Why go
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the heart of North Dakota and one of the most underestimated national parks in the United States. While Yellowstone or Grand Canyon attract millions of visitors every year, it remains astonishingly quiet even during high season.
The colourful Badlands, wide prairies and bizarre rock formations are reminiscent of the Badlands National Park in South Dakota – but they seem more original and much less crowded. In addition, there is an impressive animal world with bisons, wild horses and thickhorn sheep as well as fantastic panoramic roads.
The park owes its name to the later US President Theodore Roosevelt, who spent several years here after personal strokes of fate. Time in the Badlands shaped his love for nature and later made him one of the most important conservationists of American history.
The South Unit near Medora is the most visited part of the park and is ideal for a first visit.
At a glance
Category | Information
Established as a National Park | 1978
Ideal stay | 1–2 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Animal monitoring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Number of visitors | (comfortably quiet)
Scenic Loop Drive
The 58 km long panoramic road leads through the spectacular Badlands and is one of the most beautiful Scenic Drives in the Midwest.
On the way you'll be waiting:
colorful rock formations
Deep gorges
Wide prairies
numerous vantage points
excellent opportunities for animal observation
Insider tip
Drive the route as twice as possible – once in the early morning and again shortly before sunset. The light changes the landscape completely.
Painted Canyon Overlook
The most famous vantage point of the national park is located directly on Interstate 94.
From here a spectacular view opens up over the colourfully layered Badlands.
Many travelers stop for a short time – it is worth staying a little longer and observing the changing colors of the landscape.
Photo Tip
Shortly after sunrise, the hills glow in warm red and gold tones.
Buck Hill
Buck Hill is one of the highest points in the park, with an altitude of 870 metres.
A short walk leads from the parking lot to the vantage point.
From above, the view extends over the endless Badlands to far into the prairie.
Prairie Dog Town
One of the biggest prairie dog areas in the park.
The curious animals constantly whistle together and provide enthusiasm especially for children.
Best animal observation
Stay calm for a few minutes. After a short time, the prairie dogs usually come back from their buildings.
Maltese Cross Cabin
The small log cabin was at times the home of Theodore Roosevelt.
Today it is located at the visitor center and provides an exciting insight into his life as a rancher.
Driving Scenic Loop Drive
Plan at least half a day for the panoramic road.
Almost every viewpoint invites you to a longer stop.
Ridgeline Trail
Distance: about 1 km
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: easy
A short walk with stunning views over the Badlands.
Wind Canyon Trail
Distance: about 1 km
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: easy
One of the most beautiful short walking tours in the park.
At the end of the path, a wide view opens up over the Little Missouri River.
Photo Tip
This viewpoint is one of the most beautiful in the national park.
Animal monitoring
With a little luck you can observe:
Bisons
Wild horses
Bighorn sheep
Coyotes
Mule deer
Prairie dogs
Golden eagles
Shopping
The park shop in the visitor centre offers:
Books
Cards
National park souvenirs
Clothing
regional products
Medora is recommended for larger purchases.
Theodore-Dining Room
The most famous restaurant in Medora.
Recommended are:
Bison steak
Prime Rib
Regional specialities
Boots Bar & Grill
Popular for:
Burger
Steaks
Salads
Ideal after a hike.
Cottonwood Campground
The main campground of the South Unit.
Benefits:
Spacious pitches
beautiful nature
frequent animal observations
Dump station available
No hook-ups.
Medora Campground
Just outside the park.
Benefits:
Full Hook-up
Large pull-through pitches
ideal location
Perfect for Fifth Wheels.
Red Trail Campground
Quiet little campsite near Medora.
A good alternative during the high season.
RV tip
The Scenic Loop Drive can easily be used with campers. For spontaneous stops and smaller hiking parking spaces, however, you are more flexible with the pickup truck.
Photo Tip
The most beautiful light conditions prevail in the first two hours after sunrise and shortly before sunset. Then the colored rock layers seem particularly intense.
Insider tip
The park is one of the few national parks where you can often watch wild horses. Especially along the Scenic Loop Drive, it's worth stopping and searching the slopes with binoculars.
Avoid frequent errors
Plan enough water – in summer temperatures can rise well above 30 C.
Keep enough distance to bisons and wild horses.
Do not underestimate the distances between the viewpoints.
Stay in the park even after sunset – the evening mood and the starry sky are spectacular.
Our recommendation
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of those places that many travelers can visit without much expectation – and at the end remember as one of the most beautiful experiences of their journey.The combination of quiet Badland, wide prairies and an exceptionally rich animal world creates an atmosphere which is rarely found in the large national parks of the West.