Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A Tribute to Conservation

Not only does a piece of land stretching over 70,000 acres preserve beautiful landscapes and wildlife, but it also honors a president who significantly contributed to the National Park System. Theodore Roosevelt first visited North Dakota in 1883 and fell in love with the rugged badlands. His experiences in the area led him to establish five national parks and assist in the foundation of the U.S. Forest Service, making him one of the world’s leading land conservationists.

History

In 1883, Theodore Roosevelt traveled to North Dakota and developed a deep appreciation for the area. After conversing with local ranchers, he invested in a cattle operation known as the Maltese Cross. Following the death of his wife and mother, he sought solace at the ranch in 1884. Although he returned to Eastern politics, Roosevelt often spoke about how the badlands influenced his views on conservation.

The area was designated as the Roosevelt Recreation Demonstration Area in 1935 and became the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge in 1946. It was officially established as the Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park on April 25, 1947, and achieved national park status on November 10, 1978. The park encompasses 70,447 acres, with 29,920 acres preserved as Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness.

The park is divided into three geographically separated areas of badlands in western North Dakota, allowing visitors to tour the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch.

Best Times to Visit

The park is open year-round, but some roads may close during winter months. Services are limited from October to May, making summer the optimum time for a visit. For those who prefer fewer crowds, late spring or early autumn is ideal, especially when wildflowers are in bloom.

Directions to the Park

The park consists of three areas, each with specific directions:

South Unit: Located in Medora, ND, take I-94 exits 24 and 27. Medora is approximately 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND, and 27 miles east of the Montana state line. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is situated 7 miles east of Medora on I-94 at Exit 32.

North Unit: This entrance can be found along U.S. Highway 85, about 16 miles south of Watford City, ND, and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. Access I-94 to U.S. Highway 85 at exit 42 in Belfield.

Elkhorn Ranch Unit: This area is accessible via gravel roads, located 35 miles north of Medora. Visitors should be prepared to wade through the Little Missouri River and are encouraged to ask park rangers for the best routes.

Entrance Fees and Permits

Visitors driving into the park will be charged $10 for a 7-day pass. Those entering on foot, bicycle, or horseback pay $5 for a 7-day pass. Frequent visitors may consider the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Pass for $20 (valid for one year). Additionally, holders of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass will not incur any entrance fees.

Pet Policies

Pets are allowed within Theodore Roosevelt National Park but must be restrained at all times. They are not permitted in park buildings, on trails, or in backcountry areas.

Horseback riding is allowed but restricted in the Cottonwood and Juniper campgrounds, picnic areas, and self-guided nature trails. If bringing forage for horses, it must be certified weed-free.

Key Attractions

Aside from visitor centers, the park offers various places and trails worth exploring. Depending on the duration of your stay, consider stopping at these notable sites:

• Scenic Drives: If limited on time, undertake the Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit or the Scenic Drive in the North Unit for stunning views and opportunities for nature walks and hikes.
• Maltese Cross Cabin: Explore the rustic headquarters of Roosevelt’s first ranch, featuring period furnishings, ranching tools, and some of Roosevelt’s personal items.
• Peaceful Valley Ranch: This historic site has served various functions, from a park headquarters to a working cattle operation. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding from May to September.
• Ridgeline Nature Trail: A short but strenuous 0.6-mile trail that illustrates the environmental impact of wind, fire, water, and vegetation.
• Coal Vein Trail: This 1-mile hike leads to a lignite bed that burned from 1951 to 1977.
• Jones Creek Trail: This 3.5-mile trail follows an eroded creek bed, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities while being cautious of prairie rattlesnakes.
• Little Mo Nature Trail: An easy trail equipped with a pamphlet to help identify native plants that Plains Indians traditionally utilized for medicinal purposes.
• Wind Canyon Trail: A brief trail offering breathtaking vistas while showcasing the role of wind in shaping the landscape, along with opportunities for extended hikes.

Accommodation Options

Two campgrounds, Cottonwood and Juniper, are available within the park, both with a 15-day maximum stay. They operate year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, with campers charged $10 per night for tent or RV sites. Backcountry camping is allowed but requires a permit from one of the visitor centers.

For additional lodging, numerous hotels, motels, and inns reside nearby in Medora and Dickinson, ND. The Medora Motel features various accommodations such as bunkhouses and cabins, with rates ranging from $69 to $109, available from June to Labor Day (contact at 701-623-4444). The AmericInn Medora offers affordable rates between $100 to $168. Bodied lodging options, including Days Inn and Comfort Inn, can be found in Dickinson, with rates starting at $83.

Nearby Points of Interest

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge: Situated about 50 miles from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this refuge offers protected waterfowl habitats and an array of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, nature trails, and archaeological exhibits. It is open year-round (contact at 701-548-8110).

Maah Daah Hey Trail: A rugged 93-mile nationally recognized trail available for non-motorized recreational use, including backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, visitor maps are accessible online.

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge: This expansive prairie area is a popular destination for bird-watchers, featuring habitats for ducks, hawks, grouse, sparrows, and marsh birds. Other activities include hiking, hunting, and scenic drives. The refuge is open from May through September (contact at 701-848-2722).

Contact Information

Superintendent, PO Box 7, Medora, ND 58645
701-842-2333 (North Unit); 701-623-4730 ext. 3417 (South Unit)