BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A newly established tribal national park in North Dakota's rugged Badlands is set to open its doors to outdoor enthusiasts, offering a previously unseen area of this dramatic landscape for hiking and recreation. This initiative is part of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation's efforts to preserve their ancestral lands while fostering recreational activities.
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has created the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park through the acquisition of 2,100 acres (850 hectares) of a former ranch located adjacent to the boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation, to the south of the Little Missouri River. Initially part of the tribe's treaty lands, the area was reduced in size due to a government allotment act, according to Mary Fredericks, director of the tribe’s Parks and Reserve Program. The reservation’s boundaries have since been expanded to incorporate the new park.
Tribal Chairman Mark Fox stated that the park's objectives include cultural preservation and the promotion of recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Fox emphasized the significance of this land to the tribe: “It’s part of our history, our lands, very significant to us, the whole area. This is just another strong move to reacquire some of our lands and then do something very effective with it to aid tourism and the economy through recreation.”
Park officials are taking a careful approach to the planning and development of the park, ensuring minimal impact on the landscape. Park Superintendent Ethan White Calfe remarked, “This place will be here in perpetuity and it will be better when we are done than it was when we got it, and that’s what we’re pushing for.”
The Badlands of North Dakota, characterized by their difficult terrain, consist of an erosive and colorful landscape filled with dramatic formations, petrified wood, and ancient fossils. This unique environment attracts a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, campers, hunters, and cyclists.
Following a soft opening in September, the park is currently accessible only to foot traffic via a free online permit. Visitors must register their plans and park in a designated grass lot. Officials aim to complete ten miles (16 kilometers) of hiking trails by the end of summer.
Future developments include the construction of a visitor center and campground. Additionally, park authorities plan to engage in native prairie and soil restoration efforts to address the impact of invasive species on the local flora, as highlighted by White Calfe: “We’re looking at how do we help this area look like it did 300 years ago.”
While the park is visually captivating, Fredericks described the landscape as "deceptive and steep." The park is intersected by a state highway, allowing drivers to glimpse parts of it but not its interior. Over time, she sees the potential for the park to serve as a gateway for visitors to the Fort Berthold Reservation. Nearby recreational opportunities include Lake Sakakawea and renowned locations such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
The MHA Nation's ability to fund the land purchase for the park was bolstered by oil development within its reservation. Fredericks expressed pride in the tribal council’s foresight, stating, “We don’t know what’s going to happen 50 years from now, but we can preserve this part of it.”
The newly established national park is located adjacent to Little Missouri State Park, which is known for its 40 miles (64 kilometers) of trails popular among horseback riders. State Parks and Recreation Department Director Cody Schulz noted the “spiritual feel” of the area, highlighting its peace and beauty.
Collaboration between state park officials and the tribe has been ongoing for about two years, including efforts to connect trail systems. White Calfe emphasized the park's importance as a platform to share the tribe’s narrative from their own perspective, calling it “pretty valuable.”
