Theodore Roosevelt

Medora, ND

  • Hike Skyline Vista Trail

    A trailhead sign next to a paved trail in a grassy area. Buttes are visible on the horizon.

    Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    A yellow breasted bird with brown wings and head sings at the top of a tree with needles.

    The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds. Take a moment and see which ones you can spot!

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Wildlife Viewing - South Unit

    A group of bison cross a butte, the badlands dim behind them.

    Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Wildlife Viewing - North Unit

    A group of bighorn sheep cross a hillside above a bison.

    Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit

    A black and white photo of a low ranch house, with a porch. Elk antlers hang on the walls.

    Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike Coal Vein Trail

    A trail winds through low buttes under a blue sky, with grass and flowers growing around it.

    Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike Wind Canyon Trail

    A bend in the river and a trail above it are seen at sunset. Buttes and prairies line the river.

    Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike Boicourt Trail

    The badlands, including a view down into a sandy bottomed valley and large buttes under a cloudy sky

    This short hike, with its elevated perspective and accessible trail, offers a unique view of the Little Missouri Badlands that the whole family can enjoy.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin

    A log cabin sits in a grassy area on the other side of a wooden fence, trees and blue sky behind it.

    The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first home in Dakota territory. Step inside and learn about how he lived during his time in the badlands where the romance of his life began.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail

    A paved trail leads to a bridge over a creek. A picnic shelter is seen behind some trees.

    Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Film: Refuge of the American Spirit

    The sun is just visible over a badlands scene. Juniper grow on the buttes, and there are low clouds.

    Visit one of the visitor centers and watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park film, Refuge of the American Spirit.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike up Buck Hill

    Two children sit on the edge of a rock ledge and gaze out over the badlands, juniper, and trails.

    Hike to the top of Buck Hill, one of the highest points in the park, and get an amazing 360° view of the surrounding badlands!

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive

    A road curves to the left, with yellowing trees on both sides. Large buttes are in the distance.

    Hop on your mountain bike and experience the South Unit Scenic Drive in a whole new way.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Bike the North Unit Scenic Drive

    A road winds past buttes, viewed from above.

    Bike the 14-mile scenic drive of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's remote North Unit!

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike the Painted Canyon Nature Trail

    A view up a trail towards a butte through junipers. A trail marker reads Painted Canyon.

    Painted Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop trail located just off Interstate 94 near the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. It offers a great introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whether visitors are just passing through or planning on a multi-day stay.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • See the Stars in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    A ranger stands with several people, pointing a green laser at the sky. Stars are visible above them

    Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers incredible night skies for amateur and expert stargazers alike to enjoy year round.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Drive the South Unit Scenic Drive

    A photo taken from road level. Two yellow lines travel out of sight, with buttes in the distance.

    The South Unit scenic drive is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Drive the North Unit Scenic Drive

    A road curves out of sight around some buttes. Yellowish grass grows on both sides of the road.

    The North Unit scenic drive provides access to the more rugged North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Become a Theodore Roosevelt National Park Junior Ranger

    Two women smiling at the camera, one in a ranger uniform, holding a junior ranger book and badge.

    Visit one of the park's visitor centers to pick up a Junior Ranger Field Journal, and start your journey to becoming a Junior Ranger!

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Explore the Cannonball Concretions

    Several large round rocks eroded out of the side of a butte. The sky above the butte is cloudy blue.

    The cannonball concretions are an arresting and unusual geological formation. Stop at this pullout to explore their mysteries!

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hike the Petrified Forest

    A large petrified stump is central to the image, with others and large buttes visible behind it.

    The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hiking in the South Unit

    Sunshine highlights slopes on rolling badlands landscape.

    From paved paths to strenuous backcountry trails – the hiking trails in the South Unit have a little something for everyone. Explore a sampling of park terrain with trail options to fit all levels of hikers.

    Read more at nps.gov

  • Hiking in the North Unit

    Landscape view of dramatic Badlands with prominent coal seam.

    Nature Trails in the North Unit are perfect for casual hikers and nature enthusiasts, but the backcountry trails really steal the show! The Buckhorn, Caprock Coulee, and famed Achenbach Trails traverse the park's vast wilderness areas. Check out all the options and what will fit your trip best.

    Read more at nps.gov