Prairie Dog Town South Unit
A lively colony of prairie dogs, offering a close-up look at their social behaviors amidst the stunning Badlands landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Prairie Dog Town South Unit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively colony of prairie dogs, offering a close-up look at their social behaviors amidst the stunning Badlands landscape.
"Tons and tons of prairie dogs, and there were a few bison and a pack of pronghorn nearby."
🚗 Stay in Your Car
Prairie dogs are less wary of vehicles. Drive slowly to observe them without disturbing their habitat.
🦬 Watch for Bison
Bison can appear suddenly on roads. Drive cautiously and maintain a safe distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prairie Dog Colony
Main viewing areas
Witness hundreds of prairie dogs pop out of their burrows, chattering and playing. A truly lively spectacle!
Bison and Pronghorn Sightings
Roads and surrounding grasslands
Keep an eye out for majestic bison and graceful pronghorn often seen grazing nearby. A bonus wildlife encounter!
Burrowing Owls
Near prairie dog burrows
Spot these fascinating owls often found sharing space with prairie dogs. A delightful surprise for birdwatchers!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Wildlife
Drive with Caution
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Stay in Your Car
Prairie dogs are less wary of vehicles. Drive slowly to observe them without disturbing their habitat.
🦬 Watch for Bison
Bison can appear suddenly on roads. Drive cautiously and maintain a safe distance.
👂 Listen for Their Calls
You'll hear prairie dogs before you see them! Their chatter is a unique soundtrack to your visit.
🚫 No Feeding Wildlife
Feeding prairie dogs can harm their health and alter their natural behavior.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Stay in Your Car
Prairie dogs are less wary of vehicles. Drive slowly to observe them without disturbing their habitat.
🦬 Watch for Bison
Bison can appear suddenly on roads. Drive cautiously and maintain a safe distance.
👂 Listen for Their Calls
You'll hear prairie dogs before you see them! Their chatter is a unique soundtrack to your visit.
🚫 No Feeding Wildlife
Feeding prairie dogs can harm their health and alter their natural behavior.
🦉 Spot Burrowing Owls
Keep an eye out for these small owls often seen near prairie dog burrows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the sheer abundance of prairie dogs, calling it a 'must-see' and 'very cute.' The chance to see bison, pronghorn, and burrowing owls adds to the appeal. Some caution is advised regarding potential wildlife diseases and the need for careful driving due to bison on the roads.
"This is a must-see here. Tons and tons of prairie dogs, and there were a few bison and a pack of pronghorn nearby. Unfortunately there's some kind of disease being spread by bugs, so avoid the prairie dogs even more than you would normally."
MojoBen5235
"You’ll probably see more Prairie Dogs coming in the nearby park entrance than here but it was still neat nonetheless!
Tons of buffalo near/on the road coming in. Be careful coming around the bends and over the hills. We had one chasing after our car for a sec that we didn’t see around a bend! Drive carefully."
VDms_
"Very cute. You hear them circulating and chatter as you watch for little prairie dogs popping up out of their holes. Great stop for kids to try and spot the most little critters."
Alissa V (Sofia Dragon)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Prairie Dog Town South Unit is accessible via a dirt road within Badlands National Park. It's often recommended to check park conditions for road accessibility, especially after inclement weather. Many visitors report seeing prairie dogs and other wildlife along the main park roads as well.
The road leading to Prairie Dog Town South Unit is typically a dirt road. While generally passable for most vehicles, it's advisable to drive slowly and be aware of potential ruts or uneven terrain.
Follow the park's main scenic drives. Prairie Dog Town is a designated area, and signage may be present. Many visitors find it by exploring the park's interior roads.
Yes, a regular car is generally sufficient for accessing Prairie Dog Town, provided the dirt road is in good condition. High-clearance vehicles are not usually necessary unless conditions are severe.
Prairie Dog Town is located within Badlands National Park, so you will need to pay the standard park entrance fee. There are no separate fees for visiting the prairie dog viewing areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a separate ticket for Prairie Dog Town. It is an open viewing area within Badlands National Park, which requires a general park entrance fee.
Prairie Dog Town is accessible during park operating hours. As it's an outdoor wildlife viewing area, it's generally accessible from dawn until dusk.
The best times to see prairie dogs are typically in the morning and late afternoon when they are most active foraging and socializing.
The main restriction is to respect the wildlife. Do not feed the prairie dogs, stay in your vehicle when possible, and maintain a safe distance.
While it's tempting, it's best to observe from a distance, ideally from your vehicle. Getting too close can scare them and disrupt their natural behavior.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Look for them popping out of their burrows or interacting with each other. Patience is key!
Absolutely! Bison and pronghorn are frequently spotted in the vicinity. Always maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens for clear shots.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides soft, warm light that is ideal for wildlife photography.
The best 'viewpoints' are often from your vehicle as you drive slowly along the roads. Pull over safely if you see a good opportunity, but always be mindful of traffic.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, a wider aperture for a blurred background, and a higher ISO if light is low. Continuous autofocus is also helpful.
🎫 🦬 Wildlife Encounters
You'll see abundant prairie dogs! Many visitors also report sightings of bison, pronghorn, and burrowing owls.
Maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (about 23 meters) from bison. They are powerful animals and can be unpredictable.
Prairie dogs are generally not dangerous to humans, but they can carry diseases. It's crucial not to touch or feed them.
Stop your vehicle and wait patiently for the bison to move. Never try to herd or provoke them.
Yes, there's a risk of disease transmission from prairie dogs, so it's important to avoid direct contact and wash your hands after your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to keep children safely inside the vehicle while observing, especially when bison or pronghorn are nearby. The drive itself can be an adventure, with opportunities to spot various animals. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited in this area of the park. The excitement of seeing so many small creatures can make for a memorable family outing.
🚗 Road Trippers
Be prepared for the possibility of encountering bison on the road, which can cause temporary delays but also provides incredible viewing opportunities. Have your camera ready, but prioritize safe driving. It's a chance to experience a slice of the wild West without a significant time commitment.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography. Be prepared for varying road conditions and always prioritize safety when stopping to take photos. The surrounding Badlands landscape also offers stunning photographic backdrops.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Prairie Dog Behavior
When you visit, you'll notice them popping in and out of their burrows. These entrances are vital for their survival, providing escape routes from predators and regulating temperature. The mounds of dirt around the entrances are a testament to their constant excavation and maintenance efforts. It's a dynamic ecosystem, and your quiet observation contributes to its preservation.
Some visitors have noted that prairie dogs can be wary of people on foot, often retreating into their burrows. This is why staying in your vehicle and driving slowly is often the most effective way to observe them without causing them stress. They tend to be less intimidated by cars, allowing for closer, albeit still respectful, viewing opportunities.
Navigating Wildlife Safety
When driving, be especially vigilant. Bison frequently graze near or even on the roads, and they can appear suddenly around blind corners. The advice from travelers is clear: drive slowly, be prepared to stop, and never attempt to herd or chase wildlife. Your vehicle is your safest viewing platform.
Beyond large mammals, be aware of potential health risks from smaller wildlife. Prairie dogs can carry diseases, so avoid any direct contact and practice good hygiene. The general consensus from visitors is to admire these creatures from afar and let them live their wild lives undisturbed.
Photography Tips for the Badlands
When photographing larger wildlife like bison and pronghorn, safety and distance are paramount. Use a zoom lens to get those impressive shots while maintaining a respectful buffer. The golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most flattering light, creating a warm glow on the landscape and wildlife.
Don't forget the landscape! The unique geological formations of the Badlands provide a stunning backdrop. Consider wide-angle shots to capture the vastness of the scenery. Patience is key; sometimes the best shots come after waiting for the right moment, whether it's a prairie dog emerging or a bison silhouetted against the setting sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit