National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers · Public domain
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to South Unit Entrance (Medora) (opens in a new tab)
South Unit Entrance (Medora)Main
Medora, ND · Open year-round, 24 hours; parts of the Scenic Loop Drive may close in winter
- Directions to North Unit Entrance (opens in a new tab)
North Unit Entrance
Watford City, ND · Open year-round, 24 hours; Scenic Road may close in winter
Separate North Unit, about 70 miles (1 h 10 min) north of the South Unit
- Directions to Painted Canyon Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Medora, ND · Seasonal hours
- Directions to Elkhorn Ranch Unit (opens in a new tab)
Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Medora, ND · Open year-round; roads can be impassable when wet or snowy
Remote unit on gravel roads; no services
Airports
- DIK
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport · Dickinson, ND
ClosestSmall airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Watford City, NDFor the North Unit
No lodging inside the park · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
Activities
Top Hikes
0.4 mi · out & back
Short trail to the best views of the Little Missouri River in the park. A ranger-recommended sunset location.
Starts at: Wind Canyon Trailhead (South Unit)
10.3 mi · loop
A remote backcountry loop in the park's northwest corner featuring petrified forests and wilderness solitude.
Starts at: Petrified Forest Trailhead (South Unit)
4.3 mi · loop
Climbs a grassy butte through multiple habitat types combining the nature trail with a more challenging ridgeline section.
Starts at: Caprock Coulee Trailhead (North Unit)
0.9 mi · out & back
Descends into a colorful badlands canyon for close-up views of rock layers and juniper-studded landscapes.
Starts at: Painted Canyon Visitor Center (South Unit)
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Theodore Roosevelt
Best time to visit: May–June, September
The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is May–June and September. The weather is mild for scenic drives and hiking among active bison and prairie dogs, avoiding hot midsummer and harsh winters.
In those months, average highs are 67–77°F at South Unit Visitor Center. Visitor numbers peak in July, and May is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at South Unit Visitor Center (2,270 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
