Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Sunday, September 19, 2010

T. Roosevelt National Park



















On day three of our stay in Medora, the weather broke enough to allow us to take the 39 mile scenic drive in the south unit of the T. Roosevelt National Park. This area preserves land that Teddy Roosevelt truly loved. He was the first president that could be called a conservationist. He recognized the need to protect some of the rugged land for future generations.

The park contains a large portion of the North Dakota Badlands. This name was derived from what the native tribes called the land. The most prominent animals in the park are buffalo, deer, antelope, wild horses and prairie dogs. We did see all of these, although most at some distance. Some did their best to hide, but I managed to get a picture anyways. Based on the large amounts of residue on the roads, it was clear that the buffalo used the roadways for travel and apparently their favorite place to relief themselves.

The stark landscapes were stunning and beautiful. While the park does not have the diversity of Yellowstone, it is definitely a must see.

5 comments:

Erin said...

This country has such diverse landscape ...

Travels with Emma said...

I love that shot with the bison (#8from the bottom)! Great colors and textures. :)

Jerry and Suzy said...

When we visited (in the height of summer)the only animals showing themselves were the prairie dogs. But we had a nice visit at the old cabin. Glad you got to get into the park for the scenic drive.

Diana said...

I was at the North Unit earlier this summer and really enjoyed it. Would love to go back and see the South Unit. Thanks for the great pictures.

Katie said...

These are all very impressive pictures!