Exploring the National Parks · Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Ash explains the unique geological origins of the North Dakota badlands, shaped by ancient glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and floods over millions of years. This rugged landscape was personally significant to Theodore Roosevelt, becoming the site where he developed his love for the wild and leading to the establishment of the national park.
“The badlands of North Dakota were formed due to a unique combination of glaciers from the north, mountains and volcanoes from the west, and rivers and floods from the south.”
“And I think that's why it's so interesting that Teddy Roosevelt National Park is in North Dakota.”
“And he really did love the wild and he really did want to protect it.”