Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Park ClosureJan 8, 2026

Cottonwood and Horse Roundup Campground Closure June 28 - July 10

View →
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.

Get directions →

Weather

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

News

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Celebrates Completion of South Unit Scenic Road Repair Project
Nov 25, 2025

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Celebrates Completion of South Unit Scenic Road Repair Project

The public reopening of an iconic roadway was celebrated today in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the approximately $51 million South Unit Scenic Loop Road rehabilitation project featured remarks by U.S. Senator John Hoeven, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, National Park Service Regional Director Bert Frost, and Park Superintendent Rachel Daniels.

Entrance Fees

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