PIERRE, S.D. – Fodor’s Travel has named Badlands National Park as the #1 destination to visit in the United States on their coveted “Go List.”
The annual editorial list recommends the top 25 locations worldwide to visit in 2025.
South Dakota was one of only five U.S. destinations featured, with Badlands National Park securing the top spot for its “unparalleled beauty” and acclaim as one of the most “awe-inspiring” national parks in the country.
This year’s “Go List” focused on alternatives to overcrowded cities and sites. “For 2025, we want travel to return to an instrument of joy. A break from the stress of the everyday. A change of scenery that inspires us to unwind, recharge, and gain a fresh perspective,” stated Fodor’s editorial team. While many of the featured destinations on this year’s list are off the beaten path, “they’re primed for new adventures.”
Fodor’s Travel calls out iconic Badlands National Park elements such as the 30-mile Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, wildlife viewing, rich fossil beds, and otherworldly rock formations. For an insider tip, the editorial team recommends stargazing activities including the night sky viewing between Memorial Day and Labor Day or a visit during the Badlands Astronomy Festival in July. Rapid City is specifically noted as an excellent base from which to explore the Badlands National Park, particularly considering its “recent culinary explosion,” with local businesses Tandoor Bocado, Ma Cualli, Grounded Coffee Co., and The Sour contributing to the city’s alluring food and beverage scene.
Fodor’s Travel is an international consumer and travel publication reaching more than 1.8 million unique monthly visitors with its website.
For more inspiration and travel planning resources, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.