White Horse Hill National Game Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White Horse Hill National Game Preserve |
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Landscape at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
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| Location | Benson County, North Dakota, USA |
| Area | 1,674 acres (6.77 km2) |
| Established | 1904 as Sullys Hill Park |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is a special place for wildlife and nature in Benson County, North Dakota. It sits right on the shore of Devils Lake, inside the Spirit Lake Tribe reservation. This preserve is a type of National Wildlife Refuge, which means it's a protected area for animals and plants. Its name in the Dakota language is Šúŋkawakháŋ Ská Pahá. It used to be called Sullys Hill National Game Preserve.
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History of White Horse Hill Preserve
This special area was first set aside in 1904. Back then, it was called Sullys Hill Park. President Theodore Roosevelt helped make it an official park. At that time, the idea of a "national park" wasn't quite clear. This park was smaller than other famous national parks and didn't have huge landmarks.
How the Preserve Changed Over Time
During the Great Depression (a time in the 1930s when many people didn't have jobs or money), the United States Congress made a big change. On March 3, 1931, they decided the park would be managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This group helps protect wildlife. The area then became a wildlife refuge. Even though it's a refuge, the Spirit Lake Tribe still has special rights to fish and hunt there. White Horse Hill is one of only seven national parks that have ever been officially "disbanded" or changed from being a national park.
Why the Name White Horse Hill?
The preserve was originally named after General Alfred Sully. He was a military leader whose actions caused harm to the Dakota people. In May 2019, the Spirit Lake Tribal council asked the government to change the name. They wanted a name that was meaningful and positive for their people. They suggested "White Horse Hill" (Sunka Wakan Ska Pa Ha). This name comes from important historical events that are sacred to the Dakota people. In December 2019, Congress officially changed the name to White Horse Hill. This new name reflects a positive part of Dakota culture and history.
Explore Nature at White Horse Hill
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve covers about 1,674 acres. That's like 6.8 square kilometers! This land is a mix of different habitats. You can find mixed grass prairie (grassy plains), marshes (wetlands), and wooded hills. This variety of habitats means many different animals and plants can live here.
Amazing Wildlife You Can See
The preserve is home to many animals. You might spot 20 to 30 American bison roaming around. There are also about 25 to 40 elk and 20 to 30 white-tailed deer. Look closely, and you might even see a colony of prairie dogs! Many different kinds of birds, insects, and plants also live in this protected area.
Visitor Center and Fun Activities
The preserve has a visitor center that is open during certain times of the year. Inside, you'll find an exhibit hall with models of North Dakota animals. These displays show animals in their natural homes, like prairies, wetlands, and forests. The center also has classrooms for learning and a book store.
The White Horse Hill National Game Preserve offers many fun and educational programs. School groups can come for special lessons. There are public workshops where you can learn new things. You can also join guided nature hikes to explore the preserve or go on bird-watching walks. During the summer, there are youth programs, and throughout the year, you can learn about conservation.
