About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: North Dakota. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Entrance Fees
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. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Operating Hours
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
Activities
Current Alerts
Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Station 201 East River Road N. Medora, ND 58645
Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries. For precise directions, use the link provided.
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Entrance Passes
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase. The pass admits the purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle).
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike the Petrified Forest
The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered…
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…
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.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
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…
Hike Boicourt Trail
This short hike, with its elevated perspective and accessible trail, offers a unique view of the Little Missouri Badlands that the whole…
Visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin
The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first home in Dakota territory. Step inside and learn about how he lived during his…
Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail
Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Film: Refuge of the American Spirit
Visit one of the visitor centers and watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park film, Refuge of the American Spirit.
Hike up Buck Hill
Hike to the top of Buck Hill, one of the highest points in the park, and get an amazing 360° view of…
Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive
Hop on your mountain bike and experience the South Unit Scenic Drive in a whole new way.
Bike the North Unit Scenic Drive
Bike the 14-mile scenic drive of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's remote North Unit!
Hike the Painted Canyon Nature Trail
Painted Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop trail located just off Interstate 94 near the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. It offers a…
See the Stars in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers incredible night skies for amateur and expert stargazers alike to enjoy year round.
Drive the South Unit Scenic Drive
The South Unit scenic drive is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Showing 18 of 23 NPS Things to Do records available for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Visitor Centers
North Unit Visitor Center
A small visitor center is located at the park entrance for visitors to the North Unit. Speak with a ranger, receive assistance with any trip…
South Unit Visitor Center
Rangers staff the desk, assist visitors with trip planning, and issue backcountry permits. Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, located just outside, is open for self-guided…
Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Features: Panoramic views, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, staffed information desk, exhibits and displays, gift shop, picnic shelters, drinking fountain, vending machines, public telephone, and restrooms…
Campgrounds
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground. Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites…
Juniper Campground
Juniper Campground is 5 miles from Hwy 85 and is the only campground in the park's North Unit. All sites are open to tent camping…
Roundup Group Horse Camp
Roundup is the park's only camping facility in which horses are permitted. This private campsite is located 12 miles from Medora, ND in the park's…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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