Although Covid changed this summer vacation for us...we were able to visit North Dakota and check off another state! We were pleasantly surprised during our visit in the western part of this state. We didn't know what to expect but were surprised at the rolling hills and how green it was! Unfortunately our trip started off without our luggage arriving, but thankfully there was a Target not far from the airport to get some items, toiletries and snacks for our trip. We also had to make a vehicle change and lucked out with a brand new Tahoe! Thank you, Enterprise! We had a late lunch in Bismarck and then traveled 2 hours to our hotel in Dickinson.
The next morning we had breakfast and then traveled about 30 minutes to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
They have 2 units at the park and we went through Medora to the South Unit Visitor Center.
Wind Canyon Trail
The park is named after the the 26th president of the US, Theodore Roosevelt who was a conservationist and a naturalist and because of his time in the Dakota and his experiences here inspired him to preserve this country's land. Through working with Congress he created national forests, reserves and 5 national parks and in doing this protected 230 million acres of land. Having this foundation our country throughout the years have followed suit and created even more parks, national monuments, seashores and other various places under the National Park System!
Roosevelt first came to the area as a hunter and then a cattle rancher but fell in love with the Badlands. This park was established in 1947 to honor him. There is certainly a rugged beauty...complete with grasslands, sandstone badlands, rivers, endless skies, roaming bison, wildflowers, birds and numerous prairie dog towns.
Prairie dog town
Bison lounging with a tiny prairie dog at left corner edge of picture.
Skyline Vista
Enjoying Father's Day with his girls!
I could watch these little guys for hours.
We had a great day exploring the South Unit.
There are many wild horses that descended from ranch stock that roam.
Bison road block!
Baby bison! Bison calves are born with reddish fur that darken as they age.
A lunch break with a fantastic view.
North Unit
14 mile scenic drive
Cannonball formation
These were formed when sand grains from an ancient river cemented together when groundwater dissolved minerals. Very random and interesting!
Cannonball Concretions pullout
Proud Junior Ranger!
We were surprised to find prickly pear in this park!
River Bend Overlook
We had to end our time here at the park a little earlier than anticipated when we realized the luggage that was promised to be delivered today, was in fact, not. Our plans were to head to Montana tomorrow and we didn't want our luggage to be chasing us, so we made the incredibly long drive back to Bismarck to the airport to retrieve our bags. We then turned around and went back to our hotel...a 6 hour round trip! Frustrating...but you sometimes have to roll with the inconvenience.
It was a great day exploring a beautiful park! It wasn't busy, plenty of parking and the rangers were so kind and helpful.
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