7 Best Places to See Prairie Dogs in America’s Grasslands and Beyond

Few wildlife encounters are as unexpectedly delightful as watching a colony of prairie dogs in action. These small, social rodents—native to the grasslands of North America—are endlessly entertaining to watch as they pop in and out of burrows, chirp to one another, and stand on alert like little sentinels of the prairie.

Sadly, prairie dog populations have declined dramatically over the past century due to habitat loss, eradication efforts, and the spread of urban development. Often labeled as pests by ranchers, prairie dogs are actually keystone species—meaning many other animals, like burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, and badgers, depend on them for survival.

Fortunately, there are still a number of protected places across the United States where visitors can see healthy prairie dog colonies thriving in their natural habitat. If you’ve ever wanted to watch these adorable “barking” rodents in the wild, here are some of the best places to see prairie dogs in the U.S.

Best Places to See Prairie Dogs in the U.S.

1. Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

At the base of Wyoming’s striking Devils Tower, one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks, you’ll find one of the most photogenic prairie dog towns in the West. The colony sprawls across the grasslands near the park entrance road, where hundreds of prairie dogs can be seen darting between burrows, chirping in alarm, or standing upright to survey the landscape beneath the looming monolith.

Watching their lively behavior with Devils Tower rising dramatically in the background makes this one of the most memorable wildlife-viewing experiences in the United States. For many visitors, seeing these charming animals is a highlight of their trip—right alongside viewing the famous rock formation itself.

The main prairie dog town sits along the park road between the entrance station and the visitor center, so you can’t miss it! Pull into one of the designated turnouts to safely watch all the action, and if you’re lucky, you might also spot other wildlife among the grasslands, such as a fox hunting for prairie dogs—a quintessential Great Plains scene.

2. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is easily one of the best—and most reliable—places in the United States to see prairie dogs in the wild. Home to some of the largest and most active colonies in the country, the park is teeming with these charismatic little creatures.

Their high-pitched “barks” echo across the mixed-grass prairie as they pop in and out of burrow entrances, stand upright to survey for predators, and dash off in bursts of energy to greet one another.

Seeing them up close in this rugged, otherworldly landscape is a highlight for many visitors and a reminder of how lively the Great Plains ecosystem once was before much of it disappeared to agriculture and development.

The best places to view prairie dogs in Badlands National Park are along Sage Creek Rim Road and at Roberts Prairie Dog Town, both located in the park’s western section. These areas are filled with hundreds of burrows and offer excellent photo opportunities. You can often spot them right from your car, making this one of the most accessible wildlife experiences in the park.

3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the most underrated wildlife destinations in the Great Plains—and a paradise for prairie dog enthusiasts. The park protects large tracts of mixed-grass prairie across its North and South Units, where prairie dogs thrive alongside bison, elk, and wild horses.

Their towns are lively places, filled with the sound of chirps and the sight of little heads popping in and out of burrows. Watching them go about their daily routines amid the park’s colorful badlands scenery gives visitors a glimpse into what this landscape looked like before settlement and agriculture fragmented the prairie.

Prairie dogs can be seen in both the North Unit and the South Unit, though the most accessible colonies are found in the South Unit near the Painted Canyon Overlook and along the Scenic Loop Drive. Pullouts along the road provide viewing opportunities, often within just a few feet of the animals.

In the North Unit, smaller colonies can be found near the Buckhorn Trail and Oxbow Overlook. Early morning and evening are the best times to watch them when they’re most active above ground. As you observe their busy interactions, keep an eye out for other species that depend on prairie dog towns—such as burrowing owls, badgers, and the occasional coyote on the hunt.

4. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park is another South Dakota gem where prairie dogs are easy to spot and abundant. While the park is best known for its intricate underground cave system, its vast expanses of mixed-grass prairie above ground are equally impressive—and alive with the chatter and movement of prairie dog colonies.

These small but mighty animals are a key part of the park’s ecosystem, aerating the soil and providing habitat for other species like burrowing owls and black-footed ferrets. Visitors often find themselves just as captivated by the energetic prairie dogs scurrying across the grasslands as they are by the park’s geological wonders below.

The best places to see prairie dogs in Wind Cave National Park are along Highway 385, Rankin Ridge, and the Wind Cave Canyon Trail. Colonies are visible right from the road, so you don’t have to hike far to enjoy the show.

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography and the most activity. Because these towns are within protected park boundaries, visitors can observe natural prairie dog behavior up close without disturbing them—just remember to stay on designated roads or trails and resist the temptation to feed them.

5. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska

Tucked away in north-central Nebraska near the town of Valentine, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most peaceful and underrated places to see prairie dogs in their natural habitat. Once a frontier military outpost, the refuge now protects over 19,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, river valleys, and sandhills.

Today, it’s managed as a sanctuary for native Great Plains wildlife—including bison, elk, and, of course, bustling colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs. Their chirping calls and constant activity bring the grasslands to life, offering visitors a window into how this ecosystem once functioned when vast prairies stretched unbroken across the American heartland.

Prairie dogs here are easy to spot from the refuge’s scenic drive, particularly in the open grasslands north of the visitor contact station. Pullouts along the road provide safe viewing spots, and interpretive signs help visitors learn more about the animals and their role as a keystone species.

Because Fort Niobrara sees few visitors, it’s a great place to enjoy a quieter, more natural wildlife-watching experience. Bring binoculars for the best view—you might also catch sight of bison grazing nearby or raptors circling overhead in search of prey.

Combined with the refuge’s waterfalls and scenic overlooks, the prairie dog towns here make Fort Niobrara a hidden gem for nature lovers exploring Nebraska’s wild side.

6. Cimarron National Grassland, Kansas

Located in the remote southwest corner of Kansas, Cimarron National Grassland protects more than 100,000 acres of shortgrass prairie—the largest tract of public land in the state and one of the last places where you can still experience the open plains much as they existed a century ago.

Here, prairie dogs thrive in their natural environment, living alongside pronghorn, coyotes, badgers, and a remarkable diversity of birds. The expansive views and sense of solitude make watching prairie dogs here feel especially authentic—there are no crowds, no roadside pullouts, just you, the wind, and the sound of chirps echoing across the grassland.

You can see prairie dog colonies scattered throughout the park, but some of the most accessible can be found along the Prairie Dog Town Trail, near the Cimarron River, and in the northwestern section near Road 700. The U.S. Forest Service manages the land to preserve its native prairie ecosystem, and visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully, staying on established roads and trails.

Cimarron is also one of the few places where black-footed ferrets—one of North America’s rarest mammals—have been reintroduced to hunt among prairie dog colonies, restoring an ancient predator-prey relationship. For travelers seeking a quieter, wilder encounter with America’s grasslands, Cimarron National Grassland offers a glimpse into the heart of the prairie as it once was.

7. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado

Just ten miles from downtown Denver, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge offers one of the easiest opportunities to see prairie dogs in the wild. Once the site of a military manufacturing facility, this reclaimed landscape has been transformed into a thriving refuge for native wildlife.

Today, bison roam freely across the grasslands, bald eagles nest in cottonwood trees, and black-tailed prairie dogs have established numerous healthy colonies throughout the park. For many visitors, watching these energetic little mammals pop in and out of their burrows is a highlight of the refuge—proof that nature can rebound spectacularly when given the chance.

Prairie dogs are visible throughout much of the refuge, but some of the best viewing areas are along the 11-mile Wildlife Drive, especially near Lake Mary, Lake Ladora, and the Prairie Dog Loop Trail. Pullouts and short walking trails make it easy to observe them without disturbing their colonies.

Because of the refuge’s proximity to the city, it’s a great spot for families or anyone short on time who still wants to experience a slice of wild prairie life. The refuge is a shining example of urban conservation done right—a place where both people and prairie dogs can coexist on the edge of a major metropolis.

Tips for Watching Prairie Dogs Respectfully

• Keep your distance. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for photos.
• Don’t feed them. Human food can harm them and disrupt their behavior.
• Be patient. Sit quietly and you’ll see all kinds of fun interactions.

Why Prairie Dogs Are Important to the Ecosystem

Prairie dogs may be small, but their role in the ecosystem is huge. Their burrows aerate the soil, promote plant growth, and create shelter for other animals. They’re a vital food source for predators and help maintain the balance of grassland habitats. In short, prairie dogs are proof that sometimes the tiniest animals have the biggest impact.