In Honor of a President

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. - NPS

Established in 1947 as a National Memorial Park, it was enlarged and became a National park in 1978. - AsNotedIn

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota. The park is comprised of three areas: South Unit, North Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit.

South Unit

The South Unit entrance is in Medora, ND. Medora is accessible via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27 in North Dakota. Medora is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line.

The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is located 7 miles east of Medora on I-94 at Exit 32.

North Unit

The North Unit entrance is along US Highway 85, approximately 16 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles. I-94 travelers can access US Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.

Elkhorn Ranch Unit

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is located 35 miles north of Medora. Access to the site is via gravel roads. Approaching the site from the east requires fording the Little Missouri River. Ask a ranger at one of the park visitor centers for information on traveling to the Elkhorn Ranch Site before you attempt the journey. An Elkhorn Ranch Guide and Map to the Elkhorn Ranch are available online.

Seasonal Road Closures

Park roads may be closed in winter due to snow or icy conditions. Check the current park road status and North Dakota highway status prior to your visit. - NPS