Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects badlands and mixed-grass prairie in western North Dakota and commemorates President Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy. The park is known for expansive badland vistas, river valleys, and native prairie wildlife.

Landscape highlights include eroded buttes, coulees, and river corridors that support bison, elk, prairie dogs, and other wildlife; scenic drives and trailheads provide access to overlooks and hikes. Recreational opportunities include hiking, wildlife watching, and backcountry exploration across a largely undeveloped landscape.

The area was set aside to honor Theodore Roosevelt, who lived and ranchworked in the North Dakota badlands in the late 19th century; the Elkhorn Ranch site within the park marks one of his former ranch locations. Over time the site was expanded and formally protected to conserve the landscape and Roosevelt’s historical associations.

The park sits in the western part of North Dakota; the South Unit is near the town of Medora while the North Unit lies farther north toward Watford City, with wide, rural distances between units.

• Three separate units: The park is divided into three non-contiguous units - South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch - so travel planning should account for distances between them.
• Wildlife viewing: Bison, prairie dogs, mule deer, and wild horses are commonly seen; roadside pullouts and overlooks are useful for wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk.

What to See #

• North Unit: The North Unit is a more remote area of badlands and grassland with winter access constraints and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• South Unit: The South Unit surrounds Medora and contains the main visitor center, scenic drives, and many of the park's developed trails and overlooks.
• Elkhorn Ranch Unit: The Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the site of Theodore Roosevelt's ranching operations and commemorates his time in the Dakota badlands.