Theodore Roosevelt National Park: 12 Incredible Adventures

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is often overlooked both because of its location and size. While it isn’t the biggest National Park or the most centrally located, there is something special about this hidden gem. There is a lot more to do then you would expect, but don’t expect many modern conveniences while inside the park. It remains largely as it was when Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted here, and that’s rare these days.  What should you do if you visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

For More On My Western Roadtrip Check These Out: 

Is Theodore Roosevelt National Park Worth A Visit?

One Day In Badlands National Park

Is Mount Rushmore Worth The Trip?

14 Fun Things To Do In Deadwood, South Dakota

South Dakota Bucketlist

First-Timers Guide To Yellowstone National Park 

The One Place You Can’t Miss In Yellowstone National Park

This article may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see the affiliate disclaimer here. 

The Basics:

How Long Does It Take To Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota spans 70,000 acres and is broken up into 3 units. I suggest going for at least 3 days. You can easily make this a stop on any roadtrip and spend a day here as well. That’s all I had time for during my 16-day roadtrip, but in all honesty, I wish I had spent at least 2 days at this park. 

Weather In Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

• Summers are warm with average high temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F.
• Winters are cold with average lows in the single digits from December through February.
• Wind is considerable year-round.
• Be Prepared – Conditions can change quickly.

Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

Cottonwood Campground

• 315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
• Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit‘s only campground. 
• 76 Total Sites
• For Summer 2021: All individual sites at Cottonwood Campground will be available ONLY on a first-come, first-serve basis until June 28 due to construction activities. Reservations may be made now with the first available date being June 28.
• Make reservations HERE

Medora Campground

• 3370 Pool Dr, Medora, ND 58645
• The newly expanded Medora Campground is within walking distance from town, nestled under large cottonwood trees along the Little Missouri River.
• Choose between our hook-up spaces or our primitive camping area, whichever makes your Medora experience perfect!
• Rates: Improved Sites
  • 50 amp starting at $55.00
  • 30 amp starting at $45.00
  • 20 amp starting at $35.00
• Primitive Sites
  • Individual sites starting at $30.00
  • Group sites starting at $35.00
• Make reservations HERE or call 1-800-MEDORA-1

Hotels Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

Rough Riders Hotel

• 301 3rd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
•  (701) 623-4444
• Luxury meets western charm and presidential history at the Historic Rough Riders Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Medora
• Make reservations HERE

Badlands Motel

• 501 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
• (701) 623-4444
• Experience western charm close to everything downtown Medora
• Make reservations HERE

Know Before You Go: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• There is an entrance fee at TRNP
  • $30 per vehicle for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single car
  • $25 per motorcycle for 7 days 
  • $15 per person on foot 
• You can purchase your pass before your trip here

• $55 for annual pass, you can purchase the pass here

• If you are planning a big road trip and visiting a bunch of National Parks, I recommend an America The Beautiful Pass – $80 you can purchase that here

• Camping outside of developed campgrounds requires a permit that you can purchase here
• There are no food, lodging, gas, auto repair, or mail services within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 
  • Medora has all of those goods and services for the South Unit
  • Waterford City has all of those goods and services for the North Unit
• This is not a particularly dog friendly National Park, but more on that later! 

Three Units Of The Park: 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is broken down into three units and each of these units has something unique to offer visitors. 

Theodore Roosevelt North Unit – 

Visit the North Unit if you are looking for solitude.

This area is known for the Grand Canyon of the Little Missouri. The North Unit is a bit off the beaten path alongside ND Highway 85. Its wilderness and beauty, and the solitude you’ll experience in this unit of the park are well worth the 50-mile drive from Interstate 94

South Unit – 

Visit the south unit for gorgeous views and abundant wildlife. 

The South Unit is conveniently located along Interstate 94. This part of the park is the most visited area. There are two visitor centers, a scenic drive, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife entice visitors to stay awhile. 

Elkhorn Ranch Unit – 

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the place Roosevelt held dear,  his “home ranch” after the deaths of his wife and mother. This unit of the park has a special, solemn character. There are no visitor centers, facilities, or scenic roads. 

Explore this unit of the park if you are interested in history. 

There is a  0.7 mile mowed pathway that leads from the parking area to the Elkhorn cabin site. Exhibits feature passages written by Roosevelt about his experiences at the ranch. Only the cabin’s foundation stones remain, but it’s here that visitors can get a true sense of the peace and solace that Roosevelt found at this special place in the badlands.

Roosevelt chose this location for his ranch because of how remote it was and it remains that way today. The drive is scenic and you’ll still be traveling in a very remote area on unpaved roads. 

Warning: The last 3 miles of the drive sometimes require 4-wheel drive. This is usually only during the winter months or after a lot of rain. It’s a good idea to inquire about current road conditions at park visitor centers before you embark. 

Tip: There is no cell phone signal at the Elkhorn Ranch or along much of the route to this remote unit of the park. 

Get driving directions here.

But let’s jump into some incredible things you can do during your visit at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

12 Incredible Things To Do In Theodore Roosevelt National Park 

1.Visit One Of Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Visitors Centers

The Painted Canyons Visitor Center and Nature Trail 

• Exit 32, Hwy 94, ND 58645
• Daily 8:30 am – 5 pm

The Painted Canyons Visitor Center is a great place to start off your trip to TRNP. It offers panoramic views, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, staffed information desk, exhibits and displays, and a gift shop. It operates primarily in summer months and is closed in winter months. 

When I visited last year (I’m not sure if this is still how they are doing things) it was also where you bought your visitors pass. There was no one at the visitor entrance booth. FYI – I went in October so this may also be the case during the off season. 

Painted Canyons Nature Trail 

• Distance: 1 mile 
• Rating: Easy 
• Elevation Gain: 262 ft
• This is a great place for seeing wildlife and it’s good for all skill levels

2. Don’t Skip The Maltese Cross Cabin 

When Theodore Roosevelt came to the badlands of Dakota territory to hunt bison in 1883, he had no idea how transformative it would be for his life. Falling in love with the area, he purchased a stake in a ranch and had a cabin built on this new property. A comfortable place for him to stay when he visited the territory. 

Now, this cabin sits on the grounds of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit Visitor Center and is open daily for self-guided tours during visitor center hours. It’s really interesting to see the place that he called home during that time in his life. 

3.Take A Drive On The South Unit Scenic Loop  

It’s pretty cool that each unit has its own scenic drive, isn’t it? Plan for at least 1.5 hours but I would say it will take at least 2 hours here as well. There are so many gorgeous overlooks that you will want to stop often to take photos and explore a bit. You are also most likely to spot bison and wild horses in the South Unit and this drive is a great place to start your wildlife viewing. 

Tip: Due to continuous road erosion the former scenic loop between mile marker 24-28 is closed to all traffic (including bicycle and foot traffic). 

4. Hike To Prairie Dog Town 

Why wouldn’t you want to hike to a Prairie Dog town? Head to the North Unit for this one of a kind trail…

Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail

• Distance: 1.9 miles 
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 104 ft
• This trail starts at the Caprock Coulee Trailhead and follows the Buckhorn Trail to a prairie dog town. Be sure to plan some extra time for wildlife viewing! 

Tip: Where there are prairie dogs there are a lot of other animals – keep an eye out, especially for predators such as coyotes and eagles. 

You can also drive past Prairie Dog Town. 

5. Motor Along The North Unit Scenic Loop

Much like the South Unit, the North Unit features its own scenic drive. Take a drive on the 14 mile (28 mile round trip) out and back scenic road through the rugged North Unit! Give yourself at least 1.5 hours but it will probably be closer to 2 because you will want to jump out and explore/take photos.

Tip: Don’t miss the River Bend Overlook!

6. Get All The History At Elkhorn Ranch Site 

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the place Roosevelt held most dear,  his “home ranch” after the deaths of his wife and mother. This unit of the park has a special, solemn character. There are no visitor centers, facilities, or scenic roads. 

But there is history! Follow the 0.7 mile mowed pathway that leads from the parking area to the Elkhorn cabin site. Exhibits feature passages written by Roosevelt about his experiences at the ranch. Only the cabin’s foundation stones remain, but it’s here that visitors can get a true sense of the peace and solace that Roosevelt found at this special place in the badlands.

Tip: There is no cell phone signal at the Elkhorn Ranch or along much of the route to this remote unit of the park. 

7. Don’t Miss Oxbow Overlook

You can find the Oxbow Overlook at the end of the North Unit scenic drive. Explore interpretive waysides along a short accessible sidewalk. Take in the views of the winding Little Missouri River surrounded by towering cottonwood trees and breathtaking buttes.

Tip: Keep an eye out for wildlife here in the buttes!

8. Check Out Medora 

Medora is such a cute little town, it’s kitschy, yes, but it’s got everything you need for a few days at TRNP. If your down for some fun while Medora check out the musical that runs from early June to mid-September. It plays 6 days a week, Tues-Sun, you can buy tickets here.

If you’re visiting less for the kitsch and more for the nature then check out the Medora Riding Stables. Open from June – September, saddle up and explore the North Dakota badlands as Roosevelt himself once did. Rides happen throughout the entire day and cost $42.95 plus tax. You can book your tickets here. 

You can also find restaurants, gas stations, and accomodations in Medora. I’ll be doing an entire post about Medora soon. 

For More Check Out: 15 Fun Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota

9. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Hiking

Hike Or Bike The Maah Daah Hey Trail 

Located in the South Unit of the park this trail stretches an impressive 142.3 miles across the National Grassland connecting all three units of the park. However, you can hike specific sections, like the South Unit section. 

Maah Daah Hey Trail – South Unit Section

• Distance: 7.1 mile 
• Rating: Moderate-Hard
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (but I would give it more)
• There are section of the trail that are dog friendly, but dogs must be kept on leash

10. Watch Bison & Antelope Roam “On The Range” 

You may be wondering what animals you can see in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

• Bison 
• Elk 
• Mule Deer
• Prairie Dogs 
• Coyotes
• Pronghorn (antelope)
• Bald & Golden Eagles 
• Wild Horses

Which Unit Is Better For Wildlife Viewing?

By most accounts the South Unit, and this is the only place to see the wild horses. But you can see bison in the North Unit as well. 

Keep In Mind: 

• Remember to keep a safe distance from all wildlife
• All wildlife in the park are wild and potentially dangerous
• Respect the animals in their natural habitat – this is not a zoo
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from all wild animals 
• Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto lenses for safe viewing and to avoid disturbing them

• Keep pets in your vehicle. Pets may scare wildlife, and wild animals can injure your pets
• Use of wildlife calls and spotlights is illegal. They stress animals and alter their natural behavior
• Drive slowly. Watch for animals crossing the road. Deer, elk, pronghorn, and feral horses are seldom alone. If you see one animal, look for others that may follow!

11. Marvel At The Beauty Of The Wild Horses 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the few national parks where visitors can observe free-roaming horses. Their presence represents Theodore Roosevelt’s experiences here during the open-range ranching era. 

Tip: The feral horses inhabit the South Unit only. The wild horses are often spotted at the park boundary from Interstate 94. Horses can also be seen at a distance from high points such as the Painted Canyon Overlook and Buck Hill. The best chances to spot them are at dawn or dusk and other popular places for them to roam are down by the Little Missouri River near the Cottonwood Campground, Jules Creek, and on the prairies at the beginning of the South Unit scenic drive. 

12. Linger For A Sunset 

If you follow me on Instagram then you know I love a good sunrise or sunset and this one place you absolutely have to take in a sunset! Not to mention, it’s a great time to spot wildlife. 

Don’t miss Painted Canyons Overlook or Painted Canyons Nature Trail (South Unit) at sunset! 

Another great place for sunset is the Wind Canyon Overlook and Wind Canyon Trail (only .4 miles). 

River Bend Overlook is also gorgeous for pastels at sunset! 

Mini History Nugget:

The Arikara, Crow, Blackfeet, Gros Ventre, Chippewa, Cree, Sioux, and Rocky Boy tribes are all associated with lands within the park. Many modern interpretations by tribal elders explain the difficulties surrounding life in the North Dakota badlands. Native peoples considered the buttes the homes of many animal spirits and came to the badlands on vision quests and for many other rituals. A significant amount of hunting and gathering was done in the region as well. 

The most significant tribes to call this area home were the lesser-known Mandan and Hidatsa (close relatives of the Crow). Their traditional bison hunting grounds consisted of the Little Missouri River basin that runs through the park. The healthy bison population had many advantages for the Manda, Hidatsa, and Crow. Eagle trapping was also important to their respective cultures. This was an intensely spiritual process that followed social and astrological protocols. 

Theodore Roosevelt: 

“I do not believe that any man can adequately appreciate the world of to-day unless he has some knowledge of…[and] some feeling for…the history of the world of the past.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt first came to the North Dakota territory in 1883. His first visit was to hunt bison but as a young man he never could have imagined the profound impact this place would have on his life. While visiting the badlands, Roosevelt quickly fell in love with the rugged landscape, and it’s honestly not hard to see why. 

He became interested in the relatively new business of cattle ranching. After talking to local ranchers, he invested in a local cattle operation known as the Maltese Cross, and yes, you can still visit the Maltese Cross Cabin today. 

Tragedy struck Roosevelt when the following year he lost both his wife and mother and returned to the badlands to find solace. It was during this stay that he decided to open a second ranching venture – Elkhorn Ranch. You can still visit the site where the original cabin sat and learn all about Roosevelt’s time there. 

After its creation, Roosevelt considered Elkhorn to be his home and spent most of his time there whenever he was in the Dakota territory. 

There is plenty to do at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and it is absolutely worth the trip. This park is underrated and such a hidden gem, don’t skip it! 

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