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National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Park ClosureJun 30, 2026

Painted Canyon Closed

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Park ClosureJun 30, 2026

South Unit Entrance Area Closure

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A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape

The River Bend Overlook offers one of the most popular views in the park's North Unit.

Photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers

About

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingFoodPicnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.

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Weather

In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.

News

National Park Service Loans Historic Artifacts to New Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Jun 26, 2026

National Park Service Loans Historic Artifacts to New Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

The National Park Service is partnering with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to loan artifacts and interpretive materials from national park collections as the new library honoring America’s 26th president prepares to open July 4, 2026, during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park to move to cashless fee collection starting May 1
Mar 24, 2026

Theodore Roosevelt National Park to move to cashless fee collection starting May 1

Beginning May 1, 2026, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Entrance fees and other in-person sales will be processed using mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets. The transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, and improves accountability.

Prescribed Burns Planned this Spring at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Mar 23, 2026

Prescribed Burns Planned this Spring at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt fire crews are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations in the South and North Unit, March 30 through the middle of June.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Van$50.00