Why is there a park in North Dakota for a New Yorker who served in Washington, DC? Because of his contributions to the conservation of North Dakota’s resources. Theodore Roosevelt, who came to the region to hunt buffalo, later came back and started some cattle ranches. He began to notice that the number of wildlife was diminishing along with the grasslands and started conservation efforts for the new state.

Are We There Yet?

There are two units to the park, both in western North Dakota. To reach the South Unit Visitors Center, take I-94 for 135 miles west from Bismark. The North Unit Visitors Center is 16 miles south of Watford on US 85.

The North and South units are about 70 miles apart.

What’s There To Do Here?

Loop drives and hikes are the top activities at both units. There’s a 36-mile loop drive in the south unit which you can see after a tour of the Medora Visitor’s Center. The north unit also has a visitors center plus some self-guided walks.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at the park: you just might see a bison, elk, deer, antelope, prairie dog, coyote, wild horses (in the South unit only) or longhorn steers (in the north unit).

When Are We Going?

Summer months are the peak time for a visit. Winters can be extremely cold.

How Long Are We Staying?

You’ll want at least a full day if you are going to stop by both units; plan on about half a day to visit a single unit.

What Should We Bring?

Bring a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife.

Where's Our Room?

Cottonwood Campground in the south unit is available for tent camping as well as trailers and RVs. There are water, sewer and electrical hook-ups available. No reservations are accepted for these sites.

Juniper Campground in the North Unit offers campsites for tents, trailers and RVs but does not have hook-ups. This campground is also on a first-come, first-served basis.

Practical Information

Address: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Box 7, Medora, ND 58645
Operating Season: year round; some areas may close due to weather
Hours: 24 hours daily. Visitor’s center hours change seasonally.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/thro/