Alert: South Unit Road from the Old East Entrance station mile near marker 22 to mile marker 28

National Park

Theodore Roosevelt

A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
The River Bend Overlook offers one of the most popular views in the park's North Unit. NPS Photo / Mark Meyers

Overview

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

State: ND7016234466

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  30.00

    Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  25.00

    Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling on a single, non-commercial motorcycle.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  15.00

    Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.


  • Commercial Entrance - Van:  50.00

    Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.


  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus:  60.00

    Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.


  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach:  150.00

    Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    A trailhead sign next to a paved trail in a grassy area. Buttes are visible on the horizon.

    Hike Skyline Vista Trail

    Free

    Description

    Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    More info
    Time:5-15 Minutes
    A yellow breasted bird with brown wings and head sings at the top of a tree with needles.

    Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Free

    Description

    The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds. Take a moment and see which ones you can spot!

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    A group of bison cross a butte, the badlands dim behind them.

    Wildlife Viewing - South Unit

    Free

    Description

    Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    A group of bighorn sheep cross a hillside above a bison.

    Wildlife Viewing - North Unit

    Free

    Description

    Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    A black and white photo of a low ranch house, with a porch. Elk antlers hang on the walls.

    Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit

    Free

    Description

    Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.

    More info
    Time:3-6 Hours
    A trail winds through low buttes under a blue sky, with grass and flowers growing around it.

    Hike Coal Vein Trail

    Free

    Description

    Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    More info
    Time:30-45 Minutes

More Images

A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
the Little Missouri River under blue skies
the Little Missouri River under blue skies
A muddy river bank lined with cottonwood trees and steep buttes
A muddy river bank lined with cottonwood trees and steep buttes
two bull bison collide heads in a dusty battle for dominance
two bull bison collide heads in a dusty battle for dominance
the swirling, dusty looking milky way runs vertically though a starry night sky
the swirling, dusty looking milky way runs vertically though a starry night sky
a string of bison are silhouetted against the backdrop of hazy blue and yellow badlands
a string of bison are silhouetted against the backdrop of hazy blue and yellow badlands
a green prairie hilltop overlooks the badlands, shrouded in shadows
a green prairie hilltop overlooks the badlands, shrouded in shadows
A bugling bull elk and his harem of cows stand on the edge of a butte as the sunlight fades
A bugling bull elk and his harem of cows stand on the edge of a butte as the sunlight fades
a strange looking sand and rock formation stands in a prairie of brown grass
a strange looking sand and rock formation stands in a prairie of brown grass
The rising sun casts light on Roosevelt's snow-covered cabin.
The rising sun casts light on Roosevelt's snow-covered cabin.