Bison, wild horses roam at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
After seeing Badlands in South Dakota, we drove north to see the badlands of western North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Named after the 26th U.S. president, the park memorializes Roosevelt’s love for the region, where he ranched during the late 1800s, and its role in fostering his conservation ethics.
As soon as we entered the park, we spotted bands of wild horses (which brought back memories of wild ponies on Chincoteague Island). We were here in early May, and the trees weren’t even fully leafed out yet, so far north.
According to the park service website:
“Their presence represents Theodore Roosevelt’s experiences here during the open-range ranching era. By the late 1800s European settlement of the plains had reached the Dakotas. Ranchers turned horses out on the open range to live and breed. When needed, they would round up horses and their offspring for use as ranch horses. For generations, ranchers used land that would later become the park for open-range grazing.
After the park was fenced, a horse round-up held in 1954 removed 200 branded animals. A few small bands of horses eluded capture and went unclaimed. These horses continued to live free-range in the park.
For several years the National Park Service tried to remove all horses from the park. In 1970, a change of park policy recognized the horse as part of the historical setting. New policies were written and enacted to manage the horses as a historic demonstration herd.”
They’re graceful animals, and I’m happy we were able to observe them.
It was a cool, sometimes drizzly day as we cruised the scenic loop in the park’s South Unit. (There’s also a North Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit, which we didn’t visit.)
These grassy and rock-studded hills are gentler than South Dakota’s moonscape badlands.
We stopped at some of the overlooks to hike short trails…
…and enjoy sweeping views.
From a high bluff, we looked out over the Little Missouri River.
Back on the road, we encountered a furry, 2-ton traffic obstacle.
A lone bison ambled down the center of the blacktop, totally unconcerned about our oncoming truck. We willingly gave him the right-of-way.
He had his sights on a low post for a good neck scratch.
Maybe the cheek too.
Those horns are deadly serious. We got a good look as we rolled past.
A bison paradise
Trees still in winter mode
We kept an eye out for bison on another trail…
…but didn’t spot any. Just a badlands view for mile and miles.
And later, near a soggy picnic spot, more wild horses.
Up next: Yellowstone! Part 1 features grizzlies and geysers. For a look back at rugged Badlands National Park, click here.
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Digging Deeper
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If not for the paved road and scratching post, the panoramic views really take you back in time.
In my mind’s eyes I see cowboys coming down the trail, on horseback…
It’s easy to picture, isn’t it?
Enjoyed your article thank you for posting it.
My pleasure, Norma!
Oh wow! The views in the pictures are magnificent, I can only imagine how it looks in person. I think I will add this park to my bucket list!!
Yes, it’s a beautiful, sort of lonely place.
My wife visited the park last year while she was staying with my son and his family.
She took some beautiful pictures I’m hoping we can go up there soon.
Hope you can! It’s a lovely place.
My cousin’s and I went through the park the end of June. Did not see one bison but, we did see a small pack of wild horses way off in the distance. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, just to look at the rock formations, I wonder how some of them ended up that way. Like, the formations that resemble a table and all of the caves on the side of the cliffs. Does something live in there? Who knows but beautiful..
It is a beautiful place and not as forbidding as the South Dakota Badlands. Glad you’ve had the opportunity to visit too!
The Feral horses need to go.
The park has spent tremendous amount of time money and energy, and has proposed removal.
Wildlife management policies certainly evolve over time. Anyone curious to know more can google feral horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
I went to Medora many times. Enjoyed the primitive camping on the Little Missouri across the interstate. I got see the bison in herds, even two bulls squaring off during late summer. One of your pictures of the Little Missouri River coming around thru the badland cliffs is where I was setup when a small herd of wild horses become around the that bend through the river. Their hoofs splashing that river water was something to behold. Yall should have drove to the North Unit, even more awe inspiring with herds of bison there as well. Loved that country spent 7 years up there working as a oil & gas field technician. I traveled all the graveled and paved roads. Met some awesome folks, some that never ever have left their farm, only to town occasionally. Oh and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora is must see !!
Thanks for sharing your enjoyable experience out that way, Joe.
The wild horses need to be there. They are part of the land and they are the history of this country. Thank you
Thanks for sharing your perspective, M E.