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Lesser-Known Parks in the Mountain West

Fossil Butte National Monument

[ Kemmerer, Wyoming ]

At the Fossil Butte National Monument, researchers continue to make discoveries every year during digs in a fossil research quarry. Groups can watch as fossils meet the light of day for the first time in millennia.

“We are a little hidden treasure here in southern Wyoming,” said Marcia Fagnant, lead interpreter for the monument. “What is really cool about our fossils is how well they are preserved. You can see skin, scales — it’s all there.”

The 13-square-mile park preserves the ancient Fossil Lake, where some of the world’s best preserved fossilized fish, insects, plants, reptiles and mammals have been uncovered. The visitor center showcases 300 of those rare fossils, including a 13-foot-long crocodile, soft-shell turtles and bird feathers.

“Our visitor center is the starting point for everyone,” said Fagnant. “We have some beautiful fossils on display there. There is also a 15-minute video that introduces folks to what they are seeing.”

During the summer, rangers lead tours such as the Fossil Preparation Demonstration and Exhibit Tour, which teaches groups about the tools and techniques of preparing unearthed fossils. Guided excursions can include geology hikes, wildflower walks and night hikes.

A 7.5-mile scenic drive reveals expansive views of Fossil Butte and the surrounding area. The sagebrush environment comes to life May through July, when wildflowers color the ground to match the light-colored limestone ridges of the park’s canyons. Visitors should also keep an eye out for pronghorn sheep, mule deer and elk, which wander through the park’s ancient grounds.

www.nps.gov/fobu

 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

[ Medora, North Dakota ]

When a young Theodore Roosevelt first visited the North Dakota badlands to hunt bison in 1883, he felt the call of adventure. At that same site, now preserved as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the spirit of adventure remains in the expansive panoramas of open prairie, colorful canyons and lush river bottoms.

The massive size of the 70,448-acre park means groups can choose from a number of ways to experience the North Dakota gem. The park’s main 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive takes visitors past scenic pullouts and interpretive signs that provide insight into the surrounding historic and natural features.

The South Unit Visitor Center presents a museum and a movie detailing Roosevelt’s connection to the area. Guests can walk up close to Roosevelt’s first ranch home, the Maltese Cross Cabin, which is on display at the center.

Groups hiking or driving can spy some of the park’s bison, elk and feral horses that roam the park’s prairie areas. Guests often see wildlife during guided horseback rides through one of the park’s trails with Peaceful Valley Ranch Outfitters.

During the summer months, rangers facilitate guided walks, short talks and evening campfire programs to help visitors fully appreciate the natural and cultural history of the landscape.

www.nps.gov/thro