Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit

While the South Unit at Medora attracts most visitors, for many connoisseurs the North Unit is considered to be the most scenic part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The landscape looks wilder, more remote and more original. Deep gorges, colorful Badlands, Little Missouri River and vast prairies create an impressive backdrop that often seems almost deserted.

Here, the focus is not on the big sights but the feeling of being in the middle of an almost untouched landscape. If you are looking for peace and want to experience nature without crowds, you will find one of the most beautiful places in the whole Midwest in the North Unit.

The North Unit is located approximately north of Medora, near Watford City.

Category | Information

Ideal stay | 1⁄2–1 day

Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.

Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Animal monitoring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Number of visitors | (very quiet)

The 23 km long panoramic road ends in a dead end and leads through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the national park.

On the way you'll be waiting:

Coloured Badlands

Deep gorges

bizarre rock formations

numerous vantage points

Open prairie

Due to the low traffic you can enjoy the ride quite relaxed.

The most famous vantage point of the North Unit.

From here you can see far beyond a large river loop of the Little Missouri River and the surrounding Badlands.

Shortly before sunset, the warm light immerses the landscape in intense shades of red, gold and brown.

A beautiful vantage point with views over the wide river valleys and the hilly landscape.

Often you don't meet any other visitors here.

Along the Scenic Drive are numerous almost perfectly round rock balls, so-called Cannonball Creations.

These rare geological formations were created over millions of years.

The scenic road is the real highlight of the North Unit.

Plan enough time for spontaneous stops.

Distance: about 6 km

Duration: 2–3 hours

Difficulty: medium

One of the most beautiful hiking tours of the entire national park.

The trail leads through open prairies, Badlands and spectacular viewpoints.

With a little luck you will encounter bisons or wild horses along the trail.

Distance: approx. 2,5 km

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Short hike with wonderful views over the Badlands.

The visitor center has a small shop with:

Books

Cards

Beverages

Snacks

Watford City is recommended for larger purchases.

Popular for:

Burger

Pizza

Craft Beer

An excellent address after a day in the National Park.

Rustic atmosphere with classic American cuisine.

The only campsite of the North Unit.

Benefits:

Quiet location

Spacious pitches

Beautiful view

Dump Station

No hook-ups.

Ideal for nature lovers.

Full hook-up.

Perfect for larger campers and Fifth Wheels.

The Scenic Drive is easily accessible with larger campers. However, the pickup truck is recommended for hiking tours, as some parking spaces are limited.

The North Unit is ideal for star observations. Due to its low light pollution, the Park is one of the best places in North Dakota for an impressive night sky.

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vast landscapes and dramatic cloud formations.

Do not underestimate the travel time between the South Unit and the North Unit – they are more than an hour apart.

Tank up enough before the visit. In the national park there is no gas station.

Take enough water, especially in summer.

The North Unit is often left out – it is one of the most beautiful regions in the park.

The North Unit is the quieter, wilder brother of the South Unit. Those who have enough time should definitely visit both parking areas. While Medora scores with history and infrastructure, the North Unit delights in its loneliness and a landscape that seems almost untouched.