Welcome to Badlands Tour Company, where every journey tells a story written in stone, sky, and spirit. We specialize in creating unforgettable experiences in Badlands National Park, blending education, adventure, and a deep respect for the land and its people.
Our tours are designed for travelers who crave something real—quiet moments under wide skies, stories that stay with you, and landscapes that remind you how extraordinary the natural world can be. Whether you’re exploring at sunset, tracing the paths of ancient wildlife, or gazing up at a starlit sky, we guide you through the heart of one of America’s most powerful and humbling places.
Badlands Tour Company is a DBA of My XO Adventures, sharing the same mission of authenticity, respect, and connection. Together, we create experiences that go beyond sightseeing to spark a sense of wonder and belonging.
We believe travel should do more than take you somewhere new—it should connect you to something timeless. The Badlands of South Dakota are more than a destination; they’re a living classroom, an ancient gallery, and a sacred space that changes everyone who visits. Our purpose is to protect that magic, share its stories, and make every guest feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Locally Inspired Experiences: Each tour is built with care, crafted from local knowledge and the spirit of the Badlands themselves.
Connection Over Crowds: We keep group sizes small to preserve the quiet and intimacy of the experience.
Respect for the Land: Sustainability guides every step we take. We leave no trace and encourage our guests to travel responsibly.
Guides with Heart: Our guides are storytellers, naturalists, and lifelong learners who love what they do and where they do it.
We believe the Badlands are worth visiting not only for their beauty but for what they represent such as resilience, balance, and history. We work closely with local communities, respecting the traditions and heritage that make this region sacred. By supporting local businesses and following sustainable practices, we ensure that the land remains as wild and wondrous as it has always been.
Exploring the Badlands National Park is an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends. When you learn about Badlands Tour Company, you’ll discover that our guided adventures are more than sightseeing, they’re about connection, storytelling, and discovery. Each tour invites you to see the park through fresh eyes, uncovering layers of history, wildlife, and wonder that most travelers pass by. Our guided tours of Badlands National Park are carefully designed to balance adventure and reflection, blending expert knowledge with moments of quiet awe. Whether you join us for a few hours or a full day, every trip is a reminder of just how powerful and peaceful the open landscape can be.
There’s a reason travelers say the Badlands Sunset Tour is one of the most breathtaking experiences in South Dakota. As the golden light stretches across the formations, the ridges begin to glow and the shadows dance in every direction. The evening air cools, the wildlife stirs, and the sky becomes a canvas of rose and amber. Watching the sun set over the Badlands isn’t just beautiful, it feels timeless. Our guides help you find the best vantage points and share the stories behind the landscape, so each sunset becomes more than a view, it becomes a moment you’ll never forget.
No matter the season, the Badlands reveal something new each time you visit. From winter’s soft silence to the lively call of summer wildlife, every day brings a different kind of magic. When you explore with Badlands Tour Company, you’re not just taking a tour, you’re taking part in a story that began millions of years ago. Let the landscape speak to you, feel its rhythm, and see for yourself why this land continues to inspire travelers from all over the world.
“We Do Everything We Do “For The Love of Travel”
Badlands Tour Company emerged from a passion for exploration. Established in 2018, our ethos revolves around the belief that travel can bridge cultures, broaden perspectives, and rejuvenate the soul. Each experience we curate is crafted with this principle at its core. Our mission is to embrace the rich tapestry of global cultures and traverse the world for as long as we can, fostering a deeper understanding of diversity and, in turn, ourselves.
Our planet, a precious gift from Mother Nature, beckons us to explore its wonders responsibly. Witnessing firsthand the majesty of the Black Hills of South Dakota reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the environment from harm. These journeys underscore our responsibility to the Earth, inspiring accountability in our daily lives.
At Badlands Tour Company, we believe in the power of individuals to shape a better world. We celebrate diversity and welcome all travelers to join us on transformative journeys where we disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the essence of nature—its people, landscapes, flora, and fauna. Together, we strive to make a positive impact and remind ourselves of our purpose.
I’m Daniel Milks, founder and lead guide of Badlands Tour Company. My background is rooted in travel, hospitality, and education, including formal hospitality training with Hyatt and The Ritz-Carlton and years with a large tour operator, where I learned that trust, honesty, and follow-through are what create great experiences. I also learned what I didn’t want to build: high-volume travel that feels impersonal.
My XO Adventures was founded in 2018 on a simple belief — travel matters most when it feels personal. When my journey brought me to the Black Hills and Badlands, landscapes that felt both powerful and deeply complex, what began as exploration quickly became commitment. I chose Rapid City as home, and we have been guiding here since 2021.
Badlands Tour Company is the Badlands-dedicated brand of that same team: private, unhurried days in Badlands National Park, built around light, wildlife, and the stories written into this land.
Credentials and how we operate:
When another guide leads your day, they are selected for local knowledge, professionalism, and the same guest-first standards that define every departure. Read the full story on the My XO Adventures about page.