I haven’t told a lot of people about this hobby, I guess you could call it, of traveling around North Dakota and taking pictures – even during the depth of winter. It’s something that I thoroughly enjoy.

A recent excursion took me to the northwest where I witnessed a certain rugged, almost wilderness beauty that can be hard to describe, but I’ll try.

As many of you know, the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit is situated just to the south of Watford City. It’s incredibly breathtaking to drive along U.S. Highway 85 and see the beauty that exists there as you look toward the west.

This is home to some of the most rugged terrain in North Dakota and the Department of Transportation has strategically placed points of lookout along the route where you feel compelled to stop your vehicle, get out and just take in the view.

Of course, you can always take it a step further by grabbing your camera and go hiking through, or better yet, hop on a trail ride and discover Roosevelt Park.

One thing about this park is certain in winter. Parts of it are closed, but you don’t have to worry about rattlesnakes.

Stopping in nearby Watford City after getting a close look at the park in winter, is part of the enjoyment of winter. And, although most people look at you a bit strange when you tell them you’ve been in the park with a 10-degree temperature, they begin to appreciate what they take for granted because it’s in front of them all the time.

Here are some things that aren’t characteristic of the rest of North Dakota. Herds of antelope graze alongside the road, horses grazing among the snow covered bluffs, tall evergreens with snow on the branches for contrast and other wildlife such as lions or bighorn sheep, if you’re lucky enough to see them.

Then, there’s the Long X bridge that crosses the Little Missouri River just south of the park’s entrance. What a beautiful location to just sit and ponder.

It’s hard to believe that back in territorial days, this area often had skirmishes between Native Americans and Union Soldiers.

Now, it’s so peaceful, I don’t think the tranquility can be matched at any price. Outside the occasional traffic along U.S. 85, it’s incredibly peaceful, historic, scenic and of course the word picturesque comes to mind.

You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it, we’ve all heard it; young people telling us they can’t wait to get out of North Dakota and find greener pastures because there is nothing here.

Those people may not have explored the state. Yes, this article is about Roosevelt Park, but there is a whole lot more to see across North Dakota in the winter.

Think about this, the Pembina Gorge, Bottineau Winter Park, Devils Lake, Sully’s Hill, Fort Ransom, Huff Hills, White Butte, downtown Fargo, especially at Christmas, and many others to include Cross Ranch and Lake Tschida.
Go ahead, take in some of these sites with the little bit of winter we have left. I’ve been to many of them this time of year and will go back 100 times.

When people complain about the dull, flat landscape without trees, maybe that’s what they want to see. Get out, dress warm, explore. You might be surprised at what you find out there, like I did when I first started this hobby 35 years ago.

North Dakota is a big state geographically and there is a lot to see. It’s just that those places aren’t concentrated in one small radius.

Since I’ve left high school, I’ve traveled on nearly every highway and many gravel roads in the state. There’s a lot of beauty to behold even during this time of year. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The natural beauty of North Da-kota in winter is endless.