We woke after a good sleep and decided we liked the campsite enough to stay another day and go explore the park. We went to a ranger program at the Painted Canyon visitor center - which is also an interstate rest area. I would guess it is the only rest area where you have a good chance of seeing bison in the parking lot (and 100% chance of encountering bison poop). We hiked around the the Painted Canyons then went back to the south park and drove the loop through the park. Saw the prairie dog towns and prairie dogs, bison herds, wild horses and a cool wasp like insect that digs holes in the ground and moves rocks.
We ate dinner in the make-believe western town of Medora at a buffet that was pretty decent. Medora exists today from the generosity of Harold Schafer who donated millions to restore the town. A foundation and donations plus tourism keeps the town afloat.
After dinner we took a short hike to the Little Missouri river where the kids played around for a couple hours in the water. They found lignite, a low grade coal that is layered throughout the badlands. It makes a cool crackling sound when it gets wet.
Early to bed as we head to Minnesota tomorrow.
Early to bed as we head to Minnesota tomorrow.
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| cartop carrier shot |
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