Pros & cons
PROS
- Abundant, active black‑tailed prairie dogs at easy viewing distances
- Easy access: roadside pullouts (South Unit) or a short, flat hike (North Unit)
CONS
- Exposed and often windy; hot and buggy in summer
- Bison sometimes use the trail; you may need to detour or turn back
Overview
Prairie Dog Town is exactly what it sounds like: a lively colony of black‑tailed prairie dogs chattering, popping up on burrow mounds, and hustling around their neighborhood. It’s one of the park’s most reliable wildlife stops and a hit with kids and photographers alike.
Where to See Them
- South Unit: The scenic loop road passes several large prairie dog towns, so you can watch them right from roadside pullouts—no hiking required.
- North Unit: Follow signs from the Caprock Coulee parking area to a prairie dog town via a short, flat segment of the Buckhorn Trail (about a mile from the lot). The Caprock Coulee trailhead has a parking lot and a restroom.
What You’ll See
Expect hundreds of closely spaced burrows with “lookouts” posted on mounds and constant bark‑like calls. The colony supports a broader cast: bison often graze nearby, and coyotes, badgers, snakes, and raptors hunt the edges. Give everyone space and enjoy the show with binoculars or a zoom lens.
Etiquette and Safety
- Keep at least 25 yards from all wildlife. Prairie dogs may bite and can carry fleas that transmit plague.
- Never feed them—human food harms wildlife.
- If bison are on the path, give them a very wide berth or turn back.
Trail and Conditions Notes (North Unit)
The approach is mostly flat but exposed. In summer it can be hot, windy, and buggy, and grasses can be overgrown after rains. Wear long pants, bring water, and use sun and insect protection.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Prairie dogs are social, vocal, and endlessly entertaining. Their colonies are ecological hubs that draw in other wildlife, so a quick stop often turns into a longer, rewarding watch.
Best Time to Visit
April–September offers the easiest conditions. Dawn and dusk are prime for photography and animal activity (including predators and raptors). In the South Unit, early morning beats the heat on the loop road; in the North Unit, start early from Caprock Coulee for cooler temps and calmer winds.
Where it is
46.9328, -103.5143Tips for Prairie Dog Town
- 01Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to stay back and still get close views.
- 02For the North Unit, start at Caprock Coulee and follow signs to Prairie Dog Town.
- 03Go at dawn or dusk for the most activity and chances of other wildlife.
- 04If bison block the path, detour widely or turn around—don’t push it.
- 05Pack water, sun protection, and bug spray; the area is exposed.
Amenities
Near Prairie Dog Town
All places →All trails →
0.8 mi awaySkyline VistaQuick paved stroll to sweeping Little Missouri badlands viewsEasy · 0.2 mi · 10 min
0.9 mi awaySkyline VistaTiny paved walk to big Little Missouri badlands viewsTrailhead · Parking
1.1 mi awayMedora OverlookQuick pullout with town views near the South Unit entrancePullout · Parking
1.2 mi awayMaltese Cross CabinRoosevelt’s ranch cabin steps from the South Unit visitor centerExhibit · Parking
1.3 mi awaySouth Unit Entrance SignClassic park sign with a badlands backdrop for a quick photoPullout · Scenic Viewpoint
1.9 mi awayLone Tree LoopBadlands loop with big views, wildlife, and a Little Missouri fordChallenging · 9.6 mi · 5.5 hr
1.9 mi awayBig Plateau LoopBadlands views with a spicy river ford and bison on the plateauModerate · 5.2 mi · 2.5 hr
3.9 mi awayPaddock Creek TrailWildlife-rich badlands walk with frequent creek crossingsModerate · 10.6 mi · 4.5 hr
