Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the Badlands of North Dakota, is a rugged and beautiful landscape that showcases the natural beauty of the region. The park is divided into three units, each offering its own unique scenery and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
The South Unit is the most visited area of the park and is home to the Painted Canyon, a stunning area with colorful rock formations and sweeping vistas. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the park's loop road, stopping at overlooks to take in the panoramic views of the Badlands. Hiking trails wind through the rugged terrain, offering the chance to spot wildlife such as bison, prairie dogs, and wild horses.
In the North Unit, visitors can explore the more remote and untouched areas of the park. The winding Little Missouri River cuts through the landscape, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Juniper Campground offers a serene and secluded place to spend the night, surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Dakota Badlands.
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is the site of Theodore Roosevelt's historic cattle ranch, where the future president found solace and inspiration in the untamed wilderness. Today, visitors can visit the ranch site and imagine life on the frontier in the late 1800s. The area offers a glimpse into the rugged and adventurous spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, who was a passionate advocate for conservation and the preservation of America's natural landscapes.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Painted Canyon, Peaceful Valley Ranch. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Theodore Roosevelt National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Golden eagle
The golden eagle, a majestic bird of prey revered across the Northern Hemisphere, belongs to the Accipitridae family. These eagles are easily identified by their dark brown feathers accented with striking golden-brown patches on their necks.
Birds
Puma, Mountain Lion, Cougar
The cougar, also known by names like puma, mountain lion, red tiger, and catamount, is a remarkable big cat native to the Americas. Scientifically known as Puma concolor, this majestic animal roams from the Canadian Yukon all the way down to the southern Andes in South...
Mammals
Elk
The elk, also known as wapiti, is a majestic member of the deer family, Cervidae, and ranks among the largest land mammals in North America and Northeast Asia. These forest-dwelling herbivores feed on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark.
Mammals
White-tailed deer
The white-tailed deer, often referred to as the whitetail or Virginia deer, is a medium-sized species endemic to North America, Central America, and parts of South America, including Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This adaptable species has also been introduced...
Mammals
Wild turkey
The wild turkey is a captivating bird native to North America, holding the distinction of being the heaviest member of the Galliformes order. It is closely related to the domestic turkey, and its name likely originated from the British importing domesticated turkeys...
Birds
North Dakota