I’ve been organizing some of the pictures on my computer since I have more time with the kids being back in school and I came across a few from our road trip a few years ago to several western National Parks including the rugged and beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. (See the full itinerary here.) We spent a couple of days in Medora while we explored the park staying at the AmericInn Lodge. Highlights of the trip include several pretty hikes, seeing the lovely wild horses off in the distance while hiking, watching the prairie dogs in their towns and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. We also were excited (and a little nervous) to find mountain lion scat on one of our hikes. That’s as close as I ever hope to get to a mountain lion! We were also able to visit the Maltese Cross Cabin, said to be where Theodore Roosevelt further developed the belief it was his duty to conserve and protect natural resources.
If you go to Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
–Plan your visit with the help of the National Park Service Website. The park is divided into three units- North Unit, South Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. We spent our visit in the South Unit but I have heard from friends that the other units are definitely worth a visit. Gives us a reason to go back!
–Do the Junior Ranger Program! We always take part in Junior Ranger programs at National Parks. Not only do we learn a lot, we get a Junior Ranger pin as a souvenir.
–Relax! This beautiful park is spread out and uncrowded, which allows you to chill and enjoy the scenery. This is one of the many reasons we especially loved visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
–Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle for 7 days. However, with an America the Beautiful Pass purchased for $80, you get entrance to all National Park sites for a year. We purchase one every year and it is worth EVERY PENNY!
Have you visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Were you able to make it to each of the units in the park?
Happy Travels!
I have heard of the park but I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures. It looks beautiful. Wild horses and prairie dogs are enough reasons for me to visit this hidden gem.
Before we went, I didn’t even know there were still wild horses in the west! They usually steer clear of humans but definitely cool to see, even if far away.