Kadoka | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

Kadoka

Elevation: 
2,457 ft.
Population: 
750

Located at Exits 150 and 152 along I-90, Kadoka derives is name from the Lakota Sioux and literally means "hole in the wall."  This references the easy entrance into the spectacular but foreboding Badlands just west of town.  This also gives Kadoka the distinction of being the "Gateway to the Badlands."

Kadoka offers year around services which include:  9 motels, 5 restaurants, 3 convenience stores / gas stations, 2 auto repair shops, 3 churches, bank, post office, medical clinic, veterinarian, hardware, feed and grocery stores, city park, swimming pool and a 9-hole sand green golf course.

Kadoka is the home of Badlands Petrified Gardens, which features South Dakota's largest exhibit of petrified trees and logs, plus pre-historic badlands fossils, and minerals native to the area.  While in town, visit the Depot Museum, which holds local memorabilia and historical items from the area.  Kadoka is also in the process of restoring the 100 year old Pearl Hotel to its original state.

Just minutes away along I-90 take Exit 131 where the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway (SD Hwy 240), takes you through the heart of the Badlands National Park.  The Badlands not only includes an eerie and mysterious landscape of sharp ridges and steep-walled canyons, but also the largest preserve of mixed-grass prairie in the National Park system.  Numerous overlooks, hiking trails and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center are located along the 35 mile byway.

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