Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association

01/09/2026

September Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/trnha.org/catch-up-with-bison-brief-july-6754470

29/08/2026

DEADLINE IS QUICKLY APPOARCHING!
https://form.jotform.com/trnha1951/pictureyourselfintrnp
Submit your winning photos before Monday at 11:59 pm MT.

29/08/2026

Badlands Outpost Hours Update

📍 Location: 350 Main Street, Medora

We are pleased to announce that the Badlands Outpost by TRNHA, will be open from Thursday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM, throughout September.

Come visit us for all your Theodore Roosevelt National Park Souvenirs! We look forward to welcoming you!

August 25 to September 6 - Open every day but Monday from 9 am to 5 pm

Beginning September 6th
Store Hours:
Days Open: Thursday - Sunday
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM

Spread the word and see you soon!

27/08/2026

The Legacy of Long X Ranch: A Tale of Resilience and Heritage
In the mid-1880s, Texas brothers William D. and George T. Reynolds embarked on a journey that shaped ranching history in the American West. They established Long X Ranch, adopting a brand that became synonymous with resilience and tradition.

Bold Beginnings
In 1868, the brothers expanded their operations, officially adopting the "Long X" brand. By Spring 1884, they moved 4,000 longhorn cattle from Texas to the rugged terrains near Squaw Creek in Dakota, marking a historic arrival.

Determined to grow, they purchased land previously claimed by sheepherders. By 1888, they were driving three herds a year and managing up to 11,000 cattle during peak winter seasons.

A Winter of Despair
However, the brutal winter of 1886–1887 claimed thousands of cattle, reducing their herd to just 7,000. The family faced immense challenges, ultimately selling their McKenzie County operations to the Converse Cattle Company. Much of this land is now part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, reflecting the trials of early ranchers.

A New Chapter in Texas
In 1895, the Reynolds family began anew, establishing a 232,000-acre Long X Ranch in Jeff Davis County, Texas. The spirit of resilience persisted in their legacy.

Legacy Lives On
Generations later, descendants still run ranching operations under the Long X brand. In North Dakota, the Long X Bridge on Highway 85 serves as a reminder of the Reynolds' contributions to regional history.

The story of Long X Ranch transcends cattle drives; it embodies endurance, family ties, and a commitment to heritage, celebrating a way of life that flourishes in America.

25/08/2026

HAPPY NATIONAL PARK DAY! - What park is your favorite to visit?

National Park Service Founders Day recognizes the dedicated individuals who established and continue to preserve America’s invaluable national parks every August 25. This day inspires us to explore the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse ecosystems protected by the NPS. Plan a visit to a park, learn about its unique features, or support conservation efforts to ensure these treasures endure for future generations.

25/08/2026

Great opportunity for North Dakota students!

Spent last Friday out at Theodore Roosevelt National Park finalizing details for the first ever West River Regional Envirothon. Saw so much wildlife and natural beauty. Sign up today to bring your team to this first envirothon event in the west.

20/08/2026

Back to school means new opportunities to learn, explore, and grow! 🌿📚

We’re excited to support classrooms across Western North Dakota with educational resources that bring nature, history, and local heritage to life. From books and learning kits to games and hands-on materials, this initiative is all about helping students connect more deeply with the world around them and inspiring curiosity for the year ahead.

Here’s to a season of discovery, creativity, and community!
Learn more and donate today: https://www.shoptrnha.org/community/give/back-to-school-advancing-our-mission-through-education-1

15/08/2026

Survival in the Badlands: Water Management in a Dry Summer

As we navigate the current drought conditions across Western North Dakota, we’re reminded of the resilience required to thrive in our landscape. Our latest newsletter article, "How Wildlife and Ranch Animals Find Water in the Badlands," takes a deep dive into the natural adaptations and management strategies that help creatures (and livestock!) survive when the water gets scarce.

With about 56% of North Dakota currently experiencing some level of drought, this look at water resourcefulness is more than just academic—it's a critical part of our regional story.

Read the full article here: https://www.shoptrnha.org/pages/newsletter-and-events

14/08/2026

Arthur Clarke “A.C.” Huidekoper (1845–1928) arrived in northern Dakota Territory in 1881 for a buffalo hunt and to explore the Badlands. A wealthy Pennsylvania gentleman farmer, Civil War veteran, and
Harvard Law School graduate, he came west seeking adventure and opportunities to expand his livestock operations.

Huidekoper partnered with the Eaton brothers in a cattle operation near present day Medora and purchased vast tracts of railroad land in a
checkerboard pattern. He fenced large portions of the surrounding range, including public land that remained open to homesteaders.

The brutal winter of 1886–1887 destroyed most of his cattle herd, but his horses survived. He sold his remaining cattle and shifted his focus to raising Percheron draft horses, eventually building the largest horse raising empire in North Dakota history on the H-T
Ranch. His horses were sent to his farm in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, for training before being sold to companies that needed powerful teams to pull heavy wagons. One of his notable customers was Milwaukee
brewer Fred Pabst.

Huidekoper lived in a luxurious ranch mansion known as Shackford and formed friendships with prominent Badlands figures, including the Marquis de Mores and Theodore Roosevelt.

In 1906, the Department of the Interior ordered him to remove fences blocking access to public land. The legal battle resulted in several days in jail and a fine, prompting him to sell his ranch and horses.

Now an inductee of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Huidekoper also preserved his experiences in memoirs that offer a firsthand look at ranching and adventure in North Dakota’s Badlands.


North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
State Historical Society of North Dakota



Learn more about A.C. -
https://northdakotacowboy.org/a-c-huidekoper/

https://www.history.nd.gov/textbook/unit4_3
_intro_huidekoper.html

https://crawfordhistorical.org/dont-fence-me-in-a-c-huid
ekopers-government-tangle-over-public-lands/

12/08/2026

🐾 It’s National Dog Month! 🐾

Celebrate your favorite four-legged adventurer with an official Theodore Roosevelt National Park Bark Ranger tag, available at Badlands Outpost, 350 Main Street in Medora, or online at www.shoptrnha.org.

Already have a Bark Ranger? Share a photo in the comments—we’d love to see your adventure pups! 🐶🏞️

Theodore Roosevelt National Park US Bark Rangers