This South Dakota Spot Is the New #1 Destination in America

A well-known section of South Dakota is sitting atop a new list of the best places to visit on the planet in 2025.

Fodor’s Travel has named Badlands National Park the #1 destination in the United States on their coveted “Go List.” The annual editorial list recommends the top 25 locations worldwide for 2025.

The publication reaches more than 1.8 million visitors on its website each month.

The Badlands grabbed the honor for what Fodor's says is its 'unparalleled beauty'. The site also called it one of the most 'awe-inspiring' national parks in the country.

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The park features the 30-mile Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, wildlife viewing, rich fossil beds, and dramatic rock formations.

Fodor's recommends the night sky viewing experience between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year and a visit during the Badlands Astronomy Festival in July.

This has been a good month for Badlands National Park. Earlier in November, Thrillist named it one of the best places to visit this winter.

LOOK: The history behind all 63 national parks in the US

The National Parks System manages 63 national parks. Stacker analyzed NPS info to compile the history and features of each.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Must-do activities at every national park

Stacker lists the must-do activities at every national park ranked by the annual number of visitors.

Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood

RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

Filed Under: Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Categories: Articles, News, Newsletter, South Dakota