Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Location	Saskatchewan
Nearest city	Swift Current, Assiniboia
Area	907 km²
Established	1981
Governing body	Parks Canada

Grasslands National Park is one of the Canada's newer national parks, located in southern Saskatchewan, and one of 43 parks and park reserves in Canada's national park system. The system aims to protect representative areas of the country's 39 natural regions. Grasslands National Park represents the Prairie Grasslands natural region, protecting one of the nation's only remaining areas of undisturbed mixed prairie grassland. The unique landscape and harsh climate provide niches for several specially adapted plants and animals. The park and surrounding area house the country's only Black-Tailed Prairie Dog colonies. Other rare and endangered species that can be found in the park include the Pronghorn Antelope, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Rattlesnake, and Greater Short-Horned Lizard.Grasslands National Park has successfully reintroduced three extirpated species; Swift Fox, Plains Bison and the Black Footed Ferret.

Glacial meltwater erosion formed many of the park's characteristic features. Highlights of the park's geological landscape include the Frenchman River Valley, the 70 Mile Butte, the Badlands of Rock Creek. The park consists of two separate blocks. The West Block (near Val Marie) represents the Frenchman River Valley and is excellent for viewing wildlife. The East Block (near Wood Mountain) represents the Badlands and all of the secrets in hides...

In 1874 Sir George Mercer Dawson discovered western Canada's first dinosaur remains in the Badlands of Rock Creek during the International Boundary Survey. Later, in 1877, Sitting Bull took refuge in the area with around 5000 Sioux after the defeat of Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn.First Nations teepee rings and settler homesteads from the turn of the century can be found throughout the park.

Hiking and horseback riding are excellent ways to explore the park. Other highlights include Ecotour Road - a self guided driving tour and the Two Trees Interpretive Hiking Trail. There is an interpretive centre located in the nearby town of Val Marie. School group programs and guided hikes are offered throughout the high season.

Accomodations in the park consist of backcountry camping and an unserviced campground can be found in both blocks in the park. The Village of Val Marie and other neighbouring villages have serviced campgrounds. Privately run Bed and Breakfasts, hotels and campgrounds can be found in Val Marie and other nearby towns.

Its alternate official name is Parc national des Prairies in French.

See also

• National Parks of Canada
• List of National Parks of Canada
• List of Saskatchewan parks

References

• Parks Canada Grasslands National Park website
• Val Marie Village website
• Parks Canada website
• Friends of the Grasslands - Prairie Winds and Silver Sage Website