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. Oxbow Overlook, North Unit 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. 4 HELLO NORTH DAKOTA 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.
North Dakota Travel Guide 2026 Travel Guide: Page 4
