Bruneau Dunes State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bruneau Dunes State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Bruneau sand dunes and lake
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 Bruneau Dunes State Park
Location in Idaho
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Owyhee County, Idaho, United States |
| Nearest city | Mountain Home, Idaho |
| Area | 4,800 acres (19 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,470 ft (750 m) |
| Designation | Idaho state park |
| Established | 1967 |
| Administrator | Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Bruneau Dunes State Park |
Bruneau Dunes State Park is a fantastic place in Idaho, United States. It's known for its huge sand dunes and pretty lakes. You can find it northeast of Bruneau and about 15 miles south of Mountain Home.
This state park is home to North America's tallest single sand dune. It stands about 470 feet high! The park covers a large area of 4,800 acres. It also has the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, where visitors can use a telescope to look at the stars.
Contents
Natural Wonders of the Park
How the Dunes Formed
The sand dunes at Bruneau are very special. Most dunes in North America form at the edge of a natural bowl. But the Bruneau dunes grow right in the middle of a basin. This basin has been collecting sand for over 12,000 years!
The sand might have come from a huge flood. This flood, called the Bonneville Flood, happened about 15,000 years ago. Strong winds blow from the southeast and northwest. These winds help the dunes stay in place. This means the dunes do not move around much, unlike many other sand dunes.
Animals and Plants
Bruneau Dunes State Park has many different types of places for animals and plants. You can find desert areas, sand dunes, and grassy prairies. There are also lakes and marshy wetlands.
You might see desert animals here. Birds of prey, like hawks and eagles, also live in the park. Many different kinds of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, can be found near the lakes.
Park History
The land for Bruneau Dunes State Park was bought in May 1967. More land was added in 1980 and 1984. This brought the park's total size to 4,800 acres.
Fun Things to Do
Bruneau Dunes State Park offers many exciting activities. You can try sandboarding down the dunes. Fishing in the small lake is also popular. Many people enjoy watching birds or going camping. There are also great trails for hiking.
Dune Activities
You are allowed to climb and sled on the dunes. However, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the sand. This helps keep the dunes safe and natural.
Trails and Learning
If you like horseback riding, there are 7-mile and 9-mile trails. These trails go all around the dunes. The park also has an educational center. Here, you can learn about the park's natural history. There is also a gift shop.
Stargazing and Camping
The astronomical observatory is a highlight of the park. It is open on Friday and Saturday evenings. You can visit from mid-March through mid-October. It's a great place to learn about stargazing.
The park has two campgrounds: Eagle Cove Campground and Broken Wheel Campground. They are open all year. You can choose from 82 RV sites with water and electricity. There are also 32 standard camping sites. If you bring horses, there is a special overnight facility with corrals.
Water Fun
Fishing for bass and bluegill is popular in the park's small lake. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the water. This includes canoes, rafts, and float tubes.
