Theodore Roosevelt National Park

We visited the national park yesterday, took in the South Unit (there are 3 units with the south, north and the Elk Ranch) which has the visitor's center (actually 1 inside the park, one right on Interstate 94 to capture those folks who drive through and do not stop). There is a north unit visitor's center but it was damaged this past winter and a temporary one, in trailers, is open.  We decided to visit the south unit because all we read prior stated that it was the most visited.  When we drove here to Hazen last Monday, we drove past the entrance to the north unit and said we may come back to visit, not sure.

These photos are from the visitor's center right on I 94, not actually in the park

Like the badlands of South Dakota

These 2 legged bison were on display at the visitor's center (age 7?) 

So - how was the visit?  We have been in the badlands of South Dakota and it was almost an identical visit.  Part of the loop road was washed out so you could not drive the entire loop, had to turn around and retrace your path back to the beginning.  The park folks said we could see bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, wild horses, mule deer, all kids of birds, mule deer, lots and lots of prairie dogs - if we were lucky.  A lonely bison we found, lots of poop to tell us they were around, but only one sighting.  And many many prairie dogs.  Little yappers.  Way off in the distance we saw lots of bison and the wild horses grazing - and a fracking (gas) pump going to town.

TR was friends with John Muir

Many many many prairie dogs 

Stayed here and snacked on lunch, then turned around back

TR came to this area back in 1883 to hunt and fell in love with the wilderness.  He became a cattle rancher and found wholeness in the ranch.  He stated that the Dakota experience prepared him for the shaping of his character and as president fro 1901 to 1909, he established the US Forest Service and signed the 1906 Antiquities Act which established 18 national monuments.  He, with Congress, created 5 national parks, 150 national forests and dozens of federal reserves which totaled over 200 million acres of protected land.

The lonely bison

Did get a quick hike in to see the Little Missouri River

Climbed to the top for great views

The park is dedicated to his legacy of conservation and preservation.  A replica of his original ranch is on display in the south unit.  He stayed at his ranch to heal when his wife and his mother died on the same day, TR said that the solitude and serenity of the area is what shaped him and his policies towards being stewards of the land.

We were disappointed that we did not get the WOW factor.  We felt that if we had not visited the bad lands of South Dakota, this park probably would be higher on our feelings.  But, we did go there, we conquered, and do not need to go back.

Revisit to Fort Mandan

Back in 2011 when we were in Hazen, we went to the Lewis and Clark Interprestive Center near Fort Mandan, we were on a quest to learn all there was about Lewis and Clark's journey.  The flooding of 2011 was quite severe and the Fort Mandan (replica of the winter fort of 1804) was flooded out and had been blocked from anyone seeing it.

All this was under water back in 2011

Off we went after visiting the Garrison Dam.  This time we were able to tour the fort with a guide who explained what was going on in each of the rooms, how the men (and 2 women - Charbeneau's 2 wives) lived and what were their duties, how they slept, where they did their hunting, etc.

I was surprised at how identical to Fort Clatsop in Astoria, Oregon - their winter fort of 1805, was and then I learned they actually built 3 forts, all the same footprint.  The 3rd fort, or the first one, was built in Illinois the winter prior to the Corps leaving, its at Fort Dubouis, Illinois.  Will have to put this fort on my radar in the future.

Hiked along the Missouri River for a bit 

Interesting day.  Love American History and by seeing this fort, was able to put closure to the visit of 2011 when we could not tour the fort.

Lake Sakakawea and Garrison Dam

We drove to Lake Sakakawea which is the 3rd largest man-made reservoir in the US, today which is about 12 miles north of Hazen.  The lake was formed when the Garrison Dam went on-line in 1953 which is one of 6 dams that span the Missouri River to St. Louis.  This lake is much bigger than Fort Peck Lake.  Deeper and wider, boasts a haven for boaters and fishing people.

Oh - I miss the days of sailing

50 foot play toy 

Campgrounds dot the lake and on the north side of the lake from Hazen, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation is located.  We walked around the State Park of Lake Sakakawea and strolled along in the marina.  Our days sailing were tugging at us big time.  Saw some really huge power and sail boats docked in the marina.  Talked with a man who had his sailboat there and the window for summer sailing is typically middle of May to end of September.  Very similar to our days sailing on Lake Erie.

Hello pheasant 

Water is so high the banks are eroding

We were going to hike a trail or two within the state park but the trails were under water.  Bummer.  Drove on to see Garrison Dam which is on the south end of the lake and all of the Missouri River flows through this earthen dam.  Smaller dam but does the same work.  At the spillway we were astonished to see 13 of the 29 spillway gates were open and water passing through.  Said that the water speed coming out of the gates could reach 65 miles an hour as it rushes through.

Interesting day.  Glad we visited this since we could not before.