Plan your visit with this Theodore Roosevelt National Park
This Theodore Roosevelt National Park travel guide helps you plan a first visit without spending hours figuring out which part of the park to see and what is actually worth your vacation time. The landscape surprised me with its colorful badlands, winding Little Missouri River, prairie dog towns, petrified wood, and wide-open grasslands where bison and wild horses can appear right beside the road.
You will find what not to miss, how much time you need, where to stay, and how to choose between the South and North Units. I’ve also included the experiences that make this park memorable, from watching prairie dogs pop out of their burrows and looking for bison along the scenic drives to hiking through the badlands and ending the day with sunset at Wind Canyon.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park at a Glance
Location: Western North Dakota
How much time: 1 full day for the South Unit; 2 days for both major units
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall
Three areas: South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Best for first-time visitors: South Unit
Best scenic drive: South Unit scenic drive
Best North Unit viewpoints: River Bend Overlook and Oxbow Overlook
Best short hike: Wind Canyon Trail
Best wildlife: Bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep
Best sunset: Wind Canyon
Best longer hike: Petrified Forest Loop
Where to stay: Medora for the South Unit; Watford City for the North Unit
Good to know: The North and South Units are about 70 minutes apart
Before you go: Check current road, trail, wildfire, and weather conditions
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide
Top 10 Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
1. Drive through the South Unit badlands
2. Look for bison and wild horses
3. Watch a prairie dog town
4. Hike the Wind Canyon Trail
5. Drive the North Unit Scenic Drive
6. Stop at River Bend Overlook
7. See the view from Oxbow Overlook
8. Hike among petrified wood
9. Visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin
10. Watch the sunset over the Little Missouri Badlands
Where is Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is 70,000 acres in western North Dakota. It stretches alongside the Little Missouri River. The park is split into three units: the South Unit (off I-94), the North Unit (off Hwy 85), and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit (off I-94). The North Unit is located one hour north of the South Unit off US-85. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits in the Grassland between the North and South units and was once Roosevelt’s ranch. The roads are not well maintained and you will need a 4WD vehicle to visit the area.
How to Get to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
There are no major airports near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and no public transportation into the park. Driving distances and times from nearby destinations:
- Bismarck, North Dakota: 135 miles, 2 hours
- Rapid City, South Dakota: 240 miles, 4 hours
- Billings, Montana: 280 miles, 4 hours
- Devils Tower, Wyoming: 230 miles, 3.5 hours
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located on Interstate 94 near Medora, Belfield, and Dickinson. The South Unit is the most popular area; it is about 48,000 acres and contains a 36-mile scenic loop road. You will find a scenic drive through prairie dog towns in the South unit.
The North Unit is a one-hour drive from Belfield on Hwy 85. The North Unit has a 28-mile scenic drive through Badlands with several scenic overlooks. It is common to see bison, bighorn sheep, and moose in the North unit.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Entrance Fees and Park Hours
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours every day, year-round. A standard park pass is $30 for 7 days. If you are visiting several parks over the course of a year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass for unlimited access to all of the U.S. National Parks.
How Many Days Do I Need at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
It is possible to see the main sights of both the North and South units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in one day. Add an extra day if you would like to take one of the hikes.
Where to Camp at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
There are two campgrounds in the park. Cottonwood Campground is in the South unit. It is open all year and accepts reservations. Juniper Campground is located in the North unit. It is also open all year but water is shut off in the winter. Juniper is first come first served. Backcountry camping permits are available through the ranger station.
Accommodation near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The western-themed town of Medora North Dakota is the closest town to the park. The nearby town of Dickinson has a large selection of hotels. If you are continuing your road trip into South Dakota, consider staying in the town of Bowman. I continued on to Mount Rushmore and stayed at the Bowman Lodge & Convention Center. It was the perfect distance for the end of the travel day and the hotel had a restaurant for a quick dinner.
Facts About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Theodore Roosevelt was made a national park on November 10, 1978.
- 800,000 people visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park each year.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only National Park named after a person.
- The park is home to bison, elk, wild horses, mules, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, badgers, porcupines, and prairie dogs.
- According to geologists, these badlands were once a dense, swampy forest.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park has the third-largest concentration of petrified wood.
Best Time of Year to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The summer season runs from May through September with average temperatures in the 70-80s. Mid-summer temperatures can reach the 90s, and the park has little shade. There is a chance of thunderstorms and nights are cold. It is almost certain the park will be windy. Spring brings rain showers and baby bison. Cottonwood trees turn gold in the Fall. Snow can begin to fall as early as October. Winters are cold and blizzards are common. Side roads close as does most of the town of Medora. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular winter park activities.
Where to eat at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
There are no restaurants in the park, so be sure to bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water.
Things to Do at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Roosevelt National Park North Unit
- Drive the 14-mile Scenic Loop Drive watching for the herd of longhorn steer.
- Photograph the Cannonball Concretions.
- Check out the view of the Badlands from the River Bend Overlook and the Oxbow Overlook.
- Roosevelt National Park South Unit
- Check out the view from the deck at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center.
- Watch the visitor center film about Theodore Roosevelt’s time in North Dakota.
- Visit Theodore Roosevelt’s first North Dakota cabin.
- Take a tour of Theodore Roosevelt’s ranching cabin.
- Drive the 36-mile scenic loop.
- Watch the sunset on the Wind Canyon Trail.
- Photograph the wild horses, bison and prairie dogs.
- Go horseback riding on the park’s back country trails.
- Take a walk through the Petrified Forest.
- Spend some time in Medora and watch the famous musical.
Best Viewpoints in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
South Unit: Painted Canyon Visitor Center
North Unit: River Bend Overlook and the Oxbow Overlook
Popular Trails and Hikes at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit
- Boicourt Trail: 0.3 mile
- Wind Canyon Trail: 0.4 mile
- Ridgeline Trail: 0.6 mile
- Coal Vein Trail: 0.8 mile loop
- Painted Canyon Nature Trail: 0.9 mile loop
- Petrified Forest Loop: 10.3 miles
- Jones/Talkington/Paddock Loop: 11.4 miles
- Upper Paddock/Talkington Loop: 15.4 miles
Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
- Little Mo Nature Trail: 1.4 mile loop
- Caprock Coulee Nature Trail: 1.4 mile round trip
- Sperati Point: 2 miles round trip
- Prairie Dog Town: 2 miles round trip
How to Spend the Perfect Day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
7 am Drive the scenic loop in the North Loop stopping at the overviews
9 am Hike through Prairie Dog Town
10 am Drive to the South Loop stopping at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center on the way
Noon Continue to Medora for lunch and shopping
2 pm Drive the South Loop stopping at the scenic overviews
4 pm Explore the Petrified Forest
6 pm return to Medora for dinner and the Medora Musical show
Things to Do Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Deadwood South Dakota
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Custer State Park and the Needles Scenic Drive
- Badlands National Park And Wall Drug
Tips for Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- The North and South Units are in different time zones. The North Unit is central and the South Unit is mountain time.
- There are no gas stations in the park, fill up before you arrive.
- The only restroom facilities in the park are at the visitor centers and the campgrounds.
- Trailheads are poorly marked and many markers have been knocked down by bison.
- Pets must be leashed and are not allowed on trails.
- Don’t rely on cell phone service, download the park map from the National Park Service app in advance.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and bug spray for this trip.
- Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour, keep your distance.
- For safety, stay close to others when hiking alone, groups of 3+ are best.
- Wildlife is wild; by law, you must stay at least 25 yards from bison, wild horses, elk, pronghorns, and moose.
- Practice Leave No Trace Principles
- Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass and keep exploring National Parks
- Check with the National Park Service for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
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