Badlands National Park: Into The Land Of Sunrise, Sunset, And Stars | Stargazing At Badlands National Park

Sep 30, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 18, 2024

Travel Blog

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities.

  • Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon
  • An early evening solar viewing program
  • Guest speaker session
These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.
Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park 

The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky.

Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action. 

Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones!

Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park

Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park. 

In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center. 

Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae. 

The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park. 

Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park 
LocationCedar Pass Amphitheater
SpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. 
Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellites
Telescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History Association
Best Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall

In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours. 

Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park 

Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them!

The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. 
Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research. 
  1. Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup. 

You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.    

  1. Badlands Loop Road

Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are:

  • Burns Basin Overlook
  • Yellow Munds Overlook

These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility. 

  1. Sage Creek Rim Road

The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area. 

The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own. 

  1. Big Badlands Overlook
Big Badlands Overlook

Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls. 

Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view. 

  1. The Backcountry 

The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night. 

Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park

Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park

The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points.

ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs 
SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama Point
SunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area 

As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures. 

Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well 

There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park. 

  1. Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park. 
  1. Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours.

If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground. 

However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE Best Tacos In San Diego

Want The Best Tacos In San Diego? Hit These 10 Places For Sure! 

BY  Sibashree Apr 10, 2023

Do you love traveling? Do you love traveling for food? If you are nodding your head to both questions, then San Diego must be on your wishlist, especially if you are a fan of epic tacos – you will find the best tacos in San Diego. Your taste buds will explode with delight.  San Diego is quite popular for mouthwatering Mexican delicacies. There are several places to check out in this part of Southern California. After all, a trip to San Diego would never be complete without trying at least a few tacos. And trust me, they are filled with juicy, tender meat. Guys!!! Additionally, you will also get to try the tasty salsas and homemade tortillas, along with these amazing tacos. Stay tuned to find out more about the best places to hit in San Diego for all taco lovers! 10 Places To Go For Best Tacos In San Diego – Recommended List!  Are you looking for ‘best tacos San Diego’ on Google? Then stop, because we have got you covered. 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And that’s a wrap on the best tacos in San Diego - what are your thoughts on the places we have mentioned above? If you have already been to San Diego and been to some of the best places for tacos, then feel free to share your experiences, and also, don’t forget to mention the locations - we are always on the go! Read Also: Top 12 Dominican Restaurants In Los Angeles | The Ultimate Guide The Best Places to Visit in February in the USA in 2025! Why You Should Move To San Diego

READ MORE Top Thredbo Accommodation

Top Thredbo Accommodation Options For Every Type Of Traveller

BY  Sibashree Jan 23, 2025

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READ MORE Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment 2025: Best Countries & Programs for a Second Passport

BY  Sibashree Sep 9, 2025

Why should you obtain a second passport? In fact, this is a key that can open many doors for you, your business, and your family. The most straightforward way to become a second passport holder is to apply for citizenship by investment. Unfortunately, the world is becoming a much less stable place than it used to be, which makes investment migration more popular than ever. You can go to Malta to open a business in different fields, such as fiduciary services, real estate, tourism etc. Under these circumstances, we can no longer call a second passport a luxury item. It's your practical protection against instability that gives you the opportunities you need.  What Is Citizenship by Investment? In fact, this is a deal: you donate a certain amount to support the country’s economy and obtain a passport in return. The obvious benefit is the speed, as you will not have to spend years to meet naturalization requirements. 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Costs begin at $235k, with access to 150+ destinations including the EU, UK, and China. Antigua & Barbuda: Attractive for larger families. A $230k donation covers wide family inclusion, though it requires five days of physical presence within five years. St. Kitts & Nevis: The oldest and one of the most progressive programs, now even allowing cryptocurrency as an investment source. Investment begins at $250k, with fast-track processing available. Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) These programs combine prestige with economic opportunity. Malta: The EU’s only CBI program. Though costly at €715k+, it grants full EU rights and visa-free travel to 180+ countries, including the US and Canada. Residency of 12–36 months is required. Turkey: A popular middle-tier option. Real estate investment starts at $400k, with citizenship processed in 6–9 months. Turkish passports also connect to the US E-2 visa. Egypt: One of the most affordable in the region, starting with a $250k donation. Citizenship can be achieved in just six months. Jordan: At $750k+, this program is designed for serious business investors creating jobs or backing local companies. Oceania Vanuatu: Famous for speed. Citizenship can be obtained in as little as two months with a $145k contribution. Travel benefits cover 95+ countries. Nauru: A newcomer linking citizenship to climate resilience projects. Starting at $130k, it offers visa-free entry to nearly 90 destinations. At this point, you may want to stop and compare the programs. There are excellent offers for those who need fast approval. However, if it is prestige you are after, the shortlist will be different. For more details, please explore global second passport options, where you will find all you need to know. Investment Routes to Citizenship Different programs allow for different styles of participation: Government Fund Donation: The simplest path, often the cheapest and quickest. Real Estate Investment: Grants tangible assets that may generate rental income, though usually subject to minimum holding periods. Business Investment: For job creators—ideal for investors aiming to tie citizenship to long-term business ventures. Government Bonds: A low-risk option offered by select programs such as St. Lucia. Fund Investments: Available in Malta and Turkey, suitable for those comfortable with higher-risk, higher-reward strategies. Choosing the right route depends on your priorities, such as speed or long-term financial gain. Application Requirements Across programs, the paperwork looks similar: Valid passport and ID, Birth and marriage certificates, Proof of residence, Police clearance, Medical records (sometimes), Proof of investment and financial statements. Documents typically need notarization and official translation. Some countries, such as Malta, require in-person residence, while others, like Vanuatu, process everything remotely. Safeguards & Regulations Programs operate under strict global standards. They prevent any cases of misuse or money laundering by complying with FATF guidelines. It means that you must be prepared for thorough diligence and background checks. The trend is to tighten the criteria you must meet before your application is approved. For example, Saint Kitts and Nevis has introduced even tougher screenings recently. However, it will also mean that the passport you get will be a more reputable document. Navigating the Choices in 2025 Choosing the best program is like working your way through shifting waters. If you choose the cheapest one, it may be unsuitable for your travel needs. And if you opt for the quickest one, it may not be in line with your family's goals. If you want to easily navigate this landscape and strike the balance you want, you can rely on Offshore Pro experts.  The right program is the one that aligns with your personal strategy, which will determine whether you will land on a Caribbean beach or run for the prestige of a European passport. From $130k in Nauru to over €715k in Malta, the spectrum is wide. What unites them all is a door you open to the wider world. Let’s Look Forward If you look around globally, you will easily see why citizenship programs are becoming more popular and relevant. A second passport can give you reliable protection and become your golden ticket to new opportunities. Offshore Pro experts will provide all the necessary support to make your journey to a second passport effortless. Right now, citizenship by investment is not about paperwork. It's about a plan B for your family that will give you peace of mind.  Read Also: Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Let’s Know The Names The Benefits Of Having A Passport | Did You Know These 5 Tips To Protect Your Passport While Travelling Abroad