Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Also known as the “other” badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a magical land of deep canyons, russet-colored hills, high deserts, and expansive prairies. Roosevelt himself first journeyed here in 1883, falling in love with the land and the “perfect freedom” the western world offered him. This is a land where horses still run free, and bison graze by the hundreds across the plains. You’ll fall in love with the prairie dogs in their sprawling towns, and the thousands of wildflowers that dot the landscape in spring and early summer. The fact that this park is bypassed by millions of Americans each year for attractions further south, makes it even more endearing. Theodore Roosevelt National Park will take you back to the wild west of Roosevelt’s day. It will also steal your heart if you give it half a chance.