideal community for catching a sunrise or sunset in one of South Dakota’s most beautiful national parks. Stay in a hotel or campground and enjoy the beauty and mystery of the area.

The southern unit of Badlands National Park is considered the park’s wilderness area. Because it’s the park’s most underdeveloped section, wilderness camping is popular here. For adventure seekers who prefer a warm bed and comfortable lodging, Interior offers that, too.

Things to Do in Interior

Badlands National Park is a place like no other. The movement of the sun throughout the day changes the look of the colorful sediment in the buttes and spires. Casting shadows also change the landscape, creating even more mystery in this park named “bad land” by early settlers because of its difficult terrain and barren soil. The park is a photographer’s paradise and offers scenic drives, hikes, camping and wildlife viewing.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is located off Badlands Loop Road in Interior. The center is open year-round and is the park’s main headquarters. Visitors can view exhibits and learn about prehistoric fossils found in the park. A gift shop and restaurant are open seasonally.

If you love stargazing, you’ll love the view here, too. With no major city lights to disrupt the view, visitors can be exposed to more than 7,500 stars on any given night. During the summer months, Park Rangers offer a night sky program (complete with telescopes) and point out constellations, stars and planets.

The diverse landscape makes horseback riding is a popular activity in and around Interior. Visitors can bring their own horses or contact nearby lodges and trail ride companies.

Explore the Region

A Black Hills vacation is central to hundreds of scenic monuments, parks, restaurants and attractions. Browse Black Hills maps to find lodging and things to do near Interior.