WHERE HISTORY AND THE HORIZON MEET. Just a short way off the beaten path you’ll nd a National Park without wait lines. Take a gander, take a deep breath, take in the Badlands and relax. The terrain of the Badlands is hard to describe and like most natural wonders, a photo just doesn’t do it justice. You have to see it with your own eyes and feel the greatness of a place that’s still wild. Featuring 70,448 acres and 136 miles of hiking trails, its unspoiled nature inspired Roosevelt to become America’s “Conservation President.” Buck Hill, South Unit SOUTH UNIT The south unit is the most visited with a 44-mile out and back scenic drive interspersed with 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 fi rst 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. 4 HELLO NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota Travel Guide 2025 Travel Guide: Page 4
