7 Reasons You Need to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Wait, wait, wait…is North Dakota not at the top of your bucket list!? Well, I’m here to tell you it should be on there somewhere. This area of the United States is so often overlooked, but a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota will prove to you that it definitely shouldn’t be. While it’s true that most of the Great Plains are filled with vast, flat farmland, this park is anything but. And even if you have to drive through miles of farmland to get here, there’s a certain beauty to amber waves of grain. If you’re on the fence about paying a visit to North Dakota, allow me to highlight this Midwest gem.

Here are seven reasons to add Theodore Roosevelt National Park to your bucket list.

7 Reasons You Need to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Wild horses crossing the road in Medora, North Dakota

1. ABUNDANT WILDLIFE

One of the best things about Theodore Roosevelt National Park is you’re nearly guaranteed to spot some excellent wildlife. On the Scenic Loop Drive alone we encountered wild horses, burrowing owls, bison, and hundreds of prairie dogs. The South Unit of the park is home to several prairie dog towns that are located right at the side of the road. You don’t even need to leave your car to watch them run around and hear them “bark”. Check out my TRNP story highlights on Instagram to see a couple of these guys that ran up to our car while we were stopped to eat lunch.

A prairie dog peeking out of his tunnel in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

What’s a Prairie Dog Town?

Prairie dog towns are large systems of underground tunnels where prairie dogs live. The surfaces of these towns are marked by mounds and burrow entrances where prairie dogs poke out during the day to run around and eat. They’re usually located in large, open prairies and can cover dozens, or even hundreds, of acres.

Oxbow Overlook in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Grassy Butte, North Dakota. — Oxbow Overlook

2. LACK OF CROWDS

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the lesser-visited national parks in the country. Additionally, North Dakota is one of the least visited states in America. All of this means that there are fewer crowds here to compete with for parking, viewpoints, trails, and photo ops. And forget about waiting in line at the park entrance or trailheads! The North Unit is even less frequented than the South Unit, so if you’re able to make the 70-minute drive north you’ll be rewarded with even more solitude.

A herd of bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Aim for a weekday visit to be greeted with a quiet and peaceful escape to nature. When we visited during the week in early September, we had many hikes and overlooks entirely to ourselves. I’m pretty sure we saw more bison than we did humans. Weekends were noticeably busier but still uncrowded in comparison to many national parks.

Exploring the sandstone buttes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Wind Canyon Trail at sunset in North Dakota

3. IT’S EASY TO EXPLORE

You’ll find nearly all of the park’s best viewpoints right next to the main road. This makes it super easy to experience some of what this park has to offer in just a short drive. Most of the overlooks and trailheads in the South Unit are located along the 36-mile scenic loop drive. The North Unit trailheads and viewpoints are located along a 14-mile out-and-back road.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the park as well. With ample trails ranging from easy to strenuous, you’ll be able to find anything from a quick jaunt to a day hike.

River Bend Overlook in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park — River Bend Overlook

4. BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND FASCINATING GEOGRAPHY

Speaking of viewpoints and overlooks, there are so many breathtaking spots in this park! The landscape in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is quite varied. Looking toward north-facing buttes, you’ll find them lush with green juniper trees, similar to a mountainous region. However, if you turn around to view the south-facing buttes, you’ll see dry and brittle sandstone resembling the desert southwest. The colorful badlands of Painted Canyon are like a work of art, and the perfectly spherical boulders found at the Cannonball Concretions are otherworldly. The scenic drives and hikes here are a feast for the eyes.

Painted Canyon badlands in Medora, North Dakota — Painted Canyon

5. IT INSPIRED THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S CONSERVATION EFFORTS

In the years before his presidency, Teddy Roosevelt came to these badlands to hunt bison and farm cattle. Years later, he credited his time in North Dakota for his ability to become president and went on to lead conservation efforts that help shape our nation. He established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks, and 18 national monuments. All of this earned him the nickname of the “conservationist president”.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park was named in honor of the conservationist president and all that he did to preserve some of our nation’s most precious environments. While you’re in the park, you can visit the location of his Elkhorn Ranch to see for yourself the surroundings that inspired his legacy.

6. THE WILD WEST TOWN OF MEDORA

Medora is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. From outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs, from golfers to families – this little Old West town has something for just about everyone! You’ll find several restaurants, bars, shops, and even a world-renowned golf course in this charming little town. The Medora Musical is a production that attracts people from all over, and you’ll also find a museum preserving the history of the state’s Native American and western heritage. It’s the perfect base for your trip to the park and a fun place to explore!

7. IT CAN BE COMBINED WITH OTHER NATIONAL PARKS FOR AN EPIC ROAD TRIP!

This North Dakota park has enough to earn a trip on its own, but it can also be combined with other popular national parks for an even more epic trip. Make it a Dakota adventure by visiting Badlands or Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. Take a break from the crowds by stopping here after visiting Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park. This park sits on the border of Montana, so adding this to your Glacier National Park road trip is also a great option. If you’re coming from the east, Theodore Roosevelt National Park might already be on your way!

So, have I convinced you to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Let me know if you have any questions about the park in the comments below!