August 21, 2020

Bison In The Park

Red Trail Campground Medora, North Dakota Day 2

My morning walk.

Today we explored the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  The bison were magnificent.  At one point, our car was surrounded by bison crossing in front of the car and behind us.  We were not able to continue until they decided to lumber on their way…it was so COOL!!  The size of these bigger bulls is very intimidating!  We also enjoyed watching a huge herd from far away.  We watched bison rolling in and kicking up the dust.  We saw young calves nursing.  We watched bulls roam through the herd, never once taking their eyes off of us. 

This first video shows the scope of the herd.

If you can, turn up the sound and listen to the bison growling and grunting!!

We also saw hundreds of prairie dogs.  These little critters bark and chirp and jump up and down like popcorn.  They are really fun to watch.

Prairie dog video…too cute!

The scenery along the 24-mile route was gorgeous.

Bucks Hill is the second highest place in the park.

We also saw wild horses, mule deer, and antelope.

Because we could, we drove out of the north entrance of the park onto a red gravel road that ran parallel to the Little Missouri.  The ranch on the ridge has a very sweet view.

We took wine and drove back into the park to watch the sunset.

Theodore Roosevelt’s first cabin here in Medora.