24 hours in North Dakota

We had spent time with our son in the Black hills of South Dakota and had to drive back to Seattle.We decided to drive back via Medora to see the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the 24 hours.First the drive up Highway 85 from Spearfish.Certainly not the most scenic of routes but I was amazed at the amount of wildlife we saw.Lots of deer and antelope,golden eaglesand a pair of vultures.

We encountered a very helpful lady at the visitors centre at Bowman.Driving out of bowman there was a paddock of bison-obviously not wild though.

We overnighted at Medora.Unfortunately most activities had shut down the day before but at least we had done our research and knew that was the case.We did a late afternoon drive through the national park and again in the early morning.Great scenery and once again abundant wildlife.The prairie do towns are massive.

Unfortunately the motels in Medora are all close to the train line and the coal trains go through the night.

Again not a great choice of dining as the season was over but we did enjoy our meal at the rough riders hotel restaurant.Good food at reasonable prices.So if you have a choice do take the time to give North Dakota a go.

24 hours in North Dakota

Last time I did the Black Hills to Bowman to Belfield run, I took Highway 79 up to Reva, SD instead of taking 85 all the way. It takes a little longer, but you go by Bear Butte, Castle Rock Butte, and (best of all, imo) the Slim Buttes.

Also, on your way to Bowman you passed the Cave Hills. The roads to them doesn%26#39;t look too promising - just orange gravel (scoria) but they are pretty interesting. Custer went through there and some of his men left grafitti on the walls of caves there.