Honoring one of America’s greatest-ever Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is home to thousands of wild animals. Spread out over three different units—the South and North Units and Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch—it’s an amazing place for scenic drives and wildlife viewing.
Located in the remote prairies of North Dakota, the park contains a majestic landscape of multi-colored badlands and endlessly rolling grasslands, manicured like a golf course by hundreds of grazing bison and mustangs (wild horses).
Top Things to See and Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
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Teddy Roosevelt’s Hunting and Healing Grounds
This is the place where a young Theodore Roosevelt came to hunt bison in 1883. He quickly developed a love for both the outdoors lifestyle and the land itself, which would last his entire life.
After he lost both his wife and mother on the same fateful Valentine’s Day in 1884, he returned to the region to mourn and immerse himself in solitude and the vastness of the landscape. He became a cattle rancher for a while, in the meantime finding purpose, healing and—most of all—adventure.
It is this passion for the great outdoors that shaped his focus on conservation later on when he became the 26th President of the United States.
During his time in the White House, Roosevelt established the U.S. Forest Service and passed the groundbreaking Antiquities Act, which still allows Presidents to create national monuments, of which many would become national parks.
The Roosevelt administration also designated five new national parks, more than 50 bird reserves, and no fewer than 150 national forests.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park was not created by the man himself, though, but dedicated in 1947 as a national memorial park (the first and only one in the country) to honor him and his tremendous accomplishments and invaluable contributions to nature conservation.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Attractions (South Unit)
Drive the Scenic Loop Drive, hit some of the trails and, most importantly, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
You are almost guaranteed to come across a herd of American bison grazing on the plains. Wild mustangs are a common sight as well, while prairie dog towns are abundant all over the park.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot pronghorn, bighorn sheep, coyotes or elk.
1. Scenic Loop Drive
Winding its way up, down, through and around the badlands and prairies of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the 36-mile (58-kilometer) Scenic Loop Drive is one of America’s greatest national park roads.
Starting just outside the Medora Visitor Center, the road takes you past almost all major Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit highlights. One of the first is an extensive prairie dog town, of which there are several scattered about the park.
The Skyline Vista offers the first view of the badlands, but the Boicourt Overlook and Trail (see below) boast my personal favorite panorama. There are several other trailheads, points of interest and viewpoints along the way as well.
I recommend driving in a clockwise direction, simply because when we were there, most other cars seemed to be going to opposite way.
If you’re wondering what to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, the answer is simple—drive the Scenic Loop Drive!
2. Bison Sightings
One of the best U.S. national parks for wildlife watching, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to several large herds of American bison, groups of wild mustangs (horses) and other such fascinating animals as bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and mountain lions.
It’s the bison, though, that are the stars of the wildlife show in the national park. When driving the Scenic Loop Drive, which links almost all attractions in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, you’re pretty much certain to spot them.
Whether driving or cycling, keep your eyes on the road. And by no means approach them. They may seem passive and calm, but they’re still wild animals and can react briskly and instinctively.
It’s important that you know what to do if you encounter a bison while hiking.
3. Boicourt Trail
There are a number of long backcountry trails in the South Unit as well as several short trails. My favorite short hike in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the Boicourt Trail.
Its trailhead located about halfway on the Scenic Loop Drive, it leads to a spectacular overlook offering a 360-degree view of the North Dakota badlands and rolling prairie below.
Grab your binoculars and search the plains for roaming bison and horses. Take your time here—it’s one of the absolute greatest views in the park, in my opinion. This is a very short trail, no longer than about half a mile (800 meters) roundtrip, so no need to bring heavy backpacks and lots of water. Just bring your camera!
4. Sunset at Wind Canyon
Catching a sunset at Wind Canyon is one of the best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
This is another great little trail that leads along a cliff edge and provides striking views of the Little Missouri River. The trail itself is only 0.4 miles (650 meters) long.
5. Prairie Dog Towns
Besides the large mammals that roam the plains and hills of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there are also numerous smaller creatures that thrive here. The most notable are the always-productive prairie dogs, who live in extensive “towns” made up of dozens of burrows.
The Scenic Loop Drives passes right through three large prairie dogs towns, so you’ll certainly have a chance to see these industrious animals from up close.
What to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit
Besides driving the Scenic Loop Drive, which is the one and only way to get around the South Unit, there are several other things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Despite its relatively remote location in the North Dakota badlands, once you’re there, this is an extremely easy park to visit. The roads and trails are excellent, while some of the highlights (the Theodore Roosevelt National Park wildlife, specifically) often simply present themselves to you.
Hiking
Multiple hiking trails crisscross the Theodore Roosevelt National Park landscape. If you’re after a short walk to scenic viewpoints, I recommend the Wind Canyon Trail, Boicourt Trail and Ridgeline Trail.
For longer backcountry hikes, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is phenomenal (connecting all three units of the park). In the South Unit, you can create longer (overnight) loop hikes by combining the Jones Creek, Talkington, Paddock Creek and Badlands Spur Trails.
Wildlife Watching
The number one answer to the question “what to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?” is wildlife watching. Few other parks in the U.S. offer such easy opportunities to see wild animals in their native habitat.
From the iconic bison to the busy prairie dogs, from majestic elk to cunning coyotes, the biodiversity in this park is phenomenal.
Horseback Riding
If there was ever a national park to go horseback riding, it is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This is ranch country—the North Unit even has a herd of longhorn steers to remind people of this history—and horses are an intricate part of the region’s character. Wild horses do live in the park, after all.
The backcountry of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open to horseback riding. This includes the use of backcountry trails as well as cross-country travel. There are no guided horse rides in the park, though, so you’re responsible for bringing your own horse and knowing your way around a map and compass.
Camping
In the South Unit, you can pitch a tent at the peaceful and scenic Cottonwood Campground. Half the sites at the campground are first-come first-served.
Another, more adventurous option is backcountry camping, which is available to both hikers and horseback riders. If you’re planning to do that, make sure to get a free, mandatory backcountry permit at the South Unit Visitor Center.
These five major Theodore Roosevelt National Park attractions and things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit are all you need for a wonderful visit to this totally underrated national park in the heart of the Great Plains.
Cycling
You can do the Scenic Loop Drive in your car, but a more-than-worthy alternative is heading out on a bicycle.
Just because of the quality and length of this road, combined with its gorgeous landscapes and abundant wildlife, it’s one of the best national park roads for road cycling.
If you’re in the mood for a more active national parks visit, rather than sitting in a car, hop on a bike and spend the afternoon riding around the badlands and grasslands.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Attractions Map (South Unit)
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