Theodore Roosevelt National Park
North Dakota park showcasing the badlands landscape where President Theodore Roosevelt ranched and found inspiration. Offers wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hiking, and a glimpse into the rugged Dakota frontier.
Things to do
- Scenic Loop Drive — A 36-mile loop road that winds through the badlands with pullouts for wildlife viewing and photography of the dramatic rock formations.
- Bison and Wildlife Viewing — Observe herds of American bison, wild horses, elk, and prairie dogs in their natural badlands habitat from designated viewing areas and trails.
- Petrified Forest Trail — A moderate 1.6-mile hike through a landscape dotted with ancient petrified trees and colorful badlands geology.
- Theodore Roosevelt's Cabin Tour — Visit the restored Maltese Cross Cabin where President Roosevelt lived during his ranching years, now displayed near the park entrance.
- Ridgeline Trail Hike — A challenging 10-mile round-trip hike offering panoramic views of the Little Missouri River valley and expansive badlands vistas.
- Painted Canyon Trail — A scenic 1-mile loop featuring vibrant bands of colored rock and badlands formations accessible from a pullout on the loop drive.
- Cottonwood Nature Trail — An easy 0.8-mile walk through river bottom vegetation and wildlife habitat near the Little Missouri River.
Food to try
- North Dakota Bison Burgers — Locally raised bison meat ground into burgers, leaner and richer than beef, served at regional restaurants near the park.
- Chislic (Kazakh Lamb Skewers) — A regional specialty of cubed, fried meat on skewers with onions and vinegar, reflecting Northern Plains cultural heritage.
- Cream of Wild Rice Soup — A hearty soup made with locally harvested wild rice and cream, quintessential to Great Plains comfort food.
- Dakota Honey and Wheat Products — Local honey from regional apiaries and whole grain products from North Dakota wheat farming, available at visitor centers and nearby towns.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect the Badlands Fragility — The park's clay and sedimentary soils erode easily, so stay strictly on marked trails to protect the landscape for future visitors.
- Plan for Extreme Weather — The Great Plains can bring sudden temperature swings and powerful winds, so bring layered clothing and check conditions before hiking.
- Early Morning Wildlife Viewing — Start activities at dawn when bison, wild horses, and elk are most active and visible, which is when local rangers recommend visiting.
Nearby
- Rapid City — 349 km
- Wall Drug — 369 km
- Mount Rushmore — 370 km
- Badlands National Park — 382 km