the rugged beauty of the badlands draws visitors from around the world. these striking geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds. ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. the park's 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.immerse yourself within the third longest cave in the world. with over 180 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. its maze of passages lure explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. this resource is truly a jewel in the national park service.between may 1804 and september 1806, 31 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the midwest to the shores of the pacific ocean. they called themselves the corps of discovery. in their search for a water route to the pacific ocean, they opened a window into the west for the young united states.
