Old East Entrance Station

Overview

A relic of the park’s past, the Old East Entrance Station is a small, hand‑hewn stone gatehouse built in 1938 and retired when the highway rerouted access in the late 1960s. It’s a quick, family‑friendly wander with a historic payoff—more character than view, and a nice change of pace from the badlands overlooks.

What You’ll See

The walk crosses an active prairie dog town before the path tucks into junipers and the photogenic gatehouse appears. You’ll likely hear the chirps before you see the dogs; bison sometimes roam the area, too. The building is boarded up and not open—treat it as a look‑but‑don’t‑touch historic site.

The Walk

Plan on roughly 0.8–0.9 miles roundtrip, flat and easy. It sits just off the South Unit’s Scenic Loop Drive—about a half‑mile from the road depending on where you park. Surfaces can be rough or muddy after rain, and mosquitoes can be fierce when there’s standing water.

History Snapshot

Constructed during the Great Depression era as part of relief work, this rustic stone station served as the park’s original gateway until the late 1960s. Today it’s a quietly evocative stop that hints at how visitors once entered the badlands.

Tips for Visiting

• You can’t go inside the building—enjoy it from the outside and avoid climbing.
• Dogs aren’t allowed on the trail.
• There are no facilities here; plan restroom stops at park visitor centers.

Best Time to Visit

June through September is the sweet spot for an easy, dry walk. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for gentler light and cooler temps, and to dodge midday heat. After heavy rain, expect mud and bring bug spray.