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Theodore Roosevelt County Park

4.6
·491k reviews·Montauk, United States

Explore the rugged beauty of Theodore Roosevelt's beloved badlands, a sanctuary for bison, wild horses, and dramatic landscapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Homestead

Theodore Roosevelt County Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the rugged beauty of Theodore Roosevelt's beloved badlands, a sanctuary for bison, wild horses, and dramatic landscapes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A truly wild and historic place that captures the spirit of the American West."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive the Scenic Loops

Explore the park's stunning badlands via the scenic drives. Allow ample time for stops! :car:

🥾 Lace Up for Hikes

Discover hidden gems on trails like the Painted Canyon. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Painted Canyon Overlook

Painted Canyon Overlook

South Unit

Witness the badlands' vibrant, layered geology. A truly breathtaking panorama.

Maltese Cross Cabin

Maltese Cross Cabin

South Unit

Step back in time at Theodore Roosevelt's historic cabin, a glimpse into his life.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Throughout the park

Spot bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and more in their natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Theodore Roosevelt County Park sees peak crowds during summer weekends. For a more serene experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Early mornings offer the best light for photography and fewer people.

Park Access & Amenities

While the park offers stunning natural beauty, amenities can be spread out. Plan for walking and bring essentials like water and snacks, especially if exploring more remote trails. Check the park's official website for any seasonal closures or event schedules.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekdays
Why
Pleasant weather, moderate crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Unique snowy landscapes
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Watching the sunrise like thise has become my new favorite hobby 🥹🤍 #sunrise #montauk #romanticizelife #peace #fypツ
@monita.hossain
20.8K likes • 163.4K views

🚗 Drive the Scenic Loops

Explore the park's stunning badlands via the scenic drives. Allow ample time for stops! :car: Instagram

🥾 Lace Up for Hikes

Discover hidden gems on trails like the Painted Canyon. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe: Instagram

im going back this weekend… #montauk #thehamptons #single #nyc #nycdating
@_ashtinevans
12.8K likes • 152.5K views
@natgeo names the North Dakota badlands one of the best places in the world to visit in 2026. With the upcoming Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, the colorful Medora Musical, uncrowded Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the historic Rough Riders Hotel and so many more, we fully agree North Dakota should be on your bucket list next year. ✌️ #NorthDakota #Nodak #Funin701 #HelloND
northdakotalegendary
606 likes • 12.8K views

📸 Capture the Light

Sunrise and sunset paint the badlands in incredible colors. Early mornings are magical. :sunriseovermountains: TikTok

🔭 Binoculars for Wildlife

Spot bison and wild horses from a safe distance. Patience is key! :binoculars: Instagram

Looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure? Join Ranger Peelee for a guided hike through the stunning Painted Canyon at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This 4.3-mile trail (with 442ft elevation gain) offers twists, turns, and scenic surprises. It’s a great way to get moving while taking in some of the park’s most breathtaking views. Where: Painted Canyon Visitor Center When: 9:00am - 11:30am ...
theodorerooseveltnps
1.3K likes • 28.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive the Scenic Loops

Explore the park's stunning badlands via the scenic drives. Allow ample time for stops! :car: Instagram

🥾 Lace Up for Hikes

Discover hidden gems on trails like the Painted Canyon. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe: Instagram

📸 Capture the Light

Sunrise and sunset paint the badlands in incredible colors. Early mornings are magical. :sunriseovermountains: TikTok

🔭 Binoculars for Wildlife

Spot bison and wild horses from a safe distance. Patience is key! :binoculars: Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Desert conditions can be dry. Carry plenty of water, especially on hikes. :droplet: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Theodore Roosevelt County Park for its breathtaking badlands scenery and abundant wildlife, particularly bison and wild horses. The historical significance of Theodore Roosevelt's connection to the land is also a major draw. Some visitors note that cell service can be unreliable and that amenities are spread out, requiring good planning.

What People Like

Stunning badlands landscapes
Abundant wildlife sightings
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Spotty cell service
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park has two main units: the South Unit near Medora, ND, and the North Unit near Watford City, ND. Both are accessible by car. Medora is roughly a 4-hour drive from Bismarck, ND, and Watford City is about 2 hours from Bismarck. Consider flying into Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK) for closer access. Reddit

Theodore Roosevelt County Park is located in North Dakota, while Montauk is in New York. They are on opposite sides of the country and are not close to each other. TikTok

While it's possible to visit the general area, having a car is highly recommended for exploring Theodore Roosevelt County Park and its vast landscapes. Public transportation within the park is limited. TikTok

The North and South Units are about 70 miles apart by road. Driving is the only practical way to travel between them, and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Instagram

Currently, there are no official shuttle services operating within Theodore Roosevelt County Park. Visitors are encouraged to use their own vehicles to navigate the park's scenic drives and trailheads. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Theodore Roosevelt County Park. You can purchase a pass at the visitor centers or online. An annual pass is also available if you plan to visit multiple times. Instagram

The park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours, which vary by season. It's best to check the official NPS website for the most current information. Instagram

Yes, camping is available in both the South and North Units. Hither Hills State Park near Montauk offers campsites steps from the beach for around $35 a night, which is a more budget-friendly option if you're in that region. TikTok

Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, and individuals with disabilities. Check the park's official website for details on passes and potential discounts. Instagram

Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the park directly for specific inquiries regarding refunds. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Painted Canyon Overlook in the South Unit for stunning badlands views, and the Maltese Cross Cabin, Theodore Roosevelt's historic home. The wildlife viewing opportunities are also a major draw. Instagram

The park is home to bison, wild horses, pronghorn, prairie dogs, elk, and a variety of birds. Keep a safe distance and never feed the animals. Instagram

Yes, there are numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. The Buck Hill Trail and the Petrified Forest Trail offer moderate challenges with rewarding views. For easier walks, consider the Prairie Dog Village Trail. Instagram

Pack layers of clothing, as weather can change quickly. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a camera. Sturdy walking shoes are essential. Instagram

Cell service can be spotty to non-existent in many areas of the park, especially in the more remote sections. Download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary before heading out. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the badlands. The 'golden hours' cast a warm glow on the landscape. Early mornings are also great for wildlife photography. TikTok

The Painted Canyon Overlook provides an iconic panorama. Other excellent spots include the Oxbow Overlook and the views along the scenic drives. Look for opportunities to capture wildlife against the unique landscape. Instagram

Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the rugged beauty of the badlands. Wildlife photography is also a major draw, with opportunities to photograph bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. Instagram

Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Check the National Park Service regulations for Theodore Roosevelt National Park regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light photography during sunrise and sunset. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Theodore Roosevelt County Park offers a fantastic educational and adventurous experience for families. Kids will be thrilled by the chance to see bison and wild horses up close (from a safe distance, of course!). The Prairie Dog Town is always a hit, with hundreds of these charming creatures scurrying about. Many of the park's scenic drives have easy pull-offs perfect for stretching little legs and enjoying short, accessible walks. Instagram

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas, making for a memorable family meal amidst the stunning badlands scenery. The visitor centers often have junior ranger programs that can engage children and teach them about the park's natural and historical significance. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities can be spread out. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Theodore Roosevelt's Legacy

Theodore Roosevelt County Park is named in honor of the 26th U.S. President, who had a profound connection to this rugged landscape. Roosevelt first came to the North Dakota badlands in 1883 to hunt bison and was immediately captivated by the wild beauty and the challenging spirit of the West. He established two ranches here, the Chimney Butte Ranch and the Elkhorn Ranch, and spent significant time living and working on them.

His experiences in the badlands deeply influenced his conservationist views and his later presidency. He saw firsthand the impact of overhunting and land degradation, which fueled his passion for preserving natural resources. The park preserves the landscapes that shaped his character and his commitment to conservation, offering visitors a tangible connection to this pivotal period in American history. Visiting the Maltese Cross Cabin, where he lived for a time, provides a unique glimpse into his frontier life. Instagram

Roosevelt's time in North Dakota was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the American West and its preservation. He believed that the wilderness was a vital part of the nation's identity and future. His efforts led to the creation of national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges, fundamentally changing how America viewed and managed its natural heritage. The park stands as a living testament to his vision and dedication to conservation. Instagram

Exploring the Badlands

Theodore Roosevelt County Park is renowned for its dramatic badlands topography, a result of millions of years of erosion. These colorful, rugged hills, buttes, and canyons create a visually stunning and unique environment. The park's two units, the South Unit and the North Unit, offer distinct but equally captivating badlands experiences.

The South Unit, near Medora, is the most visited and features the iconic Painted Canyon. The scenic drive here offers numerous pull-offs with breathtaking overlooks, perfect for photography and soaking in the vastness. Hiking trails like the Buck Hill Trail provide panoramic views, while the Petrified Forest Trail offers a glimpse into the area's ancient past. The abundance of wildlife, including bison herds, is a major highlight here. Instagram

The North Unit, while less visited, offers a more remote and rugged feel. The scenic drive winds through dramatic canyons and along the Little Missouri River. Hiking opportunities here are more challenging and rewarding, with trails like the Caprock Coulee Trail offering stunning vistas and a chance to experience the solitude of the badlands. Both units provide an immersive experience in a landscape that is both beautiful and historically significant. Instagram

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