Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide

In a 1910 speech delivered in Fargo, Theodore Roosevelt said, “I never would have been president if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.”

Over the course of his life, the 26th president of the United States regularly split his time between New York State and the rugged Badlands of North Dakota. His experiences here helped forge his passion for the outdoors and conservation, spurring him to use his presidential influence to establish the United States Forest Service, 150 national forests, and five national parks. Today, visitors can explore both the wilderness that inspired him and the former president’s legacy at Theodore Roosevelt National Park—one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S.

Unlike some of the better-known national parks in the West, this one feels like a well-kept secret. There are no endless lines of cars or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Instead, the moment you roll past the entrance sign, you’re greeted by wide-open skies, wind-carved canyons, and—if you’re lucky—a bison or a wild horse crossing your path.

“Perhaps this is why the park is a place of profound transformation for all those who visit, just as it was for our nation’s ‘Conservation President’,” says Kim Schmidt, communications manager at the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Know Before You Go

Here’s the first thing to know: This park is refreshingly easy on logistics. The gates never close, so you can drive in at sunrise, stargaze past midnight, or even visit in the dead of winter if you’re brave enough. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for a full week across all three park units, or $55 for an annual pass. If you’re road-tripping to multiple parks this year, it’s worth picking up the $80 America the Beautiful pass, which covers every U.S. national park.

Because North Dakota winters can be brutal, keep in mind that while the park itself is open 24/7, some visitor centers, roads, and campgrounds may shut down or operate on reduced hours in snowy months. The park’s official website gives you the most up-to-date information. As with most national parks, pets are allowed, but not on the trails. So, if you’re traveling with a pup, plan for scenic drives and roadside overlooks rather than backcountry adventures.

And finally—don’t count on finding a coffee shop once you’re inside the park. This is wild country, and part of its charm is the absence of modern conveniences. Fill up your cooler, pack snacks, and top off your gas tank in Medora (located near the park’s southern entrance) or Watford City for the northern entrance before you head in.

Best Time to Visit

Every season in this national park is unique. In late spring, the Badlands transform with green grasses and blooming wildflowers, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Summer is the busiest time, with ranger programs, open campgrounds, and reliably warm weather, though it can get hot and buggy in July.

Autumn is when the park really explodes in color. Golden cottonwoods line the Little Missouri River, and you might catch elk bugling across the ridges. Winter covers the park in stark whites, and snow may limit access, but the silence and solitude are unforgettable if you’re bundled up.

If you’re aiming for the sweet spot, late May through June and September into early October offer the ideal balance of mild weather, active wildlife, and thinner crowds—though, generally, you’ll find very few crowds since this is one of the least visited national parks in the system.

How to Get There

The closest airport to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK), located near Medora—it has regular United Airlines flights to and from Denver. You may find more flight options from larger airports such as Bismarck Airport (BIS) in Bismarck, North Dakota, about 137 miles away, or Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), 283 miles away in Montana. If you’re flying in, you will need to rent a car in order to get around the area.

Spanning more than 70,000 acres, the park is divided into three areas for guests to explore: the North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit.

“To truly have an immersive experience, we encourage you to extend your stay and explore all three units,” says Schmidt. “But whichever unit you choose, plan ahead for lodging, fuel, and food, since services drop off dramatically once you pass the entrance sign.”

South Unit

This is the most popular and easiest section of the park to reach. It’s located right off Interstate 94 near Medora, a charming Western town that serves as a gateway to the park. This is also where you’ll find the main visitor center and, behind it, the restored Maltese Cross Cabin, where Roosevelt stayed before building Elkhorn Ranch. The South Unit’s 36-mile scenic loop drive delivers the park’s greatest hits, all without having to get out of your car.

North Unit

The North Unit is located about 70 miles north of the South Unit, and feels wilder and less traveled. It has a 14-mile scenic drive that includes overlooks of the Little Missouri River with fewer crowds, making it a favorite among solitude seekers.

Elkhorn Ranch Unit

Tucked between the two, this is the most remote and the smallest of the park’s three units. Here you’ll find the site of Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, where stone foundations are all that remain of the former president’s home. To reach it, you will need to navigate gravel roads and plan for limited amenities.

Best Things to Do

Not everyone comes to the park to rack up trail miles, and the good news is, there’s plenty to do even if you never lace up your hiking boots.

Ranger-led Programs

Throughout the summer, the park hosts a roster of ranger-led talks, guided walks, and evening programs that bring the landscape to life with history, geology, and wildlife insights. Some nights, you might even find yourself lying on a blanket while an astronomy expert points out constellations above.

Wildlife Spotting

Since there are few crowds at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is arguably one of the best national parks for wildlife encounters in the Midwest. Bison roam freely, wild horses graze on ridges, and entire prairie dog towns pop up along the roadside. A good pair of binoculars is a must for this park.

Scenic Drives

Both the North and South Units have scenic drives with overlooks that cover some of the most stunning landscapes of North Dakota’s Badlands. The 36-mile Scenic Drive in the South Unit is the park’s most popular option, and it has scenery peppered with pronghorn, prairie dogs, and golden eagles. The North Unit Scenic Drive, on the other hand, is just 14 miles long but runs along the Little Missouri River. But the beauty of both drives is that you can experience some of the park’s best vistas without having to hike—simply pull over, take in the view, and continue at your own pace.

Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking

“The park connects with the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a legendary 144-mile route frequented by long-distance bikers and horseback riders,” says Schmidt. “It offers an immersive, non-motorized single-track experience through the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands.” But even if you don’t want to tackle the whole thing, you can take on shorter segments inside the park, which still gives you a good taste of the adventure this region is known for.

Best Hikes

Of course, if you do want to stretch your legs, the park has many miles of memorable trails that vary in length and difficulty. Here are a few that stand out.

Wind Canyon Trail 

This 0.4-mile stroll packs in dramatic views, leading you along wind-sculpted cliffs that overlook the Little Missouri River. It’s especially magical at sunset when the sky and canyon walls glow with warm hues. If you do plan to go for sunset, be sure to head out early because once the sun dips, the trail gets dark quickly, and there are no lights.

Painted Canyon Nature Trail 

This one-mile trail is conveniently located right off I-94 and drops you into the heart of the Badlands. Walking among the colorful, striped geological layers feels like stepping inside a giant painting made by nature itself. Make sure to first stop at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center overlook to get a bird’s-eye view of the land and then hike down for a closer look.

Petrified Forest Trail 

This 10.3-mile loop lets you venture into one of the largest petrified forests in the U.S., where ancient, fossilized logs litter the landscape. Though this is one of the longer trails in the park, the wide-open views and otherworldly shapes make it worth the effort. Do note that there’s no shade and no water on the trail, so bring plenty to drink, a good bottle of sunscreen, and start early in the day to avoid the worst of the midday heat.

Boicourt Overlook Trail

This 0.2-mile-long, family-friendly path gives sweeping panoramas of the Badlands. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses grazing along the ridgelines. Pro-tip: the overlook near the trailhead is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, both for the panoramic views and proximity to the parking lot so you’re not hiking back after dark.

Caprock Coulee Trail (North Unit)

This 1.5-mile varied loop gives a perfect sampler of all the landscapes the park has to offer. It winds through gorgeous rock formations, shady cottonwood groves, and wide prairies. It’s a favorite for anyone wanting the “full park” experience in just a few miles.

Best Places to Stay

Camping is the only way to stay within the boundaries of the park. Cottonwood Campground (South Unit) is a shady, well-loved site that accommodates tents and RVs, and bison often wander through it at dawn. Alternatively, Juniper Campground (North Unit) is a quieter and more rustic option for campers, with great stargazing. And if you’re traveling with horses, the Roundup Horse Camp group site makes it possible to explore the Badlands on horseback, just like Roosevelt once did.

For those who prefer a real bed after a day of dust and trails, Medora is an ideal place to stay. There are plenty of lodges, such as the Ferris Inn (seasonally open from May to September) or the Badlands Motel and Rough Riders Hotel, a Western-themed property. Watford City, near the North Unit, also has a good lineup of hotels like Comfort Inn & Suites or the Inn at Hunters Run if convenience is your priority.

Places to Eat

There’s no place to buy food inside the park. Your best bet is to pack a cooler with everything you plan to eat—make sure to bring plenty of water, too. There are picnic tables at various pullouts and campgrounds, so it’s easy to make mealtime part of the adventure. Medora, however, has a nice range of dining options, including burgers at the Little Missouri Saloon and steak dinners at Theodore’s Dining Room.

“One not-to-miss experience is the seasonal Medora Musical Pitchfork Steak Fondue, an over-the-top Western experience where steaks are literally cooked on pitchforks over an open flame,” says Schmidt.