This park contains the remains of 35 species of dinosaurs from 75 million years ago. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 by the United Nations in recognition of three significant features: the badlands, the endangered riparian (riverside) habitat with its towering plains cottonwoods, as well as one of the highest concentrations of palaeontological resources with the fossils of the late Cretaceous period.
Camping and picnicking are allowed, and food is available.