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Rays of light beam down on the sign, as we make our way to Badlands National Park.

The sign reads, Prairie Homestead. 

“Can we go, can we go, can we go,” I beg.

Prairie Homestead

As a kid I was obsessed with all things prairie. Thanks to a Dad with construction skills, I had a prairie style playhouse in my backyard. I’d spend hours playing what I called, “olden-times.” So, when I see that we can visit a genuine homestead in South Dakota, I HAVE to go.

Our visit to the Prairie Homestead starts with a short movie about the Brown family and their homestead. After the movie the group is invited to don pioneer clothes. There is only one taker…me. Bonnets and aprons, oh my!

I’m giddy as we walk around the homestead. The house is a sod house.

The live chickens, roaming about, are a nice touch.

The Prairie Homestead is one of the places you can see white prairie dogs.

Some things might be a little too authentic.

Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but that’s not always a bad thing. I’m in childhood, Obligatory Traveler, heaven.

If you, or a loved one, has a passion for all things Little House on the Prairie, or pioneer, the Prairie Homestead is a fun visit.

Badlands National Park

The only downside to a place like Badlands National Park, is that there is no way to perfectly capture it in photos. You must visit in person.

As the park stretches out around us, I feel like I’m on a foreign planet.

It’s vast.

One of my favorite things about National Parks, is looking out, and seeing only nature. It gladdens my heart to know that out there, places untouched exist.

Because of my severe Bronchitis and being over my Pulmonary Hypertension elevation restriction, I can’t hike the trails. Still, I try to explore as much as possible.

The scenery at Badlands National Park, is stunning. There are striped rocks,

and rocks that look like Neapolitan ice cream. Nature never ceases to astonish.

There is little plant life. There is no shade.

The landscape is harsh. Without a cloud in the sky, the sun is relentless. It’s easy to see why it’s named the Badlands. If you plan to visit Badlands National Park in the warmer season, wear sunblock, a hat, and be sure to have plenty of water.

I didn’t know what to expect before visiting Badlands National Park. I left amazed by it’s expansive, otherworldly, landscape. If you love National Parks, or are visiting South Dakota, it’s an essential visit, as it can only be truly appreciated with your own eyes.

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