Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Escape, Explore & Experience the Badlands
When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.
The park is comprised of three separate areas of land. The North and South Units feature scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, visitors’ centers, ranger-led programs and much more. The undeveloped Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the site of Roosevelt’s ‘home ranch’ in a remote area along the Little Missouri River.
More INFORMATION
Open Year-round
7 Day Vehicle Pass
$30.00 + taxes
Annual Pass
$55.00 + taxes
Plan your Visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Park Hours:
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The North Unit operates on Central time, while the South Unit operates on Mountain time. Portions of the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive and North Unit Scenic Road may be closed in winter due to snow and ice. Check the status of the park roads.
Entrance Fees & Passes:
PRIVATE VEHICLE: $30 – Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
ANNUAL ENTRANCE: $55 – The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: $80 – Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and more.
Visitor Center & Hours
The South Unit visitor center hours vary by season. Summer hours are 8:30am – 5:30pm mst. See more hours at nps.gov.
At the visitor center rangers can assist with trip planning, and issue backcountry permits. Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin, located just outside, is open for self-guided tours year-round. Ranger-led cabin tours are offered in the summer. The park film, Refuge of the American Spirit, is shown in the theater. A bookstore sells books, postcards, and more. A museum houses artifacts from Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and time in the Badlands.
Directions from Medora:
SOUTH UNIT: 0 miles – The South Unit entrance and visitor center is located in Medora at 315 2nd Ave.
PAINTED CANYON: 7 miles – East of Medora at exit 32 off of Interstate 94.
NORTH UNIT: 68 miles – Take I94 East to Exit 42 at Belfield, ND. The North Unit entrance and visitor center is 50 miles north on Highway 85.
ELKHORN RANCH UNIT: 46 miles – Roosevelt chose the location of his Elkhorn Ranch largely because of its remoteness. Accessing the unit sometimes requires 4-wheel drive and/or a high-clearance vehicle. Learn more about getting to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit at nps.gov.
What to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Wildlife
Wildlife abounds at TRNP! The park’s prairie ecosystem is teeming with fauna and flora.
The south unit is home to a herd of approximately 300 American bison and a historic demonstration herd of feral horses. Plus see elk, coyotes, prairie dogs and more.
Stop by the visitor’s center for the most up-to-date information about wildlife sightings.
Scenic Drive
The easiest way to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in your private vehicle. The south unit features a 36-mile loop road that winds through the badlands and past the park’s most popular features.
Check www.nps.gov/thro for up-to-date road conditions as they work to repair erosion damage.
Hiking
Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit holds approximately 100 miles of hiking trails that wind through the badlands.
Trails range from wheelchair accessible overlook paths, to the wild and rugged Maah Dah Hey.
Camping
The South Unit has two campgrounds, Cottonwood Campground and Roundup Group Horse Camp.
Cottonwood is open mid-May through mid-September, with half of the sites available for reservation at recreation.gov and half of the sites first come, first served. All campgrounds are primitive (no hookups, no showers). Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs.
Backcountry camping is permitted. Please stop by the visitor’s center to get a backcountry permit.
Geology
As you drive or hike through western North Dakota, the gently rolling hills open up dramatically into the varied and colorful layers of the badlands. Curiosity might lead you to take a closer look at the rocks making up the layers. This closer look takes you back millions of years to an ancient world of swamps and forests.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.