Day 8 - Medora, ND (Day 3)

The Route

We stayed in the Medora area.

About the Day

We had another cool night. The furnace came on as needed to keep us comfortable.  The day was sunny, there was a pleasant breeze, and the temperature reached the 90s.

We visited the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The entrance is in Medora. Later in the day we drove east about 15 miles on I-94 to Belfield to buy a few supplies. We were able to view the Painted Canyon on the way back.

Along the Way

The scenery, a drive-through tour of Cottonwood Campground, and watching prairie dogs scurry about their towns provided highlights of this drive into TRNP.

TR had a hand in starting this

Medora is named for Marquis de Mores' wife.

I-94 makes its way through the Badlands

One of many prairie dog towns in the park.

Up close

An even closer look

It's a strange, barren land.

Painted Canyon Views

Travel Trivia

We saw "Coal Vein Fire Ahead - DO NOT REPORT" warnings in the park. Multiple exposed coal veins are actively burning and producing smoke. The coal vein fires were started by recent fire activity. Park rangers only wanted to be notified if visible ground fires or active flames were seen. Carol thought she saw smoke at one point.

The Campground

Many rigs leave each morning and many (but fewer) register through the afternoon. The visitor population is slowly declining as families end their vacations.

Tomorrow

We're headed to The Fort at 49 RV Park tomorrow. It's a basic campground. There's no office, just a check-in kiosk. We'll be in an open field with water, electric, and sewer services. There's a rumor they have a very good restaurant. We may test it.