Explore the breathtaking nature and culture of North Dakota, where you can experience the unique landscape of the North Dakota Badlands and discover the stories of ranching and farming pioneers.
Explore the breathtaking nature and culture of North Dakota, where you can experience the unique landscape of the North Dakota Badlands and discover the stories of ranching and farming pioneers.
Lillian Crook was raised on a Badlands ranching property in North Dakota, south of Bullion Butte, along the banks of the West Fork of Deep Creek (which flows into the Little Missouri River at the Logging Camp Ranch). She has cherished her love for the Badlands throughout her life. Her grandparents and parents have farmed and ranched in Slope County since the early 20th century. After graduating with honors from Rhame High School, Lillian earned her degree from North Dakota’s Dickinson State University and later received her Master of Library Science from Vanderbilt University. She worked as a librarian at both Dickinson State and Vanderbilt’s Peabody Education Library and eventually volunteered as the Museum Technician for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Lillian served as the President of the North Dakota Library Association, is a proud member of Beta Phi Mu, and a Fellow of Humanities ND. With a passion for both nature and culture, she has read countless books and has contributed her time to various boards, including the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association, St. John Lutheran Church Council, ND Library Vision 2000, and Humanities ND. During her time in Slope County, she was the piano accompanist for the band and choir at Rhame High School, sang in the choir, and played the piano and organ at the Lutheran church in Rhame. This was one of her first paying jobs, along with occasional recitals at Bethany Lutheran and Mound Church. Growing up, she assisted with chickens, cattle, and horses, gardening, and other assorted farm chores while actively participating in school clubs and 4-H. She also worked as a dental assistant in Bowman, where her mother was a nurse at the hospital. Her college jobs included positions at Hardees, a record store, a bookstore, and Badlands Bible Camp, in addition to work-study at Stoxen Library, where she helped countless students, staff, and faculty with their research. Lillian is a founder and lifetime board member of the Badlands Conservation Alliance, a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the wild landscapes of North Dakota. She has a collection of maps of North Dakota, including topographic maps for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and her traveling friends and family admire her extensive knowledge of the backroads of western ND and its flora and fauna. Her ND ancestors, including her maternal great-grandparents, grandparents, and mother, are all buried at Tuttle Cemetery, near Marmarth, ND. Her daughters share her love for the wild landscapes and critters, including birds. Currently, Lillian volunteers at the ND Heritage Center, enjoys traveling, hiking, birdwatching, cooking, gardening, reading more books, and occasionally caring for her great-niece, baby Lily. While she can no longer play the flute, she still enjoys playing the family piano.
You can send me a message or ask me a general question using this form about Badlands ranching or even share your thoughts on Lillian Crook and her connection to nature and culture. I will do my best to get back to you soon!
Bismarck, N.D., USA
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Wild Dakota Woman
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