Little Missouri State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Missouri State Park |
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 Little Missouri State Park
Location in North Dakota
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| Location | Dunn County, North Dakota, United States |
| Nearest city | Killdeer, North Dakota |
| Area | 6,492.93 acres (2,627.60 ha) |
| Designation | North Dakota state park |
| Established | 1971 |
| Administrator | North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department |
| Website | Little Missouri State Park |
Little Missouri State Park is a large outdoor area in North Dakota, USA. It covers over 6,000 acres of land. The park is located on the western side of the Little Missouri River. It's also close to where the river meets Lake Sakakawea. You can find it about 10 miles north of a town called Killdeer. This park is a great place for outdoor adventures.
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Exploring Little Missouri State Park
What Makes the Park Special?
Most of Little Missouri State Park has a special kind of land called badlands. Badlands are dry areas with soft rocks that have been shaped by wind and water. This creates amazing hills, canyons, and other cool landforms. Because of this unique land, much of the park can only be reached by following its trails.
The park was officially created in 1971. It is managed by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. Even though it's a state park, much of its land is actually leased. This means the park uses land owned by the government and private people.
Trails and Activities
Little Missouri State Park is a fantastic place for people who love to explore. It has more than 45 miles of trails. These trails are perfect for both hiking and horseback riding.
The park also offers campgrounds. You can set up a tent or bring your horse for an overnight stay. It's a wonderful way to experience the quiet beauty of the badlands.
Protecting the Park's Beauty
Since 2011, there have been oil drilling operations near the park. Some of these operations are even on land within the park itself. This has sometimes changed how visitors experience the park.
To help protect the park's natural views, an oil company called ConocoPhillips worked with the park. In 2015, they agreed to move some trails. This way, hikers and riders can still enjoy the park without being too close to the well sites. The company paid for these changes.
In 2016, the Governor of North Dakota, Jack Dalrymple, asked oil drillers to be careful. He wanted them to try their best to keep the park's beautiful views looking natural. This shows how important it is to balance energy needs with protecting our natural places.
