THE WIND IS CRYING

DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer: South Dakota

The wind is crying it is the most prevalent sound rustling up the gulches and through the prairie grass.
It is desolation; you can look for miles and see no sign of civilization
The land of sharp ridges, steep walled canyons, gullies, pyramids and knobs has been so ravaged by the wind and water it has become picturesque.
It’s the Badlands of South Dakota.
The Badlands National Park, are a wonderland of bizarre colorful spires, pinnacles, massive buttes and deep gorges.
More than 160 square miles have been reserved for the National Park.
Badlands Loop Drive, a scenic byway takes in the best of the park.
With watch able wild life, natural trails, and spectacular overlooks.
If you leave your car and modern highway behind, you can imagine how crossing this landscape must have perplexed early-day travelers. Yet there are passes and they somehow did find them.
Visually the Badlands are at their best, early or late in the day, when deep shadows define their unique forms.
Stop at Cedar Pass Visitors Center, have a bite to eat and look at all of the souvenirs in the gift shop.
On the west end of the park Sage Creek Road takes you to the biggest prairie dog town you have ever seen.
If you look carefully you may just see some buffalo.
I-90 at Exit 131