A Playground for the Imagination: Badlands NP

Before setting out for Badlands National Park, Ariel had a full morning of school with her class and Wyatt had his class meeting. I’m impressed by how well the kids are adapting to remote learning. They’re eager to start each day and work hard to complete their assignments. I’ve treasured being able to work one-on-one with Ariel and watch her confidence grow each day with her learning.  Our biggest challenge is giving each kiddo their own quiet learning space where they can concentrate. Today, Wyatt worked outside at the picnic table while Ron caught up on some real estate work and Ariel and I worked inside the RV.

After finishing the day’s schoolwork, we packed a picnic lunch and headed into Badlands National Park. To kick off our explorations, we grabbed maps, and the kids swore  in as Junior Rangers. I love this National Park Service program since it promotes protecting the parks and respecting all the life that lives within them. They also provide fun activities for the kids, which keeps them engaged with nature and the things they’re seeing. It’s been a wonderful way to enrich their learning as we travel.

The Badlands landscape is something else. When they say it’s like being on a different planet they aren’t kidding. The peaks, gullies, buttes and wide prairie all mix to make this National Park fascinating and almost supernatural. While I marveled at all the scenery, Ron talked to the kiddos about all the fossils buried here. He was almost giddy at the thought of possibly finding some.  

The first chance he got, Ron parked along the side of the road so we could explore one of the gullies. The park ranger informed us that we could hike anywhere in the park—just be on the look out for rattlesnakes. I will say I am not as afraid of rattlesnakes as I am of bears. Yellowstone and Glacier made me nervous at times due to the bear population, but I feel that a rattlesnake will give us fair enough warning that we can back away. Still, just to be safe, we paid close attention and explained to the kids what to listen for too.

The hike through the gully was fun for all of us. The evidence of deposition and erosion on the buttes made a great science lesson for the kids, and they loved to play with the clay rich soil they found in nearly dry puddles. Walking through the gully and looking up at the buttes felt like exploring a new planet in a Star Trek movie.  Yes I am a Treky and have always wanted to explore space.

Ron didn’t find any fossils on this little hike, but I could see he wasn’t discouraged, just thrilled to hike and explore the gullies.  We ventured further on the Badlands Loop Drive to explore the park and found so many beautiful photo opportunities along the drive.  

Near the Conata Basin, we found a perfect spot to stop for a picnic. There was a great place for the pups and a shaded table. Ron prepared a nice meat and cheese lunch. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we stayed for over an hour.  The kids played and hiked up a small butte, and I took a moment to work on the blog.  Ron and I love how the kids are enjoying exploring their surroundings and using their imaginations as they play in nature.  

We finished up our Badlands Loop drive with a bighorn sheep sighting. The herd was in the field and there was a handsome male right beside the road.  My adrenaline shot up pretty high when he decided to run in front of us as I was taking pictures.  

Our trip then took us to Wall, SD to see the famous Wall Drug Store.  We picked up some fudge, pie, a local wine to try at camp, and some western apparel for the kids.  Ariel found the pink cowgirl hat she’d been wanting. Wyatt picked out a western shirt and a cowboy hat that looks just like his GranGran’s.  They look pretty cute wearing their hats!

We got back to camp and for a quick meal—and, yet again, more laundry. I really wish our RV came with it’s own washer and dryer.  We called it a night and looked forward to a full day of exploring the Badlands tomorrow.

Goodnight from South Dakota!