Theodore Roosevelt National Park

“I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Named for the 26^th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is managed by the National Park Service and covers 110 square miles of breathtaking vistas in the savagely beautiful North Dakota Badlands. The South Unit Visitor Center, open year-round, is located at the South Unit's entrance and includes a museum, theater, and information desk. Visit the museum to see personal items of Theodore Roosevelt, plus other cultural and natural history displays. Ranger-led activities begin Memorial Day weekend and continue through early September. Daily programs include short talks, guided walks, tours of Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, and evening programs at the campground amphitheater. Current program schedules are posted at the visitor center, in park bulletin boards, and in numerous locations throughout Medora. Check at the visitor center for trail and backcountry conditions. The visitor center is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Visitors to the South Unit are able to take a relaxing 36-mile scenic loop drive through the badlands. This paved drive includes interpretive signs that explain the park's historical and natural features. One can explore this rugged terrain by vehicle, on foot, or by horseback. Extensive systems of backcountry trails encourage viewing the natural habitats of a wide variety of plants and animals such as bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, mule deer, elk, pronghorn and numerous bird species. Over 500 species of plants can be found here. Optimum wildlife viewing times are in the early morning and early evening hours.

The park allows visitors to learn about an environment and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. The prospect of big game hunting had initially brought Roosevelt to the West. But when he arrived, the last large herds of bison were gone, having been decimated by hide hunters and disease. By spending time in the Dakota Territory, he became alarmed by the damage that was being done to the land and its wildlife. He witnessed the destruction of some big game species. Overgrazing destroyed the grasslands and with them the habitats for small mammals and songbirds. Conservation increasingly became one of Roosevelt's major concerns. When he became President in 1901, Roosevelt pursued his interests in conservation and resource protection by establishing the U.S. Forest Service and by signing the 1906 Antiquities Act under which he proclaimed 18 national monuments. He also established 5 national parks, 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, and 150 National Forests. By the end of his presidency, he had protected 230,000,000 acres of public land!

Theodore Roosevelt was a major figure in American history. Here in the North Dakota Badlands, where many of his personal concerns first gave rise to his later environmental efforts, Roosevelt is remembered with a national park that honors this great conservationist.

North Dakota Badlands Outdoor Adventure 

Ninety-five miles of backcountry trails await you in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hikers and horseback parties who wish to camp overnight in the backcountry must register at either the South or North Unit visitor centers and obtain a free backcountry use permit. A free backcountry guide is available. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry.