Known for its scenic vistas and unique habitat, the Grand River National Grasslands are a distinctive part of the American landscape, and even the iconic explorers Lewis and Clark expressed awe when they beheld the Grasslands for the first time. Located in northwestern South Dakota, the area is composed of 155,000 acres characterized by rolling hills and wide-open skies. The lack of trees and the expansive nature of the plains were different from what the Corps of Discovery would have been accustomed to in the Eastern United States. The novelty and beauty of the area was certainly not lost on Lewis, who declared that the grasslands were “one of the most beautiful and picturesque scenes that I ever beheld.”

In addition to its picturesque nature, the Grand River National Grasslands are also noteworthy due the area’s wide variety of flora and fauna. The members of the expedition encountered several “new” species while traversing the plains. The men recorded these first encounters in their journals, and countless entries describe animals such as bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs, as well as various plants. Many of these descriptions convey a tone of wonder. One man remarked on the “immense herds of buffalo, deer, [and] elk…in every direction feeding on the hills and plains,” and the presence of so many species in such large numbers caused many to describe the plains as a “Garden of Eden.” Today, the National Grasslands enable visitors to view a wide variety of wild life while also offering outdoor recreational activities that enable guests to experience this American “garden of Eden” to the fullest.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Ashley Goethe.