Destination Downfall

In southwest South Dakota lies the remnant of an ancient inland sea, now a landscape of jagged buttes and rolling prairie. Bison roam the land, prairie dogs flourish, and tourists... have some opinions. Come along with us to explore Badlands National Park.

We're starting out strong with a pretty embarrassing confession about what one of us thought the Badlands would look like before visiting. Who gave it a one-star review before even seeing it? Then we'll take a look at the fascinating 75-million-year history of the park, its unique mixed-grass prairie ecosystem, and the story of how a farm dog gave endangered wildlife a future.

Hear hilarious negative reviews from tourists who are absolutely furious about losing cell signal, stepping in bison poop, and hikes being both too challenging and not challenging enough. We can't forget the very angry reviewer who left feeling absolutely extorted by the government! Is Badlands National Park worth adding to the South Dakota road trip or is it one to keep driving by?