On this trip, I’ve checked four new states off my list. That was supposed to be it, but the other night I discovered that with a 3 ½ hour straight shot north we could drive from Sturgis to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, one of my missing states. What’s not to love about our new plan? A new state and a new national park all in one!
So, we leave South Dakota behind one day earlier than anticipated in order to make room for the additional stop. At this late date there are no hotel rooms available right outside the park, but we reserve one an hour away just across the Montana border. It’s going to be a long day of driving, but we’re excited to see what this park has to offer.
We leave late. It’s hard to get the car packed after a week in one place. We both want an iced tea for the ride, but I’m ready to go and I decide we’ll pull through the first drive through we run across after leaving town.
Here’s my tip of the day: if you are driving north from Sturgis, make sure you get whatever you need before you leave town. Your next opportunity won’t be until after you hit North Dakota, a couple of hours away. This is my fourth time driving cross country and it never even occurred to me that it was possible to drive for two hours on any highway in America without running into a bunch of fast food signs along the way. I thought maybe there was a law mandating one fast food restaurant every 30 minutes or less. You know, so we don’t go hungry.
We know almost nothing about this particular national park due to our recent lack of Wi-Fi. But, my limited research uncovers that there are two stops about 7 miles apart that we should make. We reach the Painted Canyon Viewpoint and we all get out for a little leg stretch. The dogs get to walk around this area because pets are allowed in National Park parking lots. But, this isn’t your normal, everyday, humdrum parking lot. This parking lot has a view. One of the most extraordinary views I’ve ever seen, parking lot or not.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is, of course, named after our 26th president (from 1901-1909) who is well known for his conservation efforts. And, the reason he focused on protecting the environment was because of time he spent in the Dakota Territory when he was young. It’s fitting that the park named for him should sit in one of the very locations that inspired him in the first place.
With my first glimpse of the Badlands of North Dakota, I understand why he was so inspired by the place to promote such extensive conservation efforts throughout his presidency and beyond. It’s breathtaking.
We drive to the South Unit Visitors Center and prepare to embark on the Scenic Loop, a 36 mile drive that will take us past some of the main areas for viewing wildlife. We are trying something new. 
Because it’s such a long car day, we let the cat out of the backpack while we do the loop. Never fear, dear reader, we do keep the windows rolled up so he can’t jump out. My imagination is rather vivid, you see. I have no trouble visualizing the sort of chaos that will ensue if he escapes and I have to track him off trail, surrounded by bison, antelope, and who knows what other wild creatures. All while I can hear Mr. C screaming at me that we can’t leave Jasper behind… Not happening today, people.
Our first encounter is with one of our old favorites, prairie dogs! With babies! Watson can see them through the window and he is focused and ready to chase if given the opportunity. Fortunately for the prairie dogs he is harnessed, strapped to the seat belt and, as an added security bonus, trapped behind glass. Barnaby doesn’t really care one way or another. He’s curled up in his seat dreaming of a lazy day spent at home in his comfortable bed.
We continue on and quickly realize that we would probably see more wildlife if it wasn’t a blistering 95 degrees outside. They must all be hunkered down in the shade. But, we see some deer and other more common critters. And, our surroundings are gorgeous.
But, we’re not done yet. We see a big, male bison standing just above us on a hill. The people in front of us are on a motorcycle and they pull off to watch him. Now, I’m fully aware that the thin skin of metal surrounding us is not going to stop a fully-grown bison from inflicting serious damage to us, but I like the illusion it provides. Let me be clear, I have no desire to be on a motorcycle or in a convertible with the top down when next to one of these behemoths. That’s just crazy. If you don’t agree with me that’s your choice. I’m not going to stop you. I’m certainly not going to jump in between you and the wild animal. But, before you do something stupid that you don’t live to regret, please refer to the bison-crossing-the-road photo in the Custer State Park post. They are BIG. And, they have horns. Yikes.
There is one gem left. Nature saves us the best for last. We see horses. Wild horses! They are magnificent and right across the road. I’ve been to other places around the country where they run free, but this is the first time I’ve actually seen any. And, they’re right there! Five of them! What a cool ending for our unexpected National Park stop.
If you ever find yourself in the southwest corner of North Dakota, do yourself a favor and spend some time in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Maybe even venture up to the North Unit and do their scenic drive or hike some trails (just watch for bison). The park ranger explained that the South Unit has the canyons and the North Unit has the mountains. All I know is that I’d love to return someday and actually spend some time exploring the park at my leisure, without the pets in tow. It would be well worth the trip and, maybe, I could even see a bit more of this beautiful state while I’m at it.
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