Have you ever seen a prairie dog? Most people have likely heard of the large rodents that are known for popping in and out of holes in the ground. They live in huge colonies and make massive networks of underground tunnels out on the prairie, hence the name. North Dakota has its own fair share of these creatures, and you can experience them yourself by taking a trail that’ll bring you right into the middle of a giant prairie dog town.

Venture to the North Unit of North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a gorgeous patch of badlands near Watford City.
Steve1362/Tripadvisor
There are many scenic trails within the North Unit but one in particular is popular with visitors. It's the Buckhorn Trail, a 1.5-mile trail off of the Caprock Coulee Trailhead.
Steve1362/Tripadvisor
The trail will take you down from the gorgeous painted canyons into a wide open grassy space dotted with burrows. The sign warns visitors not to feed the prairie dogs, so be sure to keep your snacks to yourself.
David Goehring/Flickr

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You'll be right in the middle of a lively prairie dog town and it won't take long for you to spot one of the animals popping up from out of one of the holes.
Nic McPhee/Flickr
The town is home to many prairie dogs, young and old, and you'll be treated to quite the show of them going about their daily business.
Steve1362/Tripadvisor
You'll definitely want to spend some time there, observing their behavior and maybe snapping a few photos, but also because it's highly likely other animal visitors will come along.
Steve1362/Tripadvisor
Don't be surprised if you find coyotes, bison, wild horses, or other animals hanging out in the same area. Hiking this trail is like taking a prairie safari - and it's worth it!
Steve1362/Tripadvisor

The Buckhorn Trail is located within the North Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, found near Watford City, North Dakota. For more information on this trail and others within the park, click here.

Have you ever seen a prairie dog town before? The North Dakota prairie isn’t a stranger to them. Did you know that you can also see wild horses in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Read more about them right here.

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