Stargazing Guide to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
by | April 9, 2025
Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just a curious stargazer, Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s wide-open skies offer a stellar opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and gaze into the cosmos.
Grab your telescope, a constellation guide, and get ready to experience the magic of the cosmos in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Stargazing Sights
What You’ll See in the Skies
The Milky Way
On clear, moonless nights, the Milky Way takes center stage—arching across the sky in a glowing ribbon of stars.
Did you know that the Milky Way is actually a barred spiral galaxy that contains over 100 billion stars?
Northern Lights
The aurora borealis can sometimes be seen dancing above the North Dakota horizon. Shades of green, pink, and violet ripple across the sky in one of nature’s most unforgettable light shows.
Did you know that the Northern Lights are caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s magnetic field?
Astronomical Events
From meteor showers and comet sightings, to the International Space Station crossing overhead, you might catch more than just stars. Plan your visit around big celestial events for an even more magical experience.
Did you know that during the annual Perseid meteor shower, up to 60 meteors can be seen streaking across the sky every hour?
Top 5 Stargazing Stops
Peaceful Valley Ranch
Just 7 miles into the park, this historic ranch-turned-trailhead is a favorite stargazing spot—and home to the Annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival. With flat ground, big skies, and easy parking, it’s ideal for telescopes, tripods, or a simple blanket on the ground. Keep an eye out for bison that sometimes pass through at night!
Wind Canyon
A short 0.5-mile loop leads to dramatic views over the Little Missouri River. Perched on the canyon’s edge, you’ll feel like you’re floating among the stars. This spot offers amazing photo ops of the Milky Way reflected in the water below.
Buck Hill
One of the park’s highest points offers 360° views that are perfect for sunset, starrise, and the Northern Lights. The 0.4-mile trail to the top is short but steep, worth it for wide-open skies and views stretching across Painted Canyon.
Beef Corral Bottom
Easy to access and surprisingly secluded, Beef Corral Bottom is a wide valley great for both beginners and seasoned stargazers. Roll up, park your car, and settle in for the show, no hike required.
Riverbend Overlook
Found in the North Unit, this overlook features a historic CCC shelter and jaw-dropping views over the Little Missouri River. It’s a favorite for astrophotographers thanks to its unique landscape and dark sky conditions.
Star Studded Events
2025 Dates TBD
Every year astronomers and star gazing enthusiasts visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park for 3 days of education, story telling and viewing the night sky. Enjoy discussions of NASA missions, stories of the stars from cultures of the past and present day, and information about the park’s night time critters.
Perseid Meteor Shower
July 17 – August 24
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event that takes place in August and is considered one of the best meteor showers of the year. It occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by the Comet Swift-Tuttle, causing the debris to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere and creating bright streaks of light in the sky. During the peak of the shower, stargazers can expect to see up to 60 meteors per hour.
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