Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Introduction

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a United States National Park comprising three geographically separated areas of badlands in western North Dakota. The park was named for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. The scenery changes constantly in relationship with the seasons. The brown, dormant grass dominates from late summer through the winter, but explodes into green color in the early summer along with hundreds of species of flowering plants. Winter can be a beautiful scene as snow covers the sharp terrain of the badlands and locks the park into what Theodore Roosevelt called "an abode of iron desolation." The badlands are very important in Theodore Roosevelt's life, and the park memorializes his contributions to the conservation of America's natural resources. A museum at the South Unit Visitor Center provides background on Theodore Roosevelt and his ranching days. Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin is open for public viewing year-round at the South Unit Visitor Center.

Geography

The park covers 285.08 km2 of land in three sections: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The park's larger South Unit lies alongside Interstate 94 near Medora, North Dakota. The smaller North Unit is situated about 130 kilometres north of the South Unit, on U.S. Highway 85, just south of Watford City, North Dakota. Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch is located between the North and South units, approximately 32 kilometres west of US 85 and Fairfield, North Dakota. The Little Missouri River flows through all three units of the park. The Maah Daah Hey Trail connects all three units.

Sights and Activities

Both main units of the park have scenic drives, approximately 100 miles of foot and horse trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for back country hiking and camping. There are three developed campgrounds: Juniper Campground in the North Unit, Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit, and the Roundup Group Horse Campground in the South Unit.

One of the most popular attractions is wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide variety of Great Plains wildlife including bison, feral horses, elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer and mule deer, prairie dogs, and at least 186 species of birds including golden eagles, sharp-tailed grouse, and wild turkeys. Bison may be dangerous and visitors are advised to view them from a distance. Bison, elk, and bighorn sheep have been successfully reintroduced to the park.

Opening Hours

The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Please note that the North Unit operates on Central time, while the South Unit operates on Mountain time.

Portions of the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive and North Unit Scenic Road may be closed in winter due to snow and ice.

Campgrounds and the South Unit Visitor Center are open year-round too.

Cost

Costs are US$ 10 for persons (foot, bicycle) and US$ 20 for cars, both valid for 7 days.

Getting There

By Car

The South Unit entrance is next to the town of Medora, ND. Medora is accessible via Interstate 94, exits 24 and 27. Medora is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is located 7 miles east of Medora on I-94 at Exit 32.

The North Unit entrance is on U.S. Highway 85, approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles. I-94 travelers can access U.S. Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is located 35 miles north of Medora. Access to the site is via gravel roads. Approaching the site from the east requires fording the Little Missouri River and is not recommended. The best route is via exit 10 on I-94. Road conditions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit are extremely variable. Consult with park staff for information on traveling to the Elkhorn Ranch Site before you attempt the journey.

By Bus

Bus transportation via Rimrock Inc., Toll Free: 1-800-255-7655, is available along I-94. The bus stops in Medora, three blocks from the park's South Unit entrance. There is no public bus transportation along Highway 85 and to the North Unit.

Eat/Drink

There is no food available for purchase within the park boundaries, except for a few small vending machines at the North Unit and Painted Canyon visitor centers. South Unit visitors can hop over to Medora to stock up. Visitor centers have water fountains, and the Cottonwood and Juniper campgrounds have drinking water on tap. Roundup may have water, but it's not a year-round service - verify with rangers, especially in shoulder season (May and October).

Sleep

The park has no lodging of its own. Camp, or sleep in a nearby town.

External Links

• Official Website