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.