Theodore Roosevelt National Park
ND
Park Alerts (3)
About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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.
Things To Do
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Hike Skyline Vista Trail
Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds. Take a moment and see which ones you can spot!
Wildlife Viewing - South Unit
Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
Wildlife Viewing - North Unit
Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.
Hike Coal Vein Trail
Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Available Activities
Weather
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
Getting There
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27.
The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.
Plan Your Visit
Let Cairn help you plan the perfect trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park with AI-powered itineraries.
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.
Commercial Entrance - Van
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.