National park in South Dakota named International Dark Sky Park

South Dakota is gaining international recognition as one of the world’s premier destinations for experiencing the night sky.

Badlands National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International, becoming the first and only International Dark Sky Park in South Dakota and one of only two in the National Park Service’s Midwest region.

The designation places the park among a group of 40 National Park Service units nationwide celebrated for protecting some of the world’s darkest and most pristine night skies.

Photos by Teresa Hofer via DarkSky

The designation is one of the most prestigious recognitions a place can receive for night sky conservation and visitor experience, according to the South Dakota Department of Tourism, which said earning the designation requires years of planning, collaboration and investment to meet rigorous standards for sky quality, responsible lighting, public education and long-term stewardship.

“This designation is more than an incredible achievement for Badlands National Park — it’s a milestone for South Dakota,” said Secretary James Hagen of the Tourism Department.

“It reinforces what visitors have long known: South Dakota’s wide-open spaces offer experiences that are becoming increasingly rare. Standing beneath an unspoiled sky, watching the Milky Way stretch overhead, spotting the International Space Station, viewing constellations and planets, and experiencing true darkness is something travelers from around the world are actively seeking.”

The recognition comes as interest in astro-tourism continues to grow, with travelers planning vacations around destinations known for exceptional stargazing, astrophotography and nighttime outdoor experiences, according to the Tourism Department.

“This designation reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting one of our most valuable natural and cultural resources,” said Eric Veach, Badlands National Park superintendent. “It also represents an opportunity to expand how visitors experience the park through science, storytelling and a deeper connection to the night sky.”

Badlands National Park offers rugged buttes and pinnacles, a remote setting and exceptionally low levels of artificial light to create a backdrop for viewing the Milky Way, meteor showers and thousands of stars.

“This accomplishment is deeply personal to me. I grew up on a farm in the middle of South Dakota, where seeing the Milky Way each night felt ordinary,” said Marissa Marshall, executive director of the Badlands National Park Conservancy. “It wasn’t until recently that I realized how rare that experience has become. Protecting our night skies ensures future generations can experience that same sense of wonder.”

There are more than 250 International Dark Sky Places around the world, with 140 of them being parks.