Theodore Roosevelt National Park - Day 1
- May 7 - May 8 -
Exploring the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
After spending the night in Billings, Montana, we made our way to western North Dakota to explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The landscape here was a striking contrast to what we had experienced in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. In the South Unit, we were greeted by vast prairie grasslands, scenic plateaus, vividly painted canyons, rugged badlands, and the winding Little Missouri River that cuts through the park’s terrain.
This unique region was deeply meaningful to President Theodore Roosevelt, who first visited the Dakota Territory in 1883 to hunt bison. His time in this area greatly influenced his dedication to conservation and ultimately helped shape his environmental policies as President.
During our drive through the park, we encountered a herd of bison, several lively prairie dog towns, a few wild turkeys, and even a small group of wild horses grazing on a plateau. Although we couldn’t complete the full scenic loop due to ongoing road construction, we still managed to explore over 30 miles of this breathtaking national treasure.
Since our visit was in early May, the park was quiet and uncrowded, offering a peaceful and immersive experience. Even the nearby town, where we enjoyed dinner, was calm and welcoming.
