I first visited the Badlands National Park over the summer when I was in 7th grade in 2012, and it was one of the most fun trips I’ve ever been on. The park was so awe-inspiring and full of freedom to explore and climb around, to an outdoorsy adventurous kid it was like an amusement park. We came back the next fall, and while we couldn’t make it out there because of the government shutdown the year after that, we’ve been back every year since and it has never lost its wonder and sense of adventure. It’s always given me a chance to explore with my family and has fueled my passion for the outdoors. That’s just one of the dozens of parks that have influenced my life is such a meaningful way, and I’ve created so many wonderful memories at all sorts of different National Parks that it’s hard to pick which story to tell. National parks have influenced me deeply as a person, and they need to be protected so I can take my kids out to explore the same Badlands someday.
Sincerely,
Badlands National Park
This park's sharply textured rock formations share a 244,000-acre landscape with the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in the United States.
State(s): South Dakota
Established: 1929
“America is full of natural wonders and so much beauty, and they need to be not only protected but cherished as the gifts they are to current and future generations. The United States is a huge country, with so much diverse natural landscapes within its borders, and the national parks are such a wonderful way to preserve all the different amazing places we have for everyone to enjoy.”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
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Greetings from Badlands National Park
My wife Jamie and I love packing up our 3 pups and our girls and going camping. This is our visit to Badlands NP. I was so nervous to take our pride flag out but did it anyway and I am so happy I did. We want to show our…
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Greetings from Badlands National Park
It was our first family trip to South Dakota and we did our best to see all the sights! Of course, we weren't able to see all SD has to offer, but we did drive through and take in the glorious beauty of the Badlands National Park. I am in…
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