Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Official park boundary · National Park Service
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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.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a national park of the United States in the badlands of western North Dakota. Comprising three geographically separated areas and the only American national park named after a single person, it pays homage to the time that President Theodore Roosevelt spent in the surrounding area and in the Dakota Territories before they were states. Roosevelt lived in the area after his mother and wife died hours apart on February 14, 1884.
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.
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
Source: National Park Service
Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Park facts, fees, and activities confirmed against the National Park Service registry.
National Park Service registryChecked 2026-08-04
- Hike the Petrified Forest
The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes.
- 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.
- Hike Wind Canyon Trail
Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands.
Source: National Park Service
Where is Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in North Dakota.
When was Theodore Roosevelt National Park established?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in 1978.
How big is Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park covers 110 square miles (70,447 acres).
How much does it cost to enter Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park charges $30 per private vehicle. Other rates apply to motorcycles, cyclists and walk-ins, and some parks add their own reservation or surcharge on top.
Can you camp in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes. The National Park Service runs 3 campgrounds in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with 127 campsites between them.
Does Theodore Roosevelt National Park have a visitor center?
Yes. Theodore Roosevelt National Park has 3 visitor centers: North Unit Visitor Center, Painted Canyon Visitor Center, South Unit Visitor Center.
Day trips start here
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · 1 mi
- Medora · 5 mi
- Little Missouri National Grasslands · 10 mi
- Belfield · 13 mi
- Badlands · 14 mi
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