North Dakota is not exactly famous as a tourist destination - and of the Dakotas arguably South Dakota is better known for its Mount Rushmore and its Blackhills. But North Dakota has plenty to see and do as well and as a bonus, the crowds are likely to be thin up here.
One of North Dakota's main attractions is its Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which occupies three geographically separated areas of the badlands in western North Dakota. For another of North Dakota's attractions, see here about the Devil's Lake. This was where Theodore Roosevelt lived for many years and the rugged beauty of this region drove him to push conservation policies while president.
About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Size: 110 Sq Miles or 28,508 Ha.
- Three Sections: North Unit, South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch Unit
- Visitors: 750,000 (In 2018)
- Fun Fact: It Is The Only US National Park To Be Directly Named After A Person
Ironically for a conservation park, Roosevelt first came to the North Dakota badlands to hunt the bison of the area. But he fell in love with the region's rugged lifestyle and the freedom of living out in the West. He had two ranches out here - the Elkhorn Ranch and the Maltese Cross Cabin.
His experiences out here were instrumental in shaping his personality and his conservation policies as the President of the United States. Ranching and living out here was difficult and he lost many of his cattle to starvation in the harsh winter of 1886-1887.
Elkhorn Ranch Site
One of the three sections of the park, the Elkhorn Ranch Site is where Theodore Roosevelt starting a second ranching site. This was in 1884 as Theodore Roosevelt was looking for solitude in the remote Badlands following the tragic deaths of his wife and his mother on the same day. Today it is isolated deep in the Badlands and is difficult to find. This is a remote location only accessible with gravel roads.
- Visit: Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin - Open Year Round
Bison And Other Wild Animals
The park is home to wild bison and they are one of the main attractions of the park. Visitors are advised to view these large but sometimes dangerous animals from a safe distance. Bison roam freely throughout both the North and South units of the park and most visitors driving through will get to see them while driving on the park's roads.
Other wildlife includes mustang horses, coyotes, cougars, elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer, prairie dogs, badgers, and over 186 species of birds.
Things To Do And When To Visit
Come in the spring and the land explodes into a lush green and the land is blanketed with hundreds of species of flowering plants. In the winter the scene is harsh and snow covers the land, it is a scene that Theodore Roosevelt termed "an abode of iron desolation."
- When To Visit: The Park Is Green And Beautiful In The Late Spring
- Night Skies: The Area Boasts Very Dark Night Skies And The Stars At Night Are Brilliant
One of the main trails in the national park is the Maah Daah Hey Trail and it connects all the park's three sections. The park is beautiful and ideal for hiking and horse riding. The park has around 100 miles of foot and horse trails. Like many other national parks in the United States, it is perfect for backcountry camping and hiking as well as spotting its significant wildlife.
- Maah Daah Hey Trail: Connects All The Sections Of The Park
The park is crossed with scenic drives and for those keen on horse riding there is the Roundup Group Horse Campground in the South Unit.
Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The park is continuously open. It is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year - including all public holidays. This is true of all three of the park's units. While the entrance stations and the visitor centers may be closed, the park itself is always open.
- Hours Open: 24/7 (Does Not Apply To Visitor Centers)
North Unit Visitor Center:
- Spring Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Summer Season (May To September)
- Winter Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Winter Season (November To March)
- Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, And Thursdays In The Winter Season
South Unit Visitor Center:
- Spring Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Summer Season (May To September)
- Winter Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Winter Season (November To March)
- Entrance Fees: $30.00 per Vehicle
- Duration: Including All Units of The Park For 7 Days And All The Vehicle's Occupants
- Non-Motorized Individual Entrance Fee: $15.00
- Annual Pass: $55.00
If one is planning to drive across the northern United States, then be sure to pop into this rugged and stunning national park!