2024-01-24 08:13:28
MORE COLORFUL, LESS CROWDED, AND SIMPLY SPECTACULAR. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is often recognized as one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. It’s the location that inspired Roosevelt to become America’s “Conservation President.” Featuring 70,448 acres and 136 miles of hiking trails, it offers the uncrowded feel you want in a national park. Enjoy unspoiled nature where sustainable travel brings you to a conservation treasure. VISIT ALL THREE UNITS SOUTH UNIT Theodore Roosevelt said he never would have been President if not for his experiences in North Dakota. Welcome to the area where he was inspired to become our Conservation President. This unit is the largest and most visited. It features a 24-mile scenic drive with spectacular views of the Little Missouri River, including the popular Wind Canyon. Wildlife include bison, elk, prairie dogs and wild horses. Don’t miss the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, seven miles east of the city of Medora on I-94, and Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin by the park entrance. ELKHORN RANCH UNIT The cabin is gone from this site where Roosevelt ranched, but the foundation stones and uninterrupted scenery along the Little Missouri River remain. NORTH UNIT The north unit near Watford City features a must-drive, 14-mile scenic byway with a breathtaking panorama at Oxbow Overlook. Look for bison and bighorn sheep along the way. Stop to see cannonball concretions, giant cannonball-shaped rocks formed by wind and water — often perched on slowly eroding rock pedestals. Don’t miss out on this North Dakota gem. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is as unique as it is beautiful. GATE WAY CITIES: WELCOME, PARK VISITORS! At the south unit’s entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the old west town of Medora is a popular family destination. Enjoy the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and the Medora Musical, a professional musical production and variety show performed throughout the summer in an outdoor Badlands setting. Find inviting hotels, restaurants and amenities in Medora and at other anchoring communities like Watford City near the north unit and Dickinson near the south unit. The local artisans and proprietors appreciate your support and are happy to have you. FOR MORE INFORMATION THE TRAILS ARE CALLING. See where they lead. The hiking trails here never feel like rush hour. They are popular, but offer plenty of breathing room. Here are a few of the park’s many trails for feet and hooves. (Bicycles are welcome on paved roads.) FOR A FULL LIST OF TRAILS, VISIT nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm EASY HIKES Little Mo Trail — North Unit Explore the river bottom habitat along a paved, self-guided nature trail. 30 - 45 minutes 0.7 mi / 1.1 km (paved inner loop) 1.1 mi / 1.8 km (unpaved outer loop) Buck Hill — South Unit Climb to the highest accessible point in the park for panoramic views of the Badlands. 15 minutes 0.2 mi / 0.3 km EASY TO MODERATE HIKES Caprock Coulee Nature Trail — North Unit Follow this self-guided nature trail among interesting geologic formations and juniper covered hillsides. 1 hour 1.5 mi / 2.4 km Coal Vein Trail — South Unit This nature trail is an excellent place to learn about the geology and ecology of the Badlands. 30 - 45 minutes 0.6 mi / 1 km (inner loop) 0.8 mi / 1.3 km (outer loop) MODERATE TO STRENUOUS HIKES Achenbach Trail — North Unit Steep climbs and descents plus two river crossings lead deep into the heart of the wilderness. 10 - 12 hours 18 mi / 30 km Petrified Forest Loop — South Unit This remote hike takes you through ancient, petrified forests and wilderness. 5 - 6 hours 10.3 mi / 16.6 km
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