Most people know about the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota's only national park and a very stunning example of the beauty held in the badlands. What many people don't know is that there is more than one park in the southwest region that encapsulates this stunning natural area. Along with the TRNP, there is a scenic little state park hidden in a valley between the canyons that is a natural oasis for plants, animals, and campers alike. It's North Dakota's only seasonally open state park and it will be closed in November until next year, so get there while you still can and enjoy the fall colors!
Tucked away in the southern edge of the badlands near Medora, North Dakota is the Sully Creek State Park. The Little Missouri River winds through the canyon walls to make this lovely little valley.
This little park is one of North Dakota's smallest, but it is packed full of gorgeous natural landscapes that are especially breathtaking in the fall.
The many trees and plants are home to tons of animals that make this place their own natural oasis. The park allows visitors to experience it alongside them.
The wild horses that roam the park are one of the focal points that people love to see when visiting.
Horses aren't the only wildlife that calls this place home, though. Deer, bison, prairie dogs, birds of prey, and even bighorn sheep can also be spotted while camping or roaming the trails here.
Sully Creek State Park is a very popular spot for hitting the trails on horseback but the trails are open for both hiking and biking as well.
The campgrounds offer plenty of space to pitch a tent, park an RV, and pull in a trailer with horses that can stay in the corrals provided at many of the campgrounds. It's an outdoor lover's paradise!
The Sully Creek State Park is a hidden gem that deserves a bit more time in the spotlight and once you experience it, it's almost impossible not to love.
Sully Creek State Park can be found at 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645. To camp here you must make reservations in advance, you can find their contact information to make a reservation here. Visiting just for the day only requires a day pass or annual pass. It's only open until November 30th and the fall colors in the area are especially stunning right now, so get there while you still can!
There are plenty more great, lesser known spots to experience North Dakota's natural scenery that you can find by clicking this link.
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