This is one of those magical places far off the beaten path...(click on pics to enlarge)
Few travel through North Dakota as it is, and the majority zip along I-94 through the southern tier. In the far southwest corner along I-94, you'll find the quaint tourist town of Medora, sitting alongside the better known South Unit of Roosevelt National Park.
This was the fabled home away from home ("Elkhorn Ranch") for Teddy Roosevelt, champion of the preservation of wilderness areas. He was very fond of its beauty, and I think you can tell why. If you can't, then "Bully!" to you.
The North Unit, however, is about 70 miles away farther to the north and a little east...much smaller than the South Unit, and far off the beaten interstate path. Remarkably few travelers trek to it, and what a gem they are missing. In a way, it's rather simple in layout: a one-way 14-mile road winds it's way through a breath-taking landscape of ever-changing beauty.
I ran into precious few visitors, as you can tell with my last picture where I took the liberty to lie in the road for a semi-self portrait and a reflecting pool...kinda sorta.
This is part of what is called The Badlands of North Dakota...of course, "THE" Badlands are usually reserved for the South Dakota counterparts. I like to refer to the North Dakota Badlands, though, as the South Dakota Badlands with "hair" because of the more prevalent vegetation...Nature's toupee, in a way.
Always remember that some of the more magical, wonderful places aren't the ones everybody goes to...but the ones they overlook.
Few travel through North Dakota as it is, and the majority zip along I-94 through the southern tier. In the far southwest corner along I-94, you'll find the quaint tourist town of Medora, sitting alongside the better known South Unit of Roosevelt National Park.
This was the fabled home away from home ("Elkhorn Ranch") for Teddy Roosevelt, champion of the preservation of wilderness areas. He was very fond of its beauty, and I think you can tell why. If you can't, then "Bully!" to you. 
The North Unit, however, is about 70 miles away farther to the north and a little east...much smaller than the South Unit, and far off the beaten interstate path. Remarkably few travelers trek to it, and what a gem they are missing. In a way, it's rather simple in layout: a one-way 14-mile road winds it's way through a breath-taking landscape of ever-changing beauty.
I ran into precious few visitors, as you can tell with my last picture where I took the liberty to lie in the road for a semi-self portrait and a reflecting pool...kinda sorta.
This is part of what is called The Badlands of North Dakota...of course, "THE" Badlands are usually reserved for the South Dakota counterparts. I like to refer to the North Dakota Badlands, though, as the South Dakota Badlands with "hair" because of the more prevalent vegetation...Nature's toupee, in a way. 
Always remember that some of the more magical, wonderful places aren't the ones everybody goes to...but the ones they overlook.
8 comments:
very beautiful and peaceful looking pics. i am looking forward to seeing the next ones.
Thanks - I plan on doing this weekly...ideally every Thursday, though that could change from time to time. Haven't decided where just yet...stay tuned!
How beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!
Bobbye
It was gorgeous, especially since it was so verdant...strong thunderstorms rolled through after that sunset shot, and nicely cleared the air for the next day's photos...which also gave me my 'reflecting pool'!
(Big smile and heavy sigh!) You're making me "homesick" with those .....! :)
Great pics, Bob! Thanks for sharing them!
I especially love that sunset! Sunrises and sunsets are like fingerprints --- there are no two alike, and to be able to be in the right place at the right time to capture them is ..... well, "magical"!
Suzy :)
To quote Claude Monet, "The richness I achieve comes from Nature. the source of my inspiration!" How can a place such as that be anything BUT inspiring?! Thanks for your kind words, Suzy.
Hey Bob,
Great pics. Any trouble finding camping spots at the N. Unit? Also, can you recommend any good 3 day hikes?
Thanks.
AJF
The North Unit has a park service campground a little in on the left past the visitor's center, down by the river (think 'skeeters!). The North Unit really has just this one road in it, with only a couple of trailhead parking areas. Better extended hiking routes are found in the South Unit which is much more expansive, and also has support services in Medora (where there are none at the North Unit. Alas, I didn't go on many trails and did not camp in the park - the pups and I car-camped out in the National Grasslands a few miles south. Can't recall any trails in particular you might want to consider, but the Park Service should have some viewable maps at the RNP website. Good luck!
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