The Badlands and grasslands host sprawling prairie dog colonies alive with activity. Between the Black Hills and the Badlands, the state is built for a life spent outside.

Prairie dogs live in complex underground towns with distinct calls and roles.

What sets it apart

Their burrows shelter burrowing owls, snakes and the rare black-footed ferret. It is the kind of specific that turns a passing curiosity into a lasting fascination.

The colonies are a keystone of the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.

Why it matters

What ties it all together is a distinctly South Dakota balance between the wild and the worked-over. Come prepared, respect the land, and South Dakota's wild country will give back in kind.