What is there in North Dakota to see, you might wonder. Well, we spent the first of two full days in the state at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The site is protected because of the beautiful scenic landscapes, and its name comes from the president who established a ranch in the area during his early adulthood.
The only thing preserved related to Roosevelt is the Maltese Cross cabin. The name comes from the name of the ranch that he purchased in 1883. The park officials like to stress the value of Roosevelt’s time in this area, as reflected in a statement the president later made: “I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.”
Maltese Cross cabin of Theodore Roosevelt
For the rest of the day we drove around the 36-mile scenic loop, stopping at various spots for short hikes. Along the way, we saw bison, wild horses, and even a few tourists.
Kelli with the boys near Wind Canyon
Overlooking the Little Missouri River
The badlands of North Dakota
Kelli with the girls
At some point, it’s just hard to stay awake any longer.