North Dakota

The Dakotas are two very interesting states. I didn't expect to like either one, but I actually ended up loving both of them. (Although I'd love them more if they were closer to an ocean!). Anyway, the North Dakota State capitol is a really beautiful building, towering statuesquely above the prairie.

The capitol grounds also feature some neat artwork, including these two sculptures of iconic NDak symbols: the buffalo and Sacajawea, the Shoshone guide to Lewis & Clark.

     

Lewis and Clark spent more time in what would become North Dakota than in any other state, so naturally, you can see tons of L&C-related sites. My favorite was the L&C Interpretive Center near Ft. Mandan. Due to historic levels of flooding on the Missouri River, many of these sites were partially closed. But the Interpretive Center has some informative exhibits and programs, and most importantly this really cool, larger-than-life statue of L&C:

Another sort-of related L&C site is the Knife River Indian Villages site managed by NPS. These archaeological sites preserve several Mandan & Hidasta villages along the banks of the Missouri, including the village from which Sacajewa hailed. The sites themselves are basically just earthen mounds, but they have a model of an earthen lodge into which you can actually go.

My final stop in North Dakota was Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is in the badlands. The badlands sound scary and foreboding but are actually serene. Following the death of his beloved wife Alice, Teddy Roosevelt sought solace in the ND badlands at his Maltese Cross ranch. His cabin has been preserved at TRNP, including some the original furnishings, such as TR's desk.

Prairie dogs are the cutest little animals in the badlands. There are several prairie dog towns along the park loop road, allowing plentiful opportunities to observe the little rodents. They stand up and chirp to each other. I noticed that often several of them will be foraging or grazing while one stands up on his hind legs and keeps watch. If a bird or a car comes too close, he yips a warning and all the other pd's dive back into their burrows.

The little Missouri river runs through the park, bringing life to this rugged land.

In addition to bison, wild horses also roam the park, grazing alongside the road.

North Dakota may seem like a place you would never want to go, but it actually has a lot to offer. I enjoyed my time there and would like to go back to see some more northern sites such as Devil's Lake and Minot.