Texas Faves

Saturday, September 14, 2019

North Dakota


Apparently North Dakota is often passed over by travelers.  I think you will agree with me that there are some places worth visiting in this northern state!

Medora:

Don’t ask me how we came to be in Medora!  It’s a lovely little town.  We learned that it is also the gateway to one of the most visited places in North Dakota – the Theodore Roosevelt National Park! 

Called the  North Dakota Badlands because of its rugged landscape, Theodore Roosevelt visited this area to hunt big game.  However, he fell in love with the area and was concerned about the decimation of species such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep and the effects of overgrazing.  His concerns resulted in many environmental efforts and he became known as the “conservationist president”.

North Dakota Badlands
 
Bison rolling in the dirt
Prairie Dogs
Young Bison walking down the road
Wild Horses

Gladstone:

On our way to Bismarck, we opted to take a drive in the countryside along the Enchanted Highway.  This bit of road features several fun and very large sculptures!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bismarck:

Named for Otto von Bismarck (or was it named for the bismark donut?), this city is the capital of North Dakota.  One of the places we wanted to visit here was the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum for its architectural design. 

 

It has wonderful exhibitions as well!

 
 

Fargo:

We also stayed a few nights in Fargo.  They have a lovely little zoo, the Red River Zoo.


Here are some of my favorite animal pictures!

Grey Fox
 
American Bald Eagle
Bactrian Camel

Sichuan Takin
Red Panda

Fargo is on the border of Minnesota, so guess where we head next!