Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

By Glen Bruels
This is part of a series called National Park Slam 2015
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After caving in Custer, South Dakota, we headed north into North Dakota to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I wasn’t aware of the impact this area had on Roosevelt. On Valentine’s Day of 1884, he lost both his wife and mother. He was only 25. In his grief, he headed west and lived in the area, first in a cabin and later on a ranch. Not only did the wilderness replenish his soul, it changed him in dramatic ways – especially in the conservation of our lands and resources. This would play a big role in his presidency, with the passage of the Antiquities Act, which he used liberally to protect the real crown jewels of our country. After a very foggy and cold start to the day, we arrived at the park in beautiful sunshine. While these are considered “Badlands,” Deb and I found these more attractive than the ones in South Dakota. Here the starkness of the landscape is smoothed by the beautiful grasslands and trees. As you see in the pictures, we had some “close encounters” (yeah, I know, that’s Devil’s Tower) with the wandering herds of bison. They have no fear of cars or humans. On to Montana!

I can honestly say I had never heard of this national park, but we really enjoyed our time here.
I can honestly say I had never heard of this national park, but we really enjoyed our time here.
This is the Painted Canyon site within the park. It is east of the rest of the park and actually doubles as a roadside rest on the interstate. The main park consists of three units. We only had time to do the South unit.
This is the Painted Canyon site within the park. It is east of the rest of the park and actually doubles as a roadside rest on the interstate. The main park consists of three units. We only had time to do the South unit.
Not only did you get the "painted" look like the Badlands in SD, here you get a lot of grasses that help to blend everything together.
Not only did you get the “painted” look like the Badlands in SD, here you get a lot of grasses that help to blend everything together.
This is Roosevelt’s original cabin, which was located about seven miles south of it’s current site. Interestingly, this cabin has traveled quite a bit. After Roosevelt’s presidency, the cabin was moved around to events like World’s Fairs, etc. Then it sat in the North Dakota State Capital for many years. Finally, it was moved to the national park in 1959
This is Roosevelt’s original cabin, which was located about seven miles south of it’s current site. Interestingly, this cabin has traveled quite a bit. After Roosevelt’s presidency, the cabin was moved around to events like World’s Fairs, etc. Then it sat in the North Dakota State Capital for many years. Finally, it was moved to the national park in 1959
The cabin is appointed more or less like it was in the time. Many of the furnishings are authentic, either from this cabin or his Elkhorn Ranch. Sadly, the Elkhorn Ranch was pillaged and never rebuilt.
The cabin is appointed more or less like it was in the time. Many of the furnishings are authentic, either from this cabin or his Elkhorn Ranch. Sadly, the Elkhorn Ranch was pillaged and never rebuilt.
Mmmm, waffle iron. Even rugged individualist presidents like waffles!
Mmmm, waffle iron. Even rugged individualist presidents like waffles!
Off course, Roosevelt was an avid hunter, as well as a conservationist. I have to say, I have never seen a triple barrel rifle before.
Of course, Roosevelt was an avid hunter, as well as a conservationist. I have to say, I have never seen a triple barrel rifle before.
As we drove around, we saw lots of different landscapes, whether by the Little Missouri River...
As we drove around, we saw lots of different landscapes, whether by the Little Missouri River…
Stopping for lunch by the river.
Stopping for lunch by the river.
In addition to the greens, browns, and golds, there are some brilliant reds out there.
In addition to the greens, browns, and golds, there are some brilliant reds out there.
There were literally hundreds (maybe thousands) or prairie dogs roaming around.
There were literally hundreds (maybe thousands) or prairie dogs roaming around.
But what this national park is all about is buffaloes -- lots of them, roaming around everywhere.
But what this national park is all about is buffaloes — lots of them, roaming around everywhere.
Yeah, absolutely majestic. It made me pine away for the old nickels.
Yeah, absolutely majestic. It made me pine away for the old nickels.
Several times we had to stop for buffaloes who were crossing the roadway. I will post the video separately. Very exciting.
Several times we had to stop for buffaloes who were crossing the roadway.  Very exciting.
This appeared to be the big bubba of the herd. While all the others had run off, he decided to come over for a little look see.
This appeared to be the big bubba of the herd. While all the others had run off, he decided to come over for a little look see.
"You talking to me?!"
“You talking to me?!”

 

This entry was posted in National Park/Monument, North Dakota, Travel, United States
Glen Bruels

I am a traveler and sometimes clay sculptor, following a long career working in consulting. My work allowed me to travel the world extensively and I was hooked. Today, I travel with my wife/best friend to explore new places, meet new people, and learn new things.

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