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A piece of land that spans over 70,000 acres preserves beautiful scenery and wildlife, but also honors a president who is credited with doing more for the National Park System than anyone else. Theodore Roosevelt first visited North Dakota in 1883 and fell in love with the natural beauty of the rugged badlands. Roosevelt would continue to visit the area and then establish 5 national parks and assist in the founding of the United States Forest Service. Roosevelt’s experiences in the area led him not only to serve as president, but to become one of the world’s leading land conservationists.
Story
In 1883, Theodore Roosevelt traveled to North Dakota and fell in love with the area. After speaking with the local ranchers, he decided to invest in a local ranching operation known as the Maltese Cross. He would return to the ranch in 1884 to seek solitude after the death of his wife and mother. Eventually, Roosevelt returned to the east and returned to politics, but he was very public about how the badlands affected him and how important preservation should be in America.
The area was designated a Roosevelt Recreation Demonstration Area in 1935 and became the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge in 1946. It was established as Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park on April 25, 1947 and eventually became a park. National on November 10, 1978. It is made up of 70,447 acres, of which 29,920 acres are preserved as Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness.
The park is made up of three geographically separate areas of badlands in western North Dakota and visitors can tour three sections: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch.
When to visit
The park is open all year round, but be aware that some roads may close in the winter months. Services are limited from October to May, so this is the best time to plan a visit during the summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in late spring or early fall when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Get there
The park is made up of three areas. The instructions for each are as follows:
South Unit: This unit is located in Medora, North Dakota, so take I-94 Exits 24 and 27. Medora is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line. Note that the Painted Canyon Visitor Center is 7 miles east of Medora on I-94 at Exit 32.
Drive North: This entrance is located along US Highway 85, located 16 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. Take I-94 to US Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, North Dakota.
Elkhorn Ranch Unit: Located 35 miles north of Medora, this unit is accessible via gravel roads. Travelers must cross the Little Missouri River, so ask the rangers at one of the visitor centers for information on the best routes.
Fees / Permits
Visitors traveling to the park by car or motorcycle must pay $ 10 for a 7-day pass. Those entering the park on foot, by bike or on horseback will be charged $ 5 for a 7-day pass. Returning visitors may want to purchase the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Pass for $ 20 (valid for one year). Those holding an America the Beautiful Pass – National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands will not be charged any entry fee.
Pets
Pets are allowed within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but must be restricted at all times. Pets are not allowed in park buildings, on trails, or in the field.
Horseback riders are permitted but prohibited at Cottonwood and Juniper campgrounds, picnic areas, and on self-guided nature trails. If you bring forge for the horse, it must be certified weed free.
Main attractions
In addition to the visitor centers, the park has great places and trails to visit and explore. Depending on the length of your stay, you may want to stop at some or all.
Scenic Tours: If you only have one day, be sure to take the Loop Scenic Drive on the South Drive or the Scenic Drive on the North Drive. Both offer incredible views and places for nature walks and longer hikes.
Maltese Cross Hut – Visit the rustic headquarters of Roosevelt’s First Ranch. The ranch is filled with period furniture, livestock equipment, and even some of Roosevelt’s personal belongings.
Peaceful Valley Ranch – Historic buildings were used in many ways, from park headquarters to working cattle. Today, visitors can go horseback riding from May to September.
Ridgeline Nature Trail – Although it’s only a 0.6 mile long trail, it requires strenuous climbing. This is a great place to see how wind, fire, water, and vegetation have combined to create a unique environment.
Coal Vein Trail – Enjoy this 1 mile hike to see a bed of lignite that burned from 1951 to 1977.
Jones Creek Trail – The trail follows an eroded creek bed for 3.5 miles that offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. But be aware that there are prairie rattlesnakes in the area.
Little Mo Nature Trail – An easy trail outfitted with a brochure that allows visitors to identify native plants that were used as medicine by the Plains Indians.
Wind Canyon Trail – A short trail that overlooks a beautiful view and reminds visitors of how important the role of the wind was in shaping the landscape. Wind Canyon also offers opportunities for longer hikes.
accommodation
Two camps are within the park, both with a 15-day limit. Cottonwood and Juniper camps are open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers will be charged $ 10 per night for a tent or RV site. Camping outside the country is also allowed, but visitors must obtain a permit from one of the visitor centers.
Other hotels, motels and inns are located in nearby Medora and Dickinson, North Dakota. The Medora Motel offers bunk beds, cabins and houses ranging in price from $ 69 to $ 109. It is open June through Labor Day and can be reached at 701-623-4444. The AmericInn Medora (Get Rates) also offers affordable rooms ranging in cost from $ 100-168. A Days Inn and a Comfort Inn are located in Dickinson with rooms from $ 83 and up. (Get rates)
Areas of interest outside the park
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge: Located about 50 miles from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, visitors can find protected waterfowl and more recreational activities than most refuges. Activities include fishing, boating, nature trails, scenic drives, and archaeological exhibits. The shelter is open year round and can be reached at 701-548-8110.
Maah Daah Hey Trail – This nationally acclaimed 93-mile rugged trail is open for non-motorized recreational use such as backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Managed by the United States Forest Service, this is a great day trip for anyone in the area. Maps are available online.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge – On a stretch of prairie, visitors can find ducks, hawks, grouse, sparrows, and other marsh birds. It is a popular destination for bird watchers from all over the country. Other activities include hiking, hunting, and scenic drives. The shelter is open May through September and can be reached at 701-848-2722.
Contact information
Superintendent, P.O. Box 7, Medora, ND 58645
701-842-2333 (North Unit); 701-623-4730 ext. 3417 (South Unit)
