Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Badlands, bison, and the landscape that shaped a president.

South Unit at Medora is the usual visit: Scenic Loop, prairie dogs, and wild horses if you are lucky. The North Unit is quieter and just as striped. This is a driving-and-short-hikes park North Dakota.

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Location

46.98° N, 103.54° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

May–September

Trip planner

A Theodore Roosevelt National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a U.S. National Park in North Dakota. Badlands, bison, and the landscape that shaped a president.

When to go

May–September is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with south Unit Scenic Loop. Then wind Canyon at sunset. If you have a second day, north Unit if you have the extra hours. Keep one spare hour for bison jams treated as a feature, not a bug.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Medora is the base. The Painted Canyon visitor center on I-94 is a strong first stop.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Yui K.

10/10

Start early in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Unit if you have the extra hours. Bison jams treated as a feature, not a bug. Give Theodore Roosevelt National Park days, not hours, and go in May–September. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Nov 6, 2025

Diego A.

8/10

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is bigger than the postcard

Wind Canyon at sunset. Badlands, bison, and the landscape that shaped a president. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. May–September is the window I would book again.

Oct 5, 2025

Nate J.

10/10

Start early in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

South Unit Scenic Loop. Wind Canyon at sunset. Give Theodore Roosevelt National Park days, not hours, and go in May–September. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Sep 4, 2025