Short Run Through Some "Bad Lands"

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > South Dakota

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 2 visitors

State: South Dakota
Date Submitted: July 1, 2000
Submitted by: Evan Tinsley
Motorcycle Road Length: 30 Miles

Written Directions

The directions to and through this drive are - take exit #110, near the town of Wall (Wall South Dakota should be your starting point), off of I-90 and go south on SR-240. Follow that till it comes to a T with Rt-377 and take a right (or go Southwest from there). Soon you'll pass through Interior South Dakota and the road will turn in to Rt-44. Stay on this primarily heading west, then north west through the towns of Scenic and Farmingdale and you can take it all the way in to Rapid City and grab a bite to eat.

Scenery

The scenery in the Badlands is almost indescribable. It is an area that has a unique, desolate and almost freighting appearance like a desert or canyon. It is something you will never forget!

Road Quality

The motorcycle quality of the route is not bad. There are sweeping turns and graceful climbs and descents. By themselves they would be nothing to really remember yet because they weave their way through the Badlands you will enjoy the ride.

Roadside Amenities

You will be driving through the Badlands National Park starting at the northeast entrance (take exit 131 off of I-90 head south on Rte. 240). As far as stuff to do off the bike, for this route you can: - Visit the Badlands National Park (605-433-5361) Visitor Center where you can read about the history and geology of the park that explains its extremely unique and strange appearance. - Stop at one of the 13 scenic overlooks along Rte. 240: Make sure you stop at the Big Badlands Overlook to take in the best Overlook on Rte. 240 - There are multiple pullover spots where you can find trail heads to many short trails that lead you to some unique rock structures and fossil beds. - The town of Wall (at the end of the route just after you go past I-90) is the home of the National Grassland Visitor Center. Even if you are not a big nature person, this place can be very interesting and has some really neat exhibits

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Evan Tinsley

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Reviewed by Guest on September 2, 2008 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Rich K
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Rode this entire route 8/21and the sights are amazing. I returned to the Badlands to experience the sunset and it was the best.
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Reviewed by Guest on June 4, 2008 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Rick and Daisy
Comment: Just did this motorcycle ride a few weeks ago and wow - what a great ride! Scenery description above doesn't do it justice. Rick and I have never been to such an interestingly beautiful place in the US. Lots of amazing formations to drive through but I was amazed at how soft the surface was (some sort of clay when I thought these were rock formations). What surprised us too was how much pretty prairie land sits beneath these strange formations. Don't miss it if you are in the area!!!
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