There was a time when I thought North Dakota would be the last state we visited. Not because we had anything against this vast northern state, but let’s face it, North Dakota is not really on the way to anywhere, and it’s also not exactly known as a hot bed of interesting attractions. With no mountains, ocean, awesome red rocks, or even much to look at (now that we have driven across the entire state I can confirm there really is not much to see) it wasn’t high on our list of places to visit. But when we found ourselves traveling from Utah to Northern Minnesota, it suddenly seemed possible to not only dip our toes into North Dakota, but to travel across the entire state.
This is North Dakota
First up was the highly recommended Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Several people told us how much they loved this park so our expectations were high. Maybe a little too high. Maybe we’re spoiled from our recent eight weeks in Utah and the past summers we’ve spent exploring Colorado, Montana, and Maine. I mean, how can a national park that reeks of the midwest possibly compare? (Don’t let its northerly location fool you — North Dakota is firmly in the midwest when in comes to scenery).
We gave ourselves a good talking to before we left Utah to head east. We reminded each other that we’re going east to see family and friends and that’s a good thing. Yes, we’ll be passing through some boring parts of the country, we’ll be encountering humidity, and bugs, and crowded campgrounds. We won’t see any more big mountains, we won’t get to frolic in the Pacific Ocean, and we won’t get to explore many new places. But we’re going to see friends and family. Focus on the good.
So while we enjoyed Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it simply didn’t conjure up the awe and wonder that most other national parks elicit. There’s no doubt that the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt celebrated by the park is important and interesting (you can read about him here), but when it comes to hiking and “blow-me away” scenery, it kind of falls flat.
That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy our stay. To the contrary, we loved, loved, loved the Cottonwood Campground inside the park where we scored a massive pull-thru site with a huge back yard and lots of privacy.
Our site was so big it could have fit two more RVs
Hammock Time
Site 23 might be the best site in the park
We also hiked through a prairie dog town and a petrified forest, drove the scenic loop road, saw ferrel horses, buffalo, and pronghorn, and even spent a pleasant evening with our friends Jen & Q over at the nearby Sully Creek SP ← This was a really nice campground. You can read Jen’s review to learn more.
Overall it was a nice place to spend a few days. Will we add it to our “must return” list? Probably not. Would we recommend it to others who are already in the area or planning to pass by? Absolutely!
Petrified Log
Strange formations near the petrified forest
More Prairie Dogs
Prairie Dog Town
Peaceful Valley Ranch
Buffalo
Badlands
What a beauty
Sometimes you just gotta scratch
Scenery on the Scenic Loop Road
Always nice to visit dog friends. This is Q. Isn’t she a cutie?
Jen spoiled us with this fantastic dessert to go with an equally fantastic dinner
Our afternoon parking spot/office on our last day
22 comments
It is a must see state and park. But you are right about visiting after Utah! Come on, what actually measures up to southern Utah!? We’ve done the lower route and upper route across ND and we enjoyed each one. I do enjoy seeing small town America. As we begin our trip north and east, we are having the same problems with our attitudes. It is such a struggle to head east, but since all our family is there, it makes it a must each year. We are heading through Wyoming, then South Dakota this time. We’ve only visited SD on the motorcycle. Safe travels! Maybe we’ll see you on the east coast. We’ll be heading towards Florida mid Oct. We will only be in Florida from mid Nov to Jan 1.
What beats Utah Pam? Montana beats or matches it. You need to see Glacier Nat. Pk.
Whoa! That’s quite the claim. IMO Utah beats Montana any day, but I that’s why we love traveling around this country — because each state is so unique. Also, I’m pretty sure Pam has been to Glacier NP at least a few times :)
I agree, it is a must see park. The bison alone make it worth a visit, but I guess the wide open plains of ND don’t really impress me. We’ll have to watch where you go in FL and see if we can meet up. Planning to be there mid-December.
Haha, we’ve had those EXACT conversations. As you know, we head cross-country every year to Florida to see family, and are constantly on the lookout for new adventures in our travels. We’ve certainly discovered a lot of great places that we otherwise would never have known about — because left to our own devices, we might never leave the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest! Your first photo, “This is North Dakota” is hilarious. Love your sense of humor. :-))
Yup, that’s why we decided to take an unconventional route east this summer. It’s good to experience new places and force ourselves to explore even those places we might not love.
Small world…we know Jen and Q too! Looks like some awesome camp sites in a very pretty place. It’s too bad this place fell just after wonderous Utah, anything would pale in comparison to Utah!
Aren’t they a fun duo? We had a blast reconnecting after several years.
Being a “National Park Ho,” this one is of course on my list. I am glad you level-set expectations. I agree, it pales in comparison to what we’ve seen, but at least I will know before I get there. Thanks for the always honest assessment.
National Park Ho – I love it! It should absolutely be on your list. Just keep in mind that a short visit is all you will need.
Oh, dear…. Variety is the spice of life!! We love that area, just for it’s “different” meter! Guess it is different when that is “home”
You’re right, and usually I’m on board with variety (that’s why we travel full-time) but for some reason I wasn’t feeling it here.
Like southeastern NM, I think ND must be an acquired taste :-). We may get a chance to see it as we turn east at the end of summer. You did find some real beauty there – love the scratching babies and the massive buffalo. And scenery on a scenery route :-))))) Q is stunning, makes me miss my shepherds.
There is no doubt this park is beautiful, just not quite as beautiful as some others :) Q is such a delight to be around. We had a blast playing with her!
We went to ND after months out east and the midwest. I loved this park for the wide-open spaces (and the rangers had an awesome star program while we were there). ND was like our ‘welcome back to the west’ state. Oh, and not seeing one other person on (short) hikes was kind of awesome. I may have felt differently about this park if we had just come from UT too!
The wide open spaces and empty trails were great, but I guess after spending all winter in the wide open desert, the flat plains fell short.
Always wanted to check this National Park out! Gorgeous photos!
We visited North Dakota first before spending time at the incomparable Southern Utah yet personally I still say Theodore Roosevelt NP is still worth a visit. The lonely highways we drove from Minnesota to North Dakota was scenic especially that the Sunflower fields were all blooming for miles and miles.
Oh how lucky that you got to see the sunflower fields blooming!
We drove through ND on our first road trip to the West, and even though we did not stop at TRNP, I have always wanted to go back to that area and visit the park. Driving West on 94 as we headed towards Montana, I woke up from a nap to the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen. The badlands were glowing as tough they were on fire – it was stunning. Maybe we caught it at the right time.
I agree, the badlands are pretty. Would love to see them at sunset! If you do go back for a visit be sure to stay in the campground. Most nights bison roaming through!
Love seeing your travels. This park is on our list this summer as we travel east to Maine for a lobster dinner. We’re about a month or so behind you.
Safe travels