You’ll find Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the rugged Badlands of western North Dakota, ready to explore. With wide-open landscapes, stunning wildlife, and rich history, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor adventure. Spread across three unique units—the South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit—the park offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and solitude.
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Getting There & Park Layout
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is split into three units, offering unique scenery and experiences.
- South Unit – The most visited section has an entrance right in Medora, ND. Easily accessible from Interstate 94, Exits 24 and 27.
- North Unit – More remote and rugged, 14 miles south of Watford City, ND, off Highway 85.
- Elkhorn Ranch Unit – A quiet, undeveloped area between the North and South Units. Accessed only by gravel roads, this is where Theodore Roosevelt’s historic ranch once stood.
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, so you can enjoy sunrise hikes, sunset drives, and even stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country.
Pet Rules
Are you thinking about bringing your furry friend along? While pets are welcome in certain areas, there are restrictions. They are allowed on roads, sidewalks, parking areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas. They must be on a 6-foot leash. The park does not allow pets on hiking trails.
If you want to explore with your dog, head to Medora, where a paved path runs 1 mile along the Little Missouri River to the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
For a more extended adventure, the Maah Daah Hey Trail (MDHT)—a 150-mile scenic trail open to pets, horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers.
Junior Ranger Program
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the Junior Ranger Program! This hands-on activity helps young visitors learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts—and they get a cool Junior Ranger badge at the end.
History of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands of North Dakota was more than just an escape—a transformative experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to conservation. He first arrived in 1883 for a buffalo hunting trip, but before leaving, he invested in cattle ranching, purchasing the Maltese Cross Ranch (Chimney Butte Ranch). Seeking solitude after the devastating loss of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884, Roosevelt returned to North Dakota. He expanded his ranching operation, eventually establishing Elkhorn Ranch—a remote retreat he considered his “home ranch.”
Life in the Badlands gave Roosevelt a firsthand look at the American wilderness’s beauty—and vulnerability. While ranching, he witnessed overgrazing, habitat destruction, and the declining bison population, which fueled his passion for conservation. He co-founded the Boone and Crockett Club, one of the first fair-hunting and conservation organizations. Later, as President (1901-1909), he protected nearly 230 million acres of public land through national parks, forests, and monuments. Visitors can still step inside the Maltese Cross Cabin, Roosevelt’s first home in North Dakota, and experience a piece of history that helped shape the National Park movement.
Visiting the Elkhorn Ranch Site Today
Though the Elkhorn Ranch buildings no longer stand, the site remains a protected and peaceful place, allowing visitors to experience the same rugged landscapes that shaped Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy. Located roughly midway between the park’s North and South Units, the Elkhorn Ranch Unit is the most remote section of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Getting there requires effort, but it’s worth the trip for history lovers and solitude seekers.
How to Get There
- The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is accessed via gravel roads, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.
- From Medora, it’s about 35 miles northwest, with no visitor centers or paved roads—so be sure to bring plenty of water and supplies.
- A short 0.7-mile trail from the parking area leads to the ranch site, where interpretive signs provide historical context about Roosevelt’s time there.
What to Expect
Though only the ranch’s foundations remain, the surrounding cottonwood trees, river views, and rolling hills are much the same as when Roosevelt called this place home. This peaceful, uncrowded area gives you a rare glimpse into the same untamed wilderness Roosevelt once explored on horseback.
If you want to connect with history and nature, visiting Elkhorn Ranch lets you follow in Roosevelt’s footsteps and experience the landscape that helped shape America’s national parks.
Exploring the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the most visited section and is the perfect introduction to the rugged beauty of the North Dakota Badlands. Located right off Interstate 94, this area offers stunning scenic drives, hiking trails, and astonishing wildlife encounters. Whether looking for a quick stop or a full-day adventure, the South Unit has something for everyone.
Visitor Centers & Scenic Drive
At the south visitor center, you can learn the history, grab maps, and talk with rangers before heading out. One is in Medora, while the other sits at Painted Canyon Overlook, offering sweeping views of the Badlands from the parking lot.
One of the best ways to experience the South Unit is the scenic drive, a two-way paved loop filled with overlooks, trailheads, and wildlife viewing spots. If you’re driving straight through, plan for at least two hours, but you’ll want extra time for stopping, hiking, and soaking in the scenery. RVs and trailers should check size restrictions, as specific turnarounds may be necessary for longer vehicles.
Hiking Trails for Every Adventure Level
The South Unit offers a variety of hiking trails, from quick walks to rugged backcountry routes.
Short & Easy Hikes
- Ridgeline Nature Trail (0.6 mi) – Self-guided nature trail (currently inaccessible due to a road collapse).
- Coal Vein Trail (0.8 mi) – Great for learning about Badlands geology and ecology.
- Painted Canyon Nature Trail (0.9 mi) – Descend into the canyon for incredible views—but remember, you’ll have to hike back up!
- Wind Canyon Trail (0.4 mi) – Short but scenic, this canyon-side trail leads to one of the best views of the Little Missouri River.
- East Entrance Station Hike (0.8 mi round-trip) – A short trail leading to the park’s historic old entrance.
Quick Walks to Scenic Overlooks
- Skyline Vista (0.1 mi) – A short, accessible path to expansive Badlands views.
- Buck Hill (0.2 mi) – One of the highest points in the park, offering sweeping 360-degree views.
- Boicourt Overlook Trail (0.2 mi) – A short but stunning overlook of the Badlands.
Longer Backcountry Trails
- Maah Daah Hey Trail (7.1 mi) – A portion of the 150-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
- Lone Tree Loop (9.6 mi) – A moderate backcountry route through rolling hills and prairie.
Wildlife & Medora: More Reasons to Stay a While
One of the biggest draws of the South Unit is its abundant wildlife. Watch for bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, elk, and golden eagles as you explore. Early morning and late evening are the best times for wildlife sightings, especially along the scenic drive.
Just outside the park, the charming town of Medora offers restaurants, shops, and historical attractions, making it an excellent base for your visit.
Exploring the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
For those looking to escape the crowds and experience a more rugged, untouched side of the Badlands, the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the perfect destination.
Scenic Drive: A Journey Through the Badlands
One of the best ways to explore the North Unit is by driving its 28-mile scenic drive (14 miles one way). The round-trip drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes without stops, but you’ll want extra time to enjoy the breathtaking views.
The North Unit scenic drive is necessary for those seeking a quieter, more remote park experience.
Hiking in the North Unit
The North Unit features a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short, family-friendly walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Short & Easy Trails
- Little Mo Trail (0.7 – 1.4 mi) – A scenic loop trail along the Little Missouri River. The inner loop (0.7 mi) is paved and accessible, while the outer loop (1.4 mi) includes dirt paths and stairs for a slightly more adventurous route.
- Caprock Coulee Nature Trail (1.6 mi round trip) – A moderate out-and-back hike through badlands terrain featuring dry washes, unique rock formations, and changing habitats.
Longer & More Challenging Trails
- Caprock Coulee Trail (4.3 mi) – This longer version of the nature trail climbs higher into the Badlands, offering incredible panoramic views.
- Buckhorn Trail (11.4 mi loop) – A scenic and varied backcountry trail, perfect for those wanting a longer day hike.
- Achenbach Trail (18 mi loop) – One of the most challenging hikes in the park, this route takes you through remote Badlands landscapes, river crossings, and rugged backcountry terrain.
Wildlife Watching in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to diverse wildlife, allowing visitors to spot everything from bison and wild horses to golden eagles and elusive bobcats.
Bison roam freely throughout the North and South Units, often seen from scenic drives—especially at night when extra caution is needed. Look near cliffs for bighorn sheep and watch for mule deer at dawn and dusk.
The South Unit is the only place to see feral horses and elk, with elk most often found in open grasslands around Buck Hill. Watch for the park’s small herd of longhorn cattle in the North Unit, usually near mile marker two of the scenic drive.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of pronghorns, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, or beavers as you explore. Golden eagles soar above the Little Missouri River floodplain, offering a breathtaking sight against the Badlands backdrop.
Remember to drive slowly, avoid using wildlife calls or spotlights (which are illegal), and observe from a safe distance to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
Dark Skies & Stargazing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Few places offer a stargazing experience as breathtaking as Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Thanks to its remote location, high elevation, and lack of light pollution, the park is among the best places in the U.S. to see the Milky Way.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a must-visit destination
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has something for everyone—scenic drives, rugged hiking trails, incredible wildlife, and some of the best stargazing around. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and quiet solitude, the park still feels much like it did when Roosevelt explored it over a century ago.
If you’re planning an RV camping trip near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, check park guidelines, find the right campground, and allow plenty of time to take in the sights.
Have you ever visited a place so peaceful and wild that it completely changed your perspective on life? That’s exactly what happened to Theodore Roosevelt at Elkhorn Ranch. Let us know your story by hitting the message button below.
