Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is a vast and picturesque park that was established in 1947 to honor President Theodore Roosevelt's strong advocacy for conservation. The park is divided into three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.

The North Unit is situated about 15 miles south of Watford City and offers breathtaking views of the rugged Badlands landscape. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the winding trails and spot a variety of wildlife such as bison, elk, deer, and prairie dogs. The Juniper Campground provides an opportunity for visitors to spend the night amidst the wilderness.

The South Unit, located near the town of Medora, is the more popular and accessible section of the park. It features a scenic 36-mile loop drive that presents visitors with stunning vistas of colorful canyons, rolling prairies, and mesmerizing rock formations. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center serves as the entry point to the South Unit and offers informative exhibits on the park's geology and history. Numerous picnic areas and backcountry camping options are also available.

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit, the smallest and most remote unit, is where President Theodore Roosevelt found solace and tranquility. Although the ranch itself no longer exists, visitors can explore the area and experience the solitude and natural beauty that so inspired the president.

Aside from hiking and driving, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers several interesting activities for visitors. The park hosts ranger-led programs and guided tours, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the park's unique flora, fauna, and history. Horseback riding is also a popular activity, offering an immersive way to explore the vastness of the park.

In close proximity to the national park, the charming town of Medora offers a range of attractions and activities. Medora is well-known for the Medora Musical, a renowned outdoor theater performance showcasing western music and entertainment. The town is also home to various museums, shops, and restaurants that provide visitors with an opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of the region.

In summary, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is a captivating natural haven that honors the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, the park offers an array of activities and attractions that will leave visitors in awe of the beauty and majesty of the Badlands region.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the western part of North Dakota, encompassing an area of over 70,000 acres. Situated in the picturesque Badlands region, the park boasts a diverse geographical landscape characterized by rugged hills, colorful canyons, and vast open prairies. As the only national park in North Dakota, it holds a unique position as a haven for wildlife, including bison, elk, deer, and wild horses. The park is divided into three units - the North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit - each offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Surrounded by the rolling hills and vibrant colors of the Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a true gem of the Great Plains.

Address & Contact

PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645
Driving Directions
Phone: 7016234466
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is during the months of May, June, and September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 67°F to 78°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains moderate, ranging from 2.1 in. to 3.2 in. These months offer a comfortable climate for exploration while avoiding the large crowds that tend to visit during the peak summer months of July and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Group Camping Horse Camping (see also camping) Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Presidents Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Aurora Borealis Grasslands Astronomy Scenic Views Bison Elk Petrified Wood Mineral Deposits Prairies Ranches Homesteading Great Depression Horses (wild) Buttes Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

South Unit Visitor Center

Rangers staff the desk, assist visitors 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, shows in the theater. A bookstore sells books, postcards, and more. A museum houses artifacts from Theodore Roosevelt's presidency and time in the badlands.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: South Unit Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground. Half the sites are by reservation at recreation.gov while all remaining sites are first come, first served. Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs (no hookups). Cottonwood Campground fills to capacity each afternoon, mid-May through mid-September.
Fees (US$): 14.00 (Standard Campsite - Summer Rate), 7.00 (Standard Campsite - Summer Rate - Senior/Access Pass), 7.00 (Standard Campsite - Winter Rate), 3.50 (Standard Campsite - Winter Rate - Senior/Access Pass), 30.00 (Group Site Rate)
Total Campsites: 76
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Juniper Campground

Juniper Campground is 5 miles from Hwy 85 and is the only campground in the park's North Unit. All sites are open to tent camping and most can also be used by vehicles/RVs (no hookups). All regular sites are first come, first served. The group site is by reservation only at recreation.gov. See the RESERVATIONS section below.
Fees (US$): 14.00 (Standard Campsite - Summer Rate), 7.00 (Standard Campsite - Winter Rate), 7.00 (Standard Campsite - Summer Rate - Senior/Access Pass), 3.50 (Standard Campsite - Winter Rate - Senior/Access Pass), 30.00 (Camping - Group Site)
Total Campsites: 50
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Roundup Group Horse Camp

Roundup is the park's only camping facility in which horses are permitted. This private campsite is located 12 miles from Medora, ND in the park's South Unit. It is reserved by one group at a time; space is not be shared among different parties. Reservations for Roundup begin each season on the first business day in March at 8:00 am MST. See the RESERVATIONS section below. Roundup can accommodate up to 20 people and 20 horses or 30 people if camping without horses.
Fees (US$): 40.00 (Roundup Group Campsite - Nightly Rate)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal