National Park · Great Plains · ND
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.
Current alerts
InformationTheodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection
Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
InformationSouth Unit Address for Mobile Maps – Theodore Roosevelt NP
On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Station 201 East River Road N. Medora, ND 58645
InformationPetrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route
Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries. For precise directions, use the link provided.
Location
47.1778, -103.4300
Key trails & viewpoints
Hike the Petrified Forest
Hiking just to the petrified forest (either section) is a 3-mile out-and-back hike. The entire loop is 10.4 miles.
The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes.
Hike Skyline Vista Trail
The Skyline Vista Trail is a 0.1 mile round-trip accessible hike to an overlook with seating.
Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is remote, located between the North and South units. Visitors should plan for a drive of approximately 90 minutes each way, with time to hike and explore at the Elkhorn unit itself.
Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.
Hike Coal Vein Trail
Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Hike Wind Canyon Trail
The Wind Canyon trail is a 0.3 mile loop, with scenic views along its length.
Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands.
Hike Boicourt Trail
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.
Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail
Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Hike up Buck Hill
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!
Hours & fees
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00
Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
- Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.
- Commercial Entrance - Van — $50.00
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $60.00
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $150.00
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Activities
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- Food
- Picnicking
- 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