Theodore Roosevelt National Park
National Park · North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects rugged North Dakota badlands where the young Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s. Its South Unit, next to Medora, has the Scenic Loop Drive, which fully reopened in late 2025, plus bison, wild horses and prairie dogs. The quieter North Unit is about an hour north, so allow separate time for it.

Good to know

Tickets
The park charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates. No reservation is needed.
Time needed
Half a day to a full day for the South Unit; add a day for the North Unit.
Best time
Late spring to early fall. Summer is busiest; September brings cooler weather and fewer people.
Getting there
The South Unit entrance is in Medora. Nearest major airport is Bismarck, about 2 hours' drive; Dickinson has a small regional airport about 40 minutes away.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Medora, North Dakota
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park questions

Is the Scenic Loop Drive open?

Yes. The South Unit's 36-mile loop fully reopened in late 2025 after years of landslide repairs.

Where can I see wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Wild horses roam the South Unit and are often seen from the Scenic Loop Drive and at Painted Canyon.

Where should I stay to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Medora has hotels and campgrounds right at the South Unit entrance. The park also runs Cottonwood and Juniper campgrounds.

Nearby national parks