New National Park in North Dakota to Preserve Culture and Promote Recreation
BISMARCK, N.D. — The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation has unveiled the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park, a new 2,100-acre site nestled in North Dakota’s stunning Badlands. This area, once part of the tribe’s original treaty lands, was reacquired to promote cultural preservation and outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Tribal Chairman Mark Fox emphasized the park’s significance, saying it represents a reclamation of their historical lands. Park Superintendent Ethan White Calfe assured visitors of careful planning aimed at restoring the land to its natural state, focusing on native prairie and soil restoration.
Currently in a soft opening phase, the park is accessible to hikers via online permits. By summer’s end, officials aim to complete 10 miles of trails, with future plans for a visitor center and a campground.
Fredericks, director of the tribe’s Parks and Reserve Program, noted that the park could serve as a gateway for tourists, enhancing the local economy through sustainable tourism. As part of a long-term vision, the tribe hopes to create a space that embodies their history while promoting environmental preservation for generations to come.
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