Sheyenne National Grassland

The great plains were nearly obliterated as much of the American West was plowed under, but in a few places this unique landscape was preserved for the enjoyment of outdoor explorers. Sheyenne National Grasslands represents just one of these places, and it is a trip into the past when Americans pushed westward across open prairie into unknwon territory. As you walk the trail out to Mirror Pond, you'll get wide open vistas with the grass gently swishing in the wind as a backdrop. Small stands of gnarled burr oak dot the landscape and provide some relief from the sun and heat. Prairie chickens and white tail deer make up most of the wildlife, but keep an ear out for howling coyotes come sundown. If you've never thought about backpacking accross a grassland, maybe it's time you did.