BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, South Dakota – Badlands National Park in South Dakota has officially been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International, recognizing both the quality of its night skies and the park’s long term commitment to reducing light pollution.
The designation places one of America’s most iconic national parks among a growing network of protected landscapes that prioritize preserving natural darkness. It also strengthens South Dakota’s position as an emerging destination for stargazing, astronomy, and astrophotography across the Northern Great Plains.
The recognition follows a multi year effort to improve outdoor lighting, monitor sky quality, expand educational programming, and work with surrounding communities to protect the region’s nighttime environment.
“This announcement has been a long time coming, but it is now great to be able to celebrate the efforts and the uniqueness of Badlands National Park as a Dark Sky Park. The designation will hopefully inspire the surrounding communities to further collaborate with the National Park to bigger and better protections and educational opportunities.” – Dan Oakley, Policy and Destination Manager with DarkSky International
One of the darkest skies in North America
Located in western South Dakota, Badlands National Park covers more than 240,000 acres of rugged buttes, pinnacles, mixed grass prairie, and dramatic rock formations. Its remote setting and limited nearby development create exceptionally dark conditions after sunset.
Those conditions allow visitors to see the Milky Way, bright planets, meteor showers, and countless stars with minimal interference from artificial light. As light pollution continues to expand across much of the United States, locations offering nearly pristine night skies have become increasingly uncommon.
Park officials say protecting natural darkness benefits far more than visitors looking for incredible views. Healthy nighttime environments also support wildlife by preserving natural light cycles that influence migration, feeding, and reproduction.
The park also supports ongoing scientific research in geology, paleontology, ecology, and environmental science, all of which benefit from maintaining a healthy natural landscape.
Cultural importance extends beyond astronomy
The designation also highlights the cultural importance of the night sky throughout the region. For generations, Indigenous communities including the Lakota have used the stars as part of knowledge systems that connect celestial observations with storytelling, traditions, and an understanding of the natural world.
“This designation reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting one of our most valuable natural and cultural resources. It also represents an opportunity to expand how visitors experience the park, through science, storytelling, and a deeper connection to the night sky.” – Badlands National Park Superintendent Eric Veach
South Dakota looks to become a leading dark sky destination
The park and its partners plan to build on the new designation by expanding educational programs, strengthening partnerships across science, tourism, and conservation, and encouraging additional dark sky protections throughout the region.
“This accomplishment is deeply personal to me. I grew up on a farm in the middle of South Dakota, where seeing the Milky Way each night felt ordinary. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how rare that experience has become.” – Marissa Marshall, Executive Director of the Badlands National Park Conservancy
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program encourages parks, communities, and protected areas to preserve dark skies through responsible lighting and public education. With this latest designation, Badlands National Park joins more than 250 recognized sites around the world that are working to reduce light pollution while protecting one of the planet’s increasingly rare natural resources.