North Dakota Travel Guide - 2026 Travel Guide
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK
2026-01-26 10:27:19
WHERE HISTORY AND THE HORIZON MEET.
Recognized by National Geographic as one of the "Best of the World" destinations for 2026, North Dakota's Badlands offer an untamed beauty that's both rare and unforgettable. With 70,448 acres and 136 miles of hiking trails, this rugged landscape once inspired Theodore Roosevelt to become America's "Conservation President." From towering buttes to quiet river valleys, the terrain is as varied as it is breathtaking - a kind of rugged beauty you have to experience to understand.
NORTH UNIT
The north unit, near Watford City, is just 50 miles from Interstate 94. It’s even further off the beaten path than the south unit and you’ll be rewarded with the ruggedness and solitude of this less-visited area of the park. The 14-mile (28-mile roundtrip) scenic drive takes you to the iconic view of the River Bend Overlook about midway through the drive and then onto the equally breathtaking panorama at Oxbow Overlook at the end. Watch for bison and bighorn sheep.
ELKHORN RANCH UNIT
After his wife and mother died on the same day, Theodore Roosevelt left New York to heal. He went back to the Badlands where he built a house and ranching operation in this secluded area of the Badlands. The cabin is gone, but the foundation stones remain. Visitors can stand in the place where Roosevelt escaped to solitude and nature’s peace over 100 years ago.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
OPENING 2026
The new Presidential Library will inspire visitors to learn from his enduring legacy and his pillar principles of conservation, leadership and citizenship. With a design that becomes part of the surrounding Badlands, the Library will be one of the most sustainable cultural institutions in the world. Construction will use natural, renewable materials and low-carbon concrete, nearly all locally sourced from western North Dakota. A legacy worthy of our conservation President. Exhibits will include thousands of artifacts, a recreation of Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch cabin interior, immersive digital experiences, and photos he processed in his cabin's darkroom.
SOUTH UNIT
The south unit features a 36-mile scenic loop much loved for its sweeping views of the rough terrain of the Badlands and the Little Missouri River carving its way through the landscape. The wildlife here is still wild and includes bison, elk, prairie dogs and wild horses. Two Visitor Centers can help you get acquainted with the park and the hiking trails. Painted Canyon Visitor Center is right on Interstate 94 just outside Medora to the east. You can get your first glimpse of the Badlands at an overview and even take a short hike down into it. The South Unit Visitor Center is located in Medora, right at the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin is open to walk through during visitor center hours.
FOLLOW THE PATH OF A PRESIDENT
Walk the trails of Roosevelt’s legacy
Hello, elbow room! The Park’s most popular hikes are well traveled, but you won’t be bumping into other travelers as you try to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views. So, show up whenever you want, step onto the trail and exhale a breath of relief. You can hike or horseback ride on the non-motorized trails in the park. Mountain bikers will find amazing single track trails outside the park through the million acre Little Missouri National Grasslands, including the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a 144-mile single track trail through the Badlands.
SHORT HIKES
LITTLE MO TRAIL - NORTH UNIT
Explore the river bottom habitat along a lush, self-guided nature trail.
30 minutes
0.7 mi / 1.1 km (paved inner loop)
45 minutes
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
MEDIUM HIKES
CAPROCK COULEE NATURE TRAIL - NORTH UNIT
Follow this self-guided nature trail among the interesting geological 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 minutes
0.6 mi / 1 km (inner loop)
45 minutes
0.8 mi / 1.3 km (outer loop)
LONG HIKES
ACHENBACH TRAIL - NORTH UNIT
Explore the river bottom habitat along a paved, self-guided nature trail.
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
FOR A FULL LIST OF TRAILS
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE PARK GATEWAY CITIES
The old west town of Medora welcomes Theodore Roosevelt National Park visitors with family-friendly activities, entertainment, lodging and amenities. The Medora Musical is a professional musical and variety show performed live, under the stars, all summer long. The outdoor amphitheater is built right into the Badlands and the show features horses on stage and a fireworks finale. Come celebrate the history of Medora, Teddy Roosevelt and the historic American West.
Watford City near the north unit and Dickinson near the south unit also offer inviting hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping options, and golf.
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