Theodore Roosevelt National Park

National Park  ·  North Dakota

A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
Photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers (NPS)
Location
North Dakota
Designation
National Park
Entrance fee
$30 / vehicle
Track it
Free in Park'd

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 in Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt offers a range of activities for visitors in North Dakota:

When to visit & weather

In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.

Getting to Theodore Roosevelt

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.

Track your visit to Theodore Roosevelt

Check Theodore Roosevelt off your national parks passport, log the trails you hiked and the wildlife you spotted, and see it on your personal map — free on iPhone with Park'd.

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Explore more national parks

Planning a bigger trip? Browse the full list of all 63 US national parks, or keep exploring: