Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Theodore Roosevelt National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Buck Hill
At 2,855 feet, this is one of the highest points in the park and provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the badlands. Come here for the sunset.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USA -
2. Maah Daah Hey Trail
Traversing the full length of the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail is a true multiday wilderness adventure. A popular and well-maintained route, it runs through private and public lands—including the Little Missouri Grasslands and both the North and South units of the national park—with several access points and numerous campgrounds. Maps are available at the park visitor centers and through the U.S. Forest Service and the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association. The 7.1-mile one-way segment that runs through the park's South Unit will take you three or four hours; plan on a full day out and back. Moderate–Difficult.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA -
3. Badlands Dinosaur Museum
A huge triceratops—whose complete skull was excavated in 1992 west of Dickinson—greets you at the entrance of this museum, which houses dozens of dinosaur bones, fossilized plants and seashells, and rocks and minerals collected from around the world. The museum, which is part of the greater 12-acre Dickinson Museum Center complex with the Joachim Regional Museum, Prairie Outpost Park, and Pioneer Machinery Hall, has North Dakota's largest dinosaur display.
188 Museum Dr. E, Dickinson, North Dakota, 58601, USA701-456–6225Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6, May–Labor Day, daily 9–5 -
4. Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
The French nobleman for whom the chateau is named erected this 26-room hunting cabin in 1883 with his wife, Medora, for whom the town was named. He also built a meatpacking plant and encouraged other cattle ranchers to settle in the area. Though their cattle empire was never realized, the couple hosted extravagant hunting parties and even entertained Theodore Roosevelt during his Dakota ranching days. You can tour the restored chateau between May and October, when weekend history programs and carriage rides are also offered. The site's interpretive center is open year-round.
3426 Chateau Rd., Medora, North Dakota, 58645, USA701-623–4355Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 adults; $3 children, Mid-May–mid-Sept., daily 8:30–5:30; mid-Sept.–mid-May, interpretive center open Tues.–Sat., 9–5, Closed mid-Oct.--Apr. -
5. Cottonwood
RestaurantThis is in a lovely valley near the river. There are fire pits, drinking water, restrooms, eight open tables, and eight covered tables.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USA -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Elkhorn Ranch
Nature Preserve/Wildlife RefugeThis unit of the park is composed of the 218 acres of ranchland where Theodore Roosevelt ran cattle on the open range. Today there are no buildings, but foundation blocks outline the original structures. Check with visitor center staff about road conditions.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USA701-623–4466-South UnitSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Evening Campfires
Tour–SightRangers host hour-long presentations and discussions on such subjects as park history, astronomy, fires, and wildlife. Look for times and subjects posted at park campgrounds.
Cottonwood Campground, South Unit; Juniper Campground, North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USASight Details
Rate Includes: June–mid-Sept., daily -
8. Fort Buford State Historic Site
Built in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, this military post was the site of Sitting Bull's surrender in 1881. In summer, you can take a self-guided tour of the restored officers' quarters as well as the unusual, sometimes humorous, tombstones in the soldiers' cemetery. The site grounds and adjoining Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are open year-round.
15349 39th La. NW, Williston, North Dakota, 58801, USA701-572–9034Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5, Memorial day–Labor Day., daily 10–6; off-season by appointment, Closed early Sept.–late May (except by appointment) -
9. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Built by John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company, the fort was the most important fur and bison hide trading center on the upper Missouri River between 1828 and 1867. Walk around the reconstructed grounds, which include the Trade House, teepees, and the reconstructed palisade and three-story bastions of Fort Union. Follow the easy 1-mile trail to Bodmer Overlook, named for the artist Karl Bodmer, who painted the fort from this vantage point in the early 1830s. June sees a traditional Rendezvous, with fur-trade reenactors and period music, crafts, and other demonstrations. In early August, the site also hosts a Native American arts showcase and a traditional powwow.
View Tours and Activities15550 Hwy. 1804, Williston, North Dakota, 58801, USA701-572–9083Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily 8–6:30; Labor Day–Memorial Day, daily 9–5:30 -
10. Juniper
RestaurantThis area has restrooms, grills, drinking water, and 28 tables (eight with shelter).
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA -
11. Little Missouri National Grasslands
This is the largest and most diverse of 19 national grasslands in the western United States, spanning a million acres in western North Dakota. It takes three hours to complete a self-guided 58-mile driving tour known as the Custer Auto Trail, beginning and ending in Medora. The best time to see wildlife is in early morning or late afternoon. Don't forget a camera and binoculars. In addition to stretches of the lengthy Maah Daah Hey Trail, which runs through the grasslands, there are seven designated trails, and back-country hiking is permitted. Little Missouri Grassland trails are open to all nonmotorized activities, including horseback riding and cycling as well as hiking. For a copy of the driving tour and trail maps, contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Dickinson or the South Unit Visitor Center.
99 23rd Ave. W, Dickinson, North Dakota, 58601, USA701-227–7800Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
12. Little Missouri State Park
Called Makoshika or "Bad Land" by the Sioux, the Little Missouri State Park has unusual land formations that create the state's most awe-inspiring scenery. The beehive-shaped rock formations resulted from the erosion of sedimentary rock deposited millions of years ago by streams flowing from the Rocky Mountains. Undeveloped and rugged, this wilderness area has both primitive and modern camping and 50 miles of horse trails.
Killdeer, North Dakota, USA701-794–3731-winterSight Details
Rate Includes: $7 per vehicle, Daily, Closed Nov.--Apr. -
13. Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin
Notable BuildingAbout 7 miles from its original site in the river bottom sits the cabin Theodore Roosevelt commissioned to be built on his Dakota Territory property. Inside are Roosevelt's original writing table and rocking chair. Interpretive tours are scheduled every day June–September.
South Unit entrance, exits 24 and 27 off I–94, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USA701-623–4466-South UnitSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
14. North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
This museum features six galleries and rotating exhibits, hosts special events, and is dedicated to the horse culture of the plains.
250 Main St., Medora, North Dakota, 58645, USA701-623–2000Sight Details
Rate Includes: $9, May–Sept., daily 9–6 -
15. North Unit Scenic Drive
Scenic DriveThe 14-mile, two-way drive follows rugged terrain above spectacular views of the canyons, and is flanked by more than a dozen turnouts with interpretive signs. Notice the slump blocks, massive segments of rock that have slipped down the cliff walls over time. Farther along pass through badlands coulees, deep-water clefts that are now dry. There's a good chance of meeting bison, mule deer, and bighorn sheep along the way, also keep an eye out for longhorn steers, just like the ones you would see in Texas.
From the unit entrance to the Oxbow Overlook, North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58854, USA -
16. North Unit Visitor Center
North Unit | Visitor CenterHere you'll find a bookstore and small auditorium where you can watch park films to acquaint you with the park.
North Unit entrance, off U.S. 85, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58854, USA701-842–2333Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily 9–5:30; check park website for off-season hrs -
17. Oxbow Overlook
The view from this spot at the end of the North Unit drive looks over the unit's westerly badlands and the Little Missouri River, where it takes a sharp turn east. This is the place to come for stargazing.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58854, USA -
18. Painted Canyon Scenic Overlook
RestaurantThis area has eight covered tables, drinking water, restrooms, and a spectacular view.
Exit 32 off I–94, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA -
19. Painted Canyon Scenic Overlook
South UnitCatch your first glimpse of badlands majesty here—the South Unit canyon's colors change dramatically with the movement of the sun across the sky.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USA -
20. Painted Canyon Visitor Center
South Unit | Visitor CenterEasily reached off Interstate 94, this South Unit Visitor Center has a bookstore and exhibits.
Exit 32 off I–94, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 58645, USA701-575–4020Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mid-June–Labor Day, daily 8–6; May–mid-June and early Sept. and Oct., daily 8:30–4:30
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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