Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide
W. Archer, NPS
Your complete Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide for hiking, camping, lodging, food, family fun, pet services, shops, and local activities. Here, wind-sculpted buttes and striped badlands spill toward the Little Missouri River, where bison graze, prairie dogs chirp, and wild horses silhouette against blush sunsets at Painted Canyon Overlook and Oxbow Overlook. Roll the Scenic Loop Drive at dawn, wander Caprock Coulee or Wind Canyon for panoramic views and star-flecked nights, and feel the frontier spirit near the Maltese Cross Cabin—the kind of wide-open adventure that leaves dust on your boots and wonder in your chest.
Contents
Hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Follow rolling badlands trails where clay hoodoos crumble underfoot and juniper-scented breezes carry meadowlark song across the Little Missouri River. From the stair-stepped coulees of Caprock Coulee to the rimline panoramas at Painted Canyon and wind-carved ledges of Wind Canyon, every switchback trades sweat for wide-angle views of striped buttes, bison-grazed flats, and sky that seems to spill forever. Start at dawn for cooler temps and long shadows, or close the day on Buck Hill as the badlands blush—rewarding miles that blend backcountry quiet, wildlife encounters, and camera-ready light in one unforgettable walk.
Caprock Coulee Trail (North Unit) – This classic loop climbs from cottonwood shade into a maze of bentonite hills where juniper perfume and meadowlark calls soundtrack the ascent. Underfoot, the tread shifts from packed clay to crumbly caprock benches, with short, punchy climbs leading to ridgeline panoramas of the Little Missouri River and banded buttes. Expect full exposure on the high country and pockets of deep shade along the interpretive lower section; bison sometimes browse nearby, so give them distance and step off-trail only onto durable surfaces. Start counterclockwise to warm up in the coulee before tackling the airy ridge, and carry extra water—winds here wick sweat fast.
Length: 4.3 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
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Achenbach Trail (North Unit) – A big, wild circuit that feels like a backpack on day-hike terms, the Achenbach plunges from Oxbow Overlook to river bottoms, then climbs through hushed side canyons stitched with game trails. The route’s defining moment is the Little Missouri crossing—safe only at low flows—after which the trail climbs to sweeping plateaus where ravens tilt on thermals and distant bison herds bead the grasslands. Expect gumbo mud after rain, scant shade, and route-finding vigilance across braided paths; trekking poles are invaluable for the ford and the long, gradual grades. Begin at first light to bank cool miles and beat afternoon winds; pack filtration for the river and a contingency turn-around if levels rise.
Length: 18.0 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
More Info
Buckhorn Trail to Sperati Point (North Unit) – Rolling singletrack threads prairie dog towns and quiet drainages before delivering a short spur to Sperati Point, a rim where the badlands drop away in a sculpted amphitheater. The hike is all about big-sky rhythm: long sightlines, chatter from colonies at your feet, and the occasional pronghorn stitching the horizon. Surfaces vary from firm grassland to marbly pebbles on sidehills, so watch ankles on descents; exposure is near-total, with only scattered juniper breaks. Make the spur for golden hour—the striped buttes glow ochre to plum—then return on the same tread or extend into a fuller day by looping additional Buckhorn segments.
Length: 5.0–11.0 miles lollipop (choose turn-around)
Type: Lollipop
Difficulty: Moderate
More Info
Boicourt Trail (South Unit) – A short ridge-top walk with oversized payoff, Boicourt lays out an ocean of buttes and gullies where the wind sings through sparse grasses and hawks trace lazy circles. The gravel-and-dirt path undulates along the rim to fenced overlooks, with side spurs onto firm, durable rock for broader perspectives. It’s almost entirely exposed, making sunrise and sunset prime for soft color and cooler temps; after storms, the bentonite turns slick, so keep to the established tread. Pair this outing with a slow roll on the Scenic Loop for wildlife spotting, then return for blue-hour silhouettes and long-shadow photography.
Length: 0.8 miles out-and-back
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
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Buck Hill (South Unit) – The park’s high point is a steep but brief climb that feels like stepping onto the deck of a ship riding a badlands sea. Gravel crunches under boots as you crest to 360-degree views—ribbons of roadway, distant butte lines, and the sky’s shifting color wash at dawn and dusk. Breezes can be fierce, especially in shoulder seasons; traction is straightforward in dry weather but marbles underfoot can roll on the way down. Bring a wind shell, time it for daybreak, and you’ll have front-row seats to shadows pouring off the buttes as the prairie wakes.
Length: 0.4 miles out-and-back
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (short, steep)
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Wind Canyon Trail (South Unit) – Carved by relentless gusts, this sandy loop peers into a sweeping bend of the Little Missouri where cottonwoods flicker and swallows stitch the air. The path traverses firm rimrock and wind-packed dunes, with small drop-offs that demand attention near the edge—children love the soft sand, but hand-holding is wise. Sunset lights the meanders below and ignites the cliffs; mornings are quieter, with deer browsing in the bottoms and long, cool shadows. Expect exposure and variable footing; closed-toe shoes keep sand out and improve grip on sloped tread.
Length: 0.5 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
More Info
Coal Vein Nature Trail (South Unit) – An interpretive loop through surreal geology where a long-ago burning lignite seam baked the earth into clinker and brick-red scoria. Underfoot textures shift from crunchy cinders to slick clay, with interpretive signs unpacking how fire, erosion, and time sculpted these knobby hoodoos. It’s a sensory sampler—resin on the breeze from scattered junipers, grasshoppers ticking ahead on the path, and the low murmur of wind skimming open flats. Stay after a light rain only if the surface is firm; otherwise bentonite turns to peanut butter.
Length: 0.6 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
More Info
Painted Canyon Nature Trail (I-94 Overlook) – From the wayside, the route plunges from a postcard-perfect rim into striped gullies, then climbs through juniper pockets to regain the overlook. Expect a heart-thumping descent and steady switchbacks on return, with views that widen and compress as you weave among bentonite folds. Heat radiates off the clay by midday; early starts bring cool air and mule deer moving along shaded draws. Trail runners with good grip help on the marbly tread; bring water even for this short outing and allot time for boardwalk viewpoints above.
Length: 1.0–1.1 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections)
More Info
Petrified Forest Loop (South Unit backcountry) – A remote ramble across open grassland to scatters of ancient, rainbow-hued logs resting on pale clay pedestals. With no shade and little built tread, this is true prairie navigation: follow posts and faint paths across rolling hills where pronghorn ghost the horizon and larks provide the soundtrack. Surfaces dry to concrete or turn to gumbo after storms; check forecasts and avoid when saturated. The reward is solitude and time—linger among agatized wood, photograph at low sun for color pop, and carry ample water plus topo maps or GPS for confidence in the wide-open country.
Length: 10.0 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (exposure/navigation)
More Info
Jones Creek – Talkington Loop (South Unit) – This linked circuit trades rim views for the intimate feel of prairie draws, cottonwood shade, and quiet meanders where fresh tracks tell who passed before you. The rolling tread offers steady aerobic walking with short climbs out of creek bottoms onto breezy benches; wildflowers paint the slopes in late spring, and autumn grasses glow like copper. Bison and feral horses occasionally graze nearby—give wide berth and step off onto durable ground if needed. Expect a few muddy patches after rain and minimal signage at junctions; a map or GPS track keeps the loop clean and enjoyable.
Length: 10.5 miles loop (linked trails)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
More Info
Maah Daah Hey Trail – Park Segment – Legendary North Dakota singletrack slices through both units, offering choose-your-own out-and-backs over rolling grassland and knife-edged butte spines. The tread is mostly narrow dirt with occasional chunky rises, perfect for steady hiking rhythm; views are endless, with windmills in the distance and swallows skimming coulees. Summer sun is intense—early starts and broad-brim hats are your friends—and storms transform clay into skates, so mind forecasts. Arrange a car shuttle for a point-to-point sampler or turn around at a high perch to savor the long look back across badlands waves.
Length: 6.0–15.0 miles point-to-point (choose segment)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (exposure/length)
More Info
Length: 4.3 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
More Info
Achenbach Trail (North Unit) – A big, wild circuit that feels like a backpack on day-hike terms, the Achenbach plunges from Oxbow Overlook to river bottoms, then climbs through hushed side canyons stitched with game trails. The route’s defining moment is the Little Missouri crossing—safe only at low flows—after which the trail climbs to sweeping plateaus where ravens tilt on thermals and distant bison herds bead the grasslands. Expect gumbo mud after rain, scant shade, and route-finding vigilance across braided paths; trekking poles are invaluable for the ford and the long, gradual grades. Begin at first light to bank cool miles and beat afternoon winds; pack filtration for the river and a contingency turn-around if levels rise.
Length: 18.0 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
More Info
Buckhorn Trail to Sperati Point (North Unit) – Rolling singletrack threads prairie dog towns and quiet drainages before delivering a short spur to Sperati Point, a rim where the badlands drop away in a sculpted amphitheater. The hike is all about big-sky rhythm: long sightlines, chatter from colonies at your feet, and the occasional pronghorn stitching the horizon. Surfaces vary from firm grassland to marbly pebbles on sidehills, so watch ankles on descents; exposure is near-total, with only scattered juniper breaks. Make the spur for golden hour—the striped buttes glow ochre to plum—then return on the same tread or extend into a fuller day by looping additional Buckhorn segments.
Length: 5.0–11.0 miles lollipop (choose turn-around)
Type: Lollipop
Difficulty: Moderate
More Info
Boicourt Trail (South Unit) – A short ridge-top walk with oversized payoff, Boicourt lays out an ocean of buttes and gullies where the wind sings through sparse grasses and hawks trace lazy circles. The gravel-and-dirt path undulates along the rim to fenced overlooks, with side spurs onto firm, durable rock for broader perspectives. It’s almost entirely exposed, making sunrise and sunset prime for soft color and cooler temps; after storms, the bentonite turns slick, so keep to the established tread. Pair this outing with a slow roll on the Scenic Loop for wildlife spotting, then return for blue-hour silhouettes and long-shadow photography.
Length: 0.8 miles out-and-back
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
More Info
Buck Hill (South Unit) – The park’s high point is a steep but brief climb that feels like stepping onto the deck of a ship riding a badlands sea. Gravel crunches under boots as you crest to 360-degree views—ribbons of roadway, distant butte lines, and the sky’s shifting color wash at dawn and dusk. Breezes can be fierce, especially in shoulder seasons; traction is straightforward in dry weather but marbles underfoot can roll on the way down. Bring a wind shell, time it for daybreak, and you’ll have front-row seats to shadows pouring off the buttes as the prairie wakes.
Length: 0.4 miles out-and-back
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (short, steep)
More Info
Wind Canyon Trail (South Unit) – Carved by relentless gusts, this sandy loop peers into a sweeping bend of the Little Missouri where cottonwoods flicker and swallows stitch the air. The path traverses firm rimrock and wind-packed dunes, with small drop-offs that demand attention near the edge—children love the soft sand, but hand-holding is wise. Sunset lights the meanders below and ignites the cliffs; mornings are quieter, with deer browsing in the bottoms and long, cool shadows. Expect exposure and variable footing; closed-toe shoes keep sand out and improve grip on sloped tread.
Length: 0.5 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
More Info
Coal Vein Nature Trail (South Unit) – An interpretive loop through surreal geology where a long-ago burning lignite seam baked the earth into clinker and brick-red scoria. Underfoot textures shift from crunchy cinders to slick clay, with interpretive signs unpacking how fire, erosion, and time sculpted these knobby hoodoos. It’s a sensory sampler—resin on the breeze from scattered junipers, grasshoppers ticking ahead on the path, and the low murmur of wind skimming open flats. Stay after a light rain only if the surface is firm; otherwise bentonite turns to peanut butter.
Length: 0.6 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
More Info
Painted Canyon Nature Trail (I-94 Overlook) – From the wayside, the route plunges from a postcard-perfect rim into striped gullies, then climbs through juniper pockets to regain the overlook. Expect a heart-thumping descent and steady switchbacks on return, with views that widen and compress as you weave among bentonite folds. Heat radiates off the clay by midday; early starts bring cool air and mule deer moving along shaded draws. Trail runners with good grip help on the marbly tread; bring water even for this short outing and allot time for boardwalk viewpoints above.
Length: 1.0–1.1 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections)
More Info
Petrified Forest Loop (South Unit backcountry) – A remote ramble across open grassland to scatters of ancient, rainbow-hued logs resting on pale clay pedestals. With no shade and little built tread, this is true prairie navigation: follow posts and faint paths across rolling hills where pronghorn ghost the horizon and larks provide the soundtrack. Surfaces dry to concrete or turn to gumbo after storms; check forecasts and avoid when saturated. The reward is solitude and time—linger among agatized wood, photograph at low sun for color pop, and carry ample water plus topo maps or GPS for confidence in the wide-open country.
Length: 10.0 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (exposure/navigation)
More Info
Jones Creek – Talkington Loop (South Unit) – This linked circuit trades rim views for the intimate feel of prairie draws, cottonwood shade, and quiet meanders where fresh tracks tell who passed before you. The rolling tread offers steady aerobic walking with short climbs out of creek bottoms onto breezy benches; wildflowers paint the slopes in late spring, and autumn grasses glow like copper. Bison and feral horses occasionally graze nearby—give wide berth and step off onto durable ground if needed. Expect a few muddy patches after rain and minimal signage at junctions; a map or GPS track keeps the loop clean and enjoyable.
Length: 10.5 miles loop (linked trails)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
More Info
Maah Daah Hey Trail – Park Segment – Legendary North Dakota singletrack slices through both units, offering choose-your-own out-and-backs over rolling grassland and knife-edged butte spines. The tread is mostly narrow dirt with occasional chunky rises, perfect for steady hiking rhythm; views are endless, with windmills in the distance and swallows skimming coulees. Summer sun is intense—early starts and broad-brim hats are your friends—and storms transform clay into skates, so mind forecasts. Arrange a car shuttle for a point-to-point sampler or turn around at a high perch to savor the long look back across badlands waves.
Length: 6.0–15.0 miles point-to-point (choose segment)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (exposure/length)
More Info
Backpacking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
freepik
Pack light and step into big-sky solitude on multi-day treks that thread badlands spines and cottonwood bottoms, where coyotes yip at dusk and the Milky Way floods camp. Long backcountry routes like the Achenbach Loop and Maah Daah Hey segments weave past hoodoos, scoria-topped ridges, and the looping Little Missouri River, with remote campsites tucked on breezy benches above prairie dog towns. Expect wind-polished tread, river fords, and wide-open horizons—an overnight adventure that rewards early starts, careful water strategy, and the quiet thrill of waking to sunrise washing the buttes in copper and rose.
Achenbach Loop – North Unit – The park’s signature long circuit drops from Oxbow Overlook to willow-lined bottoms, then climbs onto airy benches where the Little Missouri snakes through layered buttes. You’ll feel the terrain shift underfoot—from gumbo clay to scoria grit—while ravens ride thermals and bison graze on distant flats. The defining crux is the river ford, only safe at low flows; build flexibility into your plan and use trekking poles for balance. Camps on sagey shoulders catch cooling breezes and starry skies; start at dawn to bank miles before the wind rises and keep an extra liter for the exposed climbs.
Length: 18 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous (exposure, river crossing)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Maah Daah Hey – North Unit High Ridges – A choose-your-length traverse along knife-edged spurs and grassy saddles, this segment strings together sweeping overlooks with far-off views of badlands waves. Expect sustained exposure and steady rollers under a big sky; antelope sometimes ghost the ridgelines, and meadowlarks provide the soundtrack. Water is scarce—cache at road crossings or filter from the Little Missouri after a planned descent—and winds can turn a moderate grade into work. Camp on durable scoria benches away from rim edges and wake to a sunrise that paints the coulees gold, then ride the cool morning shade to your next saddle.
Length: 12–25 miles point-to-point (choose segment)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (exposure, length)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Petrified Forest Overnight – South Unit – Open-country backpacking to rainbow-hued log fields feels otherworldly: agatized trunks lie scattered across pale clay, and every footstep crunches over pebble mosaics. With little shade and minimal tread, navigation relies on posts, maps, and good judgment; storms turn bentonite to slick paste, so pick stable weather windows. The reward is profound quiet, limitless starfields, and sunrise color that makes the petrified wood glow. Camp on durable ground away from log concentrations and pack all water for dry spells; an evening breeze and distant coyote chorus are the lullaby out here.
Length: 8–12 miles loop/overnight roam
Type: Loop / Cross-country
Difficulty: Moderate (navigation, no shade)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Jones Creek–Talkington Draw Loop – South Unit – This linked route trades high-vista drama for intimate prairies, cottonwood pockets, and whispering draws where fresh tracks tell the night’s story. Rolling grades keep a steady rhythm, with short climbs onto breezy benches for sunset views and long looks across copper grasses. Water may linger in shaded pools after rains but is unreliable—plan to carry; after wet weather, clay becomes boot-sucking gumbo. Choose a bench-top camp above the drainage for airflow and dawn glow, and listen for elk bugles in early fall across the quiet valley.
Length: 10–12 miles loop (linked trails)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Buckhorn–Caprock Coulee Linkup – North Unit – Stitch together prairie dog towns, coulee shade, and ridgecrest vistas by linking pieces of Buckhorn with Caprock Coulee’s interpretive section. The variety shines: firm grassland tread, marbly sidehills that ask for attention, and juniper-framed overlooks that catch wind-borne resin on cool evenings. Bison graze these slopes—give broad space and reroute if needed—and summer sun is relentless on the ridges. Set a camp on a scoria rise with 360-degree views and return to the rim for blue hour as buttes move from ochre to plum.
Length: 12–16 miles lollipop (customizable)
Type: Lollipop
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Paddock Creek–Lower Talkington Overnight – South Unit – A gentle-rolling itinerary that favors wildlife viewing and broad valley light over steep grades. Cottonwoods flicker above meadows, and the creek corridor collects birdsong at dawn; higher benches offer airy camps with cooling evening breezes. After rain, crossings can puddle and clay turns slick—time your day to stay on firmer tread and avoid trampling wet soils. Plan snacks at shaded groves, carry ample water in summer, and savor the silence when the prairie wind drops at stargaze hour.
Length: 9–11 miles loop (linked trails)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Outside the park — Maah Daah Hey: Buffalo Gap Segment – Skirting Medora, this rolling stretch is perfect for a one- or two-night sampler with grassy saddles, juniper-scented ledges, and easy logistics. Dispersed camping on National Grassland benches keeps sunrise photography close at hand, and trail tread is well-marked with turtle posts. Expect long, exposed miles and minimal water—cache at road crossings or detour to reliable sources—and watch for thunderstorms that transform clay into slick slides. Evenings bring meadowlark song and big-sky color; mornings deliver cool shade lines along coulees before the sun finds you.
Length: 12–20 miles point-to-point (custom)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate (exposure, water strategy)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Outside the park — Little Missouri State Park Badlands Loop – North of Medora, state-park singletrack winds through a labyrinth of buttes with designated backcountry sites that tuck into sheltered draws. Wayfinding is straightforward on signed junctions; climbs are short but frequent, rewarding with rimline overlooks and wildflower slopes in late spring. Summer brings heat and horse traffic—share the trail, carry extra water, and start early; after storms, expect sections of sticky clay. The designated camps make for a relaxed itinerary with fire rings and defined pads, ideal for families testing an overnight before a bigger badlands traverse.
Length: 8–15 miles loop (choose route)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations
More Info
Outside the park — Maah Daah Hey: Elkhorn to Wannagan Overnight – This central stretch rolls between river-cut bottoms and ridge crests with wide-open camping on scoria benches under exceptional dark skies. Wildlife sightings are common—mule deer at dusk, pronghorn on the flats—and winds sculpt the day, so plan rests in juniper pockets. Water requires strategy: cache at accessible road crossings or filter from the river after detours; carry extra in midsummer. Camps far from rim edges reduce wind exposure while preserving sunrise views that wash the buttes in peach and copper.
Length: 14–22 miles point-to-point (custom)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (length, exposure)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Outside the park — Maah Daah Hey: Magpie to Bennett Segments – Farther north, rolling prairie breaks and narrow coulees make a rhythmic overnight with big horizons by day and coyotes by night. The tread is classic MDH: narrow, well-signed singletrack with punchy climbs and long, viewy traverses; thunderstorms can bring quick-moving squalls, so secure tents well. You’ll likely share the corridor with bikepackers and equestrians—yield courteously and camp out of sight of the trail on durable ground. With minimal light pollution, night photography is superb; plan a predawn start to catch first light pouring across the butte stair-steps.
Length: 16–24 miles point-to-point (choose segment)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Length: 18 miles loop
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous (exposure, river crossing)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Maah Daah Hey – North Unit High Ridges – A choose-your-length traverse along knife-edged spurs and grassy saddles, this segment strings together sweeping overlooks with far-off views of badlands waves. Expect sustained exposure and steady rollers under a big sky; antelope sometimes ghost the ridgelines, and meadowlarks provide the soundtrack. Water is scarce—cache at road crossings or filter from the Little Missouri after a planned descent—and winds can turn a moderate grade into work. Camp on durable scoria benches away from rim edges and wake to a sunrise that paints the coulees gold, then ride the cool morning shade to your next saddle.
Length: 12–25 miles point-to-point (choose segment)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (exposure, length)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Petrified Forest Overnight – South Unit – Open-country backpacking to rainbow-hued log fields feels otherworldly: agatized trunks lie scattered across pale clay, and every footstep crunches over pebble mosaics. With little shade and minimal tread, navigation relies on posts, maps, and good judgment; storms turn bentonite to slick paste, so pick stable weather windows. The reward is profound quiet, limitless starfields, and sunrise color that makes the petrified wood glow. Camp on durable ground away from log concentrations and pack all water for dry spells; an evening breeze and distant coyote chorus are the lullaby out here.
Length: 8–12 miles loop/overnight roam
Type: Loop / Cross-country
Difficulty: Moderate (navigation, no shade)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Jones Creek–Talkington Draw Loop – South Unit – This linked route trades high-vista drama for intimate prairies, cottonwood pockets, and whispering draws where fresh tracks tell the night’s story. Rolling grades keep a steady rhythm, with short climbs onto breezy benches for sunset views and long looks across copper grasses. Water may linger in shaded pools after rains but is unreliable—plan to carry; after wet weather, clay becomes boot-sucking gumbo. Choose a bench-top camp above the drainage for airflow and dawn glow, and listen for elk bugles in early fall across the quiet valley.
Length: 10–12 miles loop (linked trails)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Buckhorn–Caprock Coulee Linkup – North Unit – Stitch together prairie dog towns, coulee shade, and ridgecrest vistas by linking pieces of Buckhorn with Caprock Coulee’s interpretive section. The variety shines: firm grassland tread, marbly sidehills that ask for attention, and juniper-framed overlooks that catch wind-borne resin on cool evenings. Bison graze these slopes—give broad space and reroute if needed—and summer sun is relentless on the ridges. Set a camp on a scoria rise with 360-degree views and return to the rim for blue hour as buttes move from ochre to plum.
Length: 12–16 miles lollipop (customizable)
Type: Lollipop
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Paddock Creek–Lower Talkington Overnight – South Unit – A gentle-rolling itinerary that favors wildlife viewing and broad valley light over steep grades. Cottonwoods flicker above meadows, and the creek corridor collects birdsong at dawn; higher benches offer airy camps with cooling evening breezes. After rain, crossings can puddle and clay turns slick—time your day to stay on firmer tread and avoid trampling wet soils. Plan snacks at shaded groves, carry ample water in summer, and savor the silence when the prairie wind drops at stargaze hour.
Length: 9–11 miles loop (linked trails)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Outside the park — Maah Daah Hey: Buffalo Gap Segment – Skirting Medora, this rolling stretch is perfect for a one- or two-night sampler with grassy saddles, juniper-scented ledges, and easy logistics. Dispersed camping on National Grassland benches keeps sunrise photography close at hand, and trail tread is well-marked with turtle posts. Expect long, exposed miles and minimal water—cache at road crossings or detour to reliable sources—and watch for thunderstorms that transform clay into slick slides. Evenings bring meadowlark song and big-sky color; mornings deliver cool shade lines along coulees before the sun finds you.
Length: 12–20 miles point-to-point (custom)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate (exposure, water strategy)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Outside the park — Little Missouri State Park Badlands Loop – North of Medora, state-park singletrack winds through a labyrinth of buttes with designated backcountry sites that tuck into sheltered draws. Wayfinding is straightforward on signed junctions; climbs are short but frequent, rewarding with rimline overlooks and wildflower slopes in late spring. Summer brings heat and horse traffic—share the trail, carry extra water, and start early; after storms, expect sections of sticky clay. The designated camps make for a relaxed itinerary with fire rings and defined pads, ideal for families testing an overnight before a bigger badlands traverse.
Length: 8–15 miles loop (choose route)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations
More Info
Outside the park — Maah Daah Hey: Elkhorn to Wannagan Overnight – This central stretch rolls between river-cut bottoms and ridge crests with wide-open camping on scoria benches under exceptional dark skies. Wildlife sightings are common—mule deer at dusk, pronghorn on the flats—and winds sculpt the day, so plan rests in juniper pockets. Water requires strategy: cache at accessible road crossings or filter from the river after detours; carry extra in midsummer. Camps far from rim edges reduce wind exposure while preserving sunrise views that wash the buttes in peach and copper.
Length: 14–22 miles point-to-point (custom)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (length, exposure)
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Outside the park — Maah Daah Hey: Magpie to Bennett Segments – Farther north, rolling prairie breaks and narrow coulees make a rhythmic overnight with big horizons by day and coyotes by night. The tread is classic MDH: narrow, well-signed singletrack with punchy climbs and long, viewy traverses; thunderstorms can bring quick-moving squalls, so secure tents well. You’ll likely share the corridor with bikepackers and equestrians—yield courteously and camp out of sight of the trail on durable ground. With minimal light pollution, night photography is superb; plan a predawn start to catch first light pouring across the butte stair-steps.
Length: 16–24 miles point-to-point (choose segment)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Camping Inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park
NPS
Set up at shady riverbottom campgrounds beneath towering cottonwoods, where bison amble past tent sites and the Little Missouri murmurs you to sleep. From Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit to Juniper Campground in the North Unit, nights bring dark-sky stargazing, ember-warm campfires, and the call of meadowlarks at dawn; RVs find level, dry pads while walk-in loops keep things quiet and close to nature. With fewer than five official camping spots—three total inside the park, including a reservable group horse camp—you’ll trade hookups for solitude, big-sky sunsets, and easy access to sunrise drives on the scenic loops.
Cottonwood Campground (South Unit) – Tucked along the cottonwood-lined Little Missouri, this tranquil riverside camp puts you minutes from Prairie Dog Town, Wind Canyon, and the Scenic Loop Drive for golden-hour overlooks. Evenings carry the creak of branches and distant hoof-thuds as bison move through; night falls fast, revealing a spill of stars that makes late embers glow brighter. Expect dry-camping simplicity—no hookups—but generous shade, level pads, and frequent wildlife viewing right from the picnic table. Summer afternoons can be hot and breezy; plan early starts for hikes, then return for a slow, fire-ring dinner as the buttes turn rose and copper.
Type: Tent & RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Potable water (seasonal), vault/seasonal flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage guidance
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Juniper Campground (North Unit) – Set amid juniper-scented benches and broad badlands vistas, Juniper offers big-sky nights, quiet mornings, and quick access to Oxbow Overlook and Caprock Coulee. Sites are spaced for privacy; pronghorn sometimes ghost the ridges at dusk while meadowlarks stitch the dawn with song. The feel is rugged yet family-friendly: level pads, shade from junipers, and easy walks to the river corridor, with dry camping that rewards careful water planning in midsummer heat. Time your evening stroll to the rim for blue hour, then settle back to the soft wind and crackle of your campfire.
Type: Tent & RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Potable water (seasonal), vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, nearby trailheads
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Roundup Group Horse Camp (South Unit) – Designed for riders and large groups, this reservation-only enclave sits near open grasslands with hitching rails, easy trailer turnarounds, and direct access to equestrian routes. Evenings are hushed except for the wind and soft knicker of horses; mornings begin with amber light on buttes and the clip of hooves heading toward prairie draws. Expect dry camping and bring shade and water plans; the payoff is space to spread out, star-soaked skies, and quick reaches to scenic overlooks for sunset photo runs. Corrals and gathering areas make mealtimes social before the night settles quiet.
Type: Group / Backcountry-adjacent (equestrian; no hookups)
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, hitching rails, trailer parking (bring stock water as needed)
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Type: Tent & RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Potable water (seasonal), vault/seasonal flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage guidance
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Juniper Campground (North Unit) – Set amid juniper-scented benches and broad badlands vistas, Juniper offers big-sky nights, quiet mornings, and quick access to Oxbow Overlook and Caprock Coulee. Sites are spaced for privacy; pronghorn sometimes ghost the ridges at dusk while meadowlarks stitch the dawn with song. The feel is rugged yet family-friendly: level pads, shade from junipers, and easy walks to the river corridor, with dry camping that rewards careful water planning in midsummer heat. Time your evening stroll to the rim for blue hour, then settle back to the soft wind and crackle of your campfire.
Type: Tent & RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Potable water (seasonal), vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, nearby trailheads
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Roundup Group Horse Camp (South Unit) – Designed for riders and large groups, this reservation-only enclave sits near open grasslands with hitching rails, easy trailer turnarounds, and direct access to equestrian routes. Evenings are hushed except for the wind and soft knicker of horses; mornings begin with amber light on buttes and the clip of hooves heading toward prairie draws. Expect dry camping and bring shade and water plans; the payoff is space to spread out, star-soaked skies, and quick reaches to scenic overlooks for sunset photo runs. Corrals and gathering areas make mealtimes social before the night settles quiet.
Type: Group / Backcountry-adjacent (equestrian; no hookups)
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, hitching rails, trailer parking (bring stock water as needed)
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Camping Outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Calvin Bond, NPS
Just beyond the park gates, you’ll find easy bases along the Little Missouri where cottonwoods shade riverside sites and night skies spill with stars. Sully Creek State Park sits a few minutes south of Medora with state park campsites, corrals, and canoe access, while private RV parks in town offer full hookups, showers, and quick strolls to cafes after sunset drives. Farther north, simple forest camps in the Little Missouri National Grassland put you close to the North Unit’s overlooks—perfect for an unhurried campfire under the stars, sunrise safaris, and effortless re-entry to scenic loops the next morning.
Medora Campground (City of Medora) – Riversong nights and cottonwood shade set the tone at this in-town base beside the Little Missouri, where deer browse the riverbank and trains hum faintly beyond the bluffs. Level pads and grassy tent sites sit a short stroll from ice cream shops and the Medora Musical shuttles, making evening plans effortless after a day on scenic drives. Expect big-sky sunsets, occasional prairie wind, and quick predawn access to Painted Canyon overlooks; summer afternoons can be hot, so plan shade breaks and river walks. Book early for full hookups; the compact layout rewards walkers—leave the rig and wander to dinner on foot. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & RV (full hookups available)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, Wi-Fi
Fee: $$–$$$
Reservations
More Info
Red Trail Campground – A traveler-friendly RV park right at the edge of town, Red Trail pairs roomy pull-throughs with quick access to outfitters, bakeries, and gallery strolls on Broadway. Evenings bring grill smoke and clinking marshmallow forks while the badlands glow auburn beyond the cottonwoods. Expect a social vibe in peak season, steady turnover, and easy parking for big rigs; sunrise departures put you at wildlife loops before the day warms. It’s a low-stress launchpad when you want full services without sacrificing those long, starry Dakota nights. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (full hookups on many sites)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, small camp store
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Sully Creek State Park – Tucked in a cottonwood bottom along the Maah Daah Hey, this state-park favorite mixes equestrian loops with roomy campsites where meadowlarks provide the morning soundtrack. Watch swallows skim the river at dusk, then count constellations from the gravel bars when the sky goes velvet-black. Spring melt and summer storms can raise the Little Missouri—check road and ford status and bring traction if rain is forecast. Families love the space to roam and the easy pairing with Medora dinners or a late-show at the amphitheater. (**Medora – 3 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & RV (limited hookups), Equestrian sites
Facilities: Potable water, vault/seasonal flush restrooms, showers (seasonal), picnic tables, fire rings, horse corrals, dump station
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Buffalo Gap Campground (USFS) – A classic prairie stop near the Maah Daah Hey, Buffalo Gap trades hookups for dark skies, meadow breezes, and coyotes yipping on the ridge at night. Sites spread across sage flats with badlands buttes on the horizon; sunrise paints the clay hoodoos pink before town wakes up. It’s first-come and blissfully simple—arrive early on weekends, pack extra water, and expect limited shade by midday. Perfect for stargazers and tent-campers who want a quick jump to Painted Canyon overlooks at dawn. (**Medora – 2 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & Small RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings; bring water (no on-site fill)
Fee: $
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Boots Campground – Quiet lanes, mature trees, and a friendly front-porch vibe define this smaller in-town base, popular with road-trippers who want an easy stroll to ice cream and museums after golden hour. Pull-through sites make arrival painless, while tent pads catch evening shade as the sandstone hills cool. Expect a mellow crowd, convenient bathhouses, and a location that lets you park once and forget the keys. Early risers can walk for coffee and still make first light at Wind Canyon. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some full hookups)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups, laundry, picnic tables, Wi-Fi
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Watford City Tourist Park Campground – A budget-friendly city park with trees, grass, and easy access to groceries and cafés, this is the efficient North Unit base for sunrise wildlife loops and late picnics on the rim. Sites are simple but well-placed for quick turnarounds; families appreciate the open space for bikes and the calm, neighborhood feel. Expect light road noise and a friendly mix of travelers and seasonal workers; evening walks to downtown scoop shops hit the spot on hot days. Roll before 6 a.m. and you’ll have your pick of overlooks before the day heats up. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some electric)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, electric sites, picnic tables, dump station nearby
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Rough Rider Center RV Park – Set near ballfields and a splash pad, this modern RV park pairs long, level sites with quick access to showers, an aquatic center, and paved paths for dog walks or sunset jogs. It’s a practical choice for big rigs and families who want reliable power in hot weather and simple in-town errands before an early start. Nights are quiet despite the amenities, and the short hop to Highway 85 makes dawn entries easy. Book weekends ahead during tournaments and summer events. (**Watford City – 14 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV (full hookups)
Facilities: Potable water, full hookups, restrooms/showers (at center), laundry nearby, Wi-Fi, paved pads
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
CCC Campground (USFS) – A beloved, no-frills stop at a Maah Daah Hey trailhead, CCC offers shaded sites beneath cottonwoods and quick access to North Unit overlooks for sunrise and stargazing. Expect vault toilets, picnic tables, and gravel pads; bring water and pack out trash. The reward is solitude and night skies so dark the Milky Way looks brushed on; listen for owls and the river moving softly beyond the trees. Arrive midweek to nab shade, and keep an eye on weather—badlands clay gets slick after a storm. (**Near North Unit – 5 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & Small RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings; no water—bring your own
Fee: $
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina – For a change of scene, camp along Lake Sakakawea’s sprawling shoreline where breezes ripple the cottonwoods and walleye boats purr at dawn. Sites range from shaded RV pads to tent nooks near the water, with a café and small marina for easy meals between drives to the badlands. Evenings bring orange light on the lake and stars reflected off quiet coves; mornings mean cool temps before you head back to scenic drives. It’s a relaxed add-on for anglers or dark-sky fans who still want a reasonable hop to the North Unit. (**Keene / Lake Sakakawea – 35 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some electric), Cabins
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups on select sites, marina, café, playground, laundry
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Little Missouri State Park – North Dakota’s badlands go full panorama here, with sculpted buttes and horse-friendly trails fanning from the rim. Campsites sit breezy and open with wide-angle sunsets; expect a quiet, contemplative feel at night and birdsong that starts early. Services are seasonal and shade is limited—pack sun protection, carry extra water, and time hikes for dusk and dawn. It’s farther than in-town options but rewards with cinematic views and a peaceful reset between day trips. (**Near Killdeer – 45 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & RV (limited electric), Equestrian sites
Facilities: Potable water (seasonal), restrooms/showers (seasonal), picnic tables, corrals, fire rings
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Buffalo City Park Campground (Dickinson) – A practical overnight for travelers approaching from I-94, this city park trades wilderness vibes for convenience: level pads, quick grocery runs, and an early jump west to dawn wildlife loops. Pines edge the sites, kids pedal loops after dinner, and the town’s cafés make breakfast easy before you roll. Expect light traffic noise and a friendly, stopover feel; it’s a smart choice when storms or wind make the badlands bluffs less appealing for the night. Aim for a pre-sunrise departure and you’ll be at Painted Canyon with the first color. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some electric)
Facilities: Potable water, electric hookups, restrooms, picnic tables, dump station nearby
Fee: $
Reservations
More Info
Type: Tent & RV (full hookups available)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, Wi-Fi
Fee: $$–$$$
Reservations
More Info
Red Trail Campground – A traveler-friendly RV park right at the edge of town, Red Trail pairs roomy pull-throughs with quick access to outfitters, bakeries, and gallery strolls on Broadway. Evenings bring grill smoke and clinking marshmallow forks while the badlands glow auburn beyond the cottonwoods. Expect a social vibe in peak season, steady turnover, and easy parking for big rigs; sunrise departures put you at wildlife loops before the day warms. It’s a low-stress launchpad when you want full services without sacrificing those long, starry Dakota nights. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (full hookups on many sites)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, small camp store
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Sully Creek State Park – Tucked in a cottonwood bottom along the Maah Daah Hey, this state-park favorite mixes equestrian loops with roomy campsites where meadowlarks provide the morning soundtrack. Watch swallows skim the river at dusk, then count constellations from the gravel bars when the sky goes velvet-black. Spring melt and summer storms can raise the Little Missouri—check road and ford status and bring traction if rain is forecast. Families love the space to roam and the easy pairing with Medora dinners or a late-show at the amphitheater. (**Medora – 3 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & RV (limited hookups), Equestrian sites
Facilities: Potable water, vault/seasonal flush restrooms, showers (seasonal), picnic tables, fire rings, horse corrals, dump station
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Buffalo Gap Campground (USFS) – A classic prairie stop near the Maah Daah Hey, Buffalo Gap trades hookups for dark skies, meadow breezes, and coyotes yipping on the ridge at night. Sites spread across sage flats with badlands buttes on the horizon; sunrise paints the clay hoodoos pink before town wakes up. It’s first-come and blissfully simple—arrive early on weekends, pack extra water, and expect limited shade by midday. Perfect for stargazers and tent-campers who want a quick jump to Painted Canyon overlooks at dawn. (**Medora – 2 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & Small RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings; bring water (no on-site fill)
Fee: $
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Boots Campground – Quiet lanes, mature trees, and a friendly front-porch vibe define this smaller in-town base, popular with road-trippers who want an easy stroll to ice cream and museums after golden hour. Pull-through sites make arrival painless, while tent pads catch evening shade as the sandstone hills cool. Expect a mellow crowd, convenient bathhouses, and a location that lets you park once and forget the keys. Early risers can walk for coffee and still make first light at Wind Canyon. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some full hookups)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups, laundry, picnic tables, Wi-Fi
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Watford City Tourist Park Campground – A budget-friendly city park with trees, grass, and easy access to groceries and cafés, this is the efficient North Unit base for sunrise wildlife loops and late picnics on the rim. Sites are simple but well-placed for quick turnarounds; families appreciate the open space for bikes and the calm, neighborhood feel. Expect light road noise and a friendly mix of travelers and seasonal workers; evening walks to downtown scoop shops hit the spot on hot days. Roll before 6 a.m. and you’ll have your pick of overlooks before the day heats up. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some electric)
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, electric sites, picnic tables, dump station nearby
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Rough Rider Center RV Park – Set near ballfields and a splash pad, this modern RV park pairs long, level sites with quick access to showers, an aquatic center, and paved paths for dog walks or sunset jogs. It’s a practical choice for big rigs and families who want reliable power in hot weather and simple in-town errands before an early start. Nights are quiet despite the amenities, and the short hop to Highway 85 makes dawn entries easy. Book weekends ahead during tournaments and summer events. (**Watford City – 14 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV (full hookups)
Facilities: Potable water, full hookups, restrooms/showers (at center), laundry nearby, Wi-Fi, paved pads
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
CCC Campground (USFS) – A beloved, no-frills stop at a Maah Daah Hey trailhead, CCC offers shaded sites beneath cottonwoods and quick access to North Unit overlooks for sunrise and stargazing. Expect vault toilets, picnic tables, and gravel pads; bring water and pack out trash. The reward is solitude and night skies so dark the Milky Way looks brushed on; listen for owls and the river moving softly beyond the trees. Arrive midweek to nab shade, and keep an eye on weather—badlands clay gets slick after a storm. (**Near North Unit – 5 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & Small RV (no hookups)
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings; no water—bring your own
Fee: $
Reservations: Not required
More Info
Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina – For a change of scene, camp along Lake Sakakawea’s sprawling shoreline where breezes ripple the cottonwoods and walleye boats purr at dawn. Sites range from shaded RV pads to tent nooks near the water, with a café and small marina for easy meals between drives to the badlands. Evenings bring orange light on the lake and stars reflected off quiet coves; mornings mean cool temps before you head back to scenic drives. It’s a relaxed add-on for anglers or dark-sky fans who still want a reasonable hop to the North Unit. (**Keene / Lake Sakakawea – 35 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some electric), Cabins
Facilities: Potable water, restrooms/showers, hookups on select sites, marina, café, playground, laundry
Fee: $$
Reservations
More Info
Little Missouri State Park – North Dakota’s badlands go full panorama here, with sculpted buttes and horse-friendly trails fanning from the rim. Campsites sit breezy and open with wide-angle sunsets; expect a quiet, contemplative feel at night and birdsong that starts early. Services are seasonal and shade is limited—pack sun protection, carry extra water, and time hikes for dusk and dawn. It’s farther than in-town options but rewards with cinematic views and a peaceful reset between day trips. (**Near Killdeer – 45 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Tent & RV (limited electric), Equestrian sites
Facilities: Potable water (seasonal), restrooms/showers (seasonal), picnic tables, corrals, fire rings
Fee: $–$$
Reservations
More Info
Buffalo City Park Campground (Dickinson) – A practical overnight for travelers approaching from I-94, this city park trades wilderness vibes for convenience: level pads, quick grocery runs, and an early jump west to dawn wildlife loops. Pines edge the sites, kids pedal loops after dinner, and the town’s cafés make breakfast easy before you roll. Expect light traffic noise and a friendly, stopover feel; it’s a smart choice when storms or wind make the badlands bluffs less appealing for the night. Aim for a pre-sunrise departure and you’ll be at Painted Canyon with the first color. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: RV & Tent (some electric)
Facilities: Potable water, electric hookups, restrooms, picnic tables, dump station nearby
Fee: $
Reservations
More Info
Places to Eat in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Alex Haney, Unsplash
Eat well between badlands drives with options that range from farm-to-table bistros and casual eateries to bakeries, breweries, and family-friendly grills in Medora, Watford City, and Dickinson. Start with hearty trail breakfasts and espresso along Medora’s Broadway, plan a sunset feast at a bluff-top pitchfork-fondue experience overlooking the Little Missouri, or linger on a riverfront patio where cottonwoods rustle and stars gather. From walleye specials and bison burgers to refined dining rooms where reservations are recommended in peak season, you’ll find convenient spots near the South and North Unit entrances for quick bites and celebratory dinners alike.
Historic Medora Dining Room – Within steps of gallery-lined streets and the Little Missouri’s cottonwoods, this classic dining room leans regional: think bison short ribs with juniper gravy, walleye kissed with lemon and herbs, and salads scattered with prairie grains. Pressed-tin ceilings, vintage ranch photos, and a slow, gracious cadence make it feel celebratory without being stuffy; breakfast starts early for sunrise loops and dinner lingers into golden hour. Servers are trail-savvy with timing tips, and the wine list favors robust pours that stand up to grilled meats. In peak summer, book ahead—tables fill just as the buttes light up ember-orange. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Fine Dining
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Bluff-Top Pitchfork Steak Fondue – Part dinner, part panorama, this open-air feast skewers ribeyes on pitchforks and dips them into bubbling cauldrons while the badlands glow and music drifts from the nearby amphitheater. Family-style tables, baked beans, salads, and cowboy-era sides make it easy for groups, and kids love watching steaks sizzle in the evening breeze. Aim for the first seating to catch sunset color cresting the buttes; bring a light layer as the air cools quickly after dusk. It’s a singular memory—equal parts cookout and sky show—with shuttle and parking logistics smoothed by clear signage. (**Medora – 2 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Family-friendly / Casual
Cost: $$–$$$ (reservations recommended in peak season)
More Info
Broadway Bakery & Coffeehouse – Before the first overlook turns pink, grab caramel rolls still warm from the oven, breakfast burritos wrapped for the road, and lattes pulled by baristas who know the day’s trail conditions. Creaky wood floors, chalkboard menus, and a quick pastry line set an energetic morning rhythm; by midday, sandwiches and soups rotate with seasonal specials for easy pack-along lunches. Seating spills onto a small patio where bikes clatter and the town hums awake. Early open hours and reliable grab-and-go make it a hiker’s secret weapon. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Bakery / Cafe
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Little Missouri Riverfront Patio Café – Set under cottonwoods with a breeze off the water, this patio spot pairs view-forward seating with hearty plates: bison burgers on toasted brioche, crisp salads with chokecherry vinaigrette, and a fried-walleye sandwich that tastes like summer. Golden hour brings swallows skimming the river and cameras clicking across the railing; string lights glow as the sky fades to indigo. Service is relaxed but efficient, with umbrellas for midday shade and blankets offered on cool nights. Expect easy parking and a sunset you’ll remember long after dessert. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Casual
Cost: $$
More Info
Badlands Family Grill – A cheerful, kid-friendly stop where the smell of sizzling griddles and vanilla shakes fills a bright, booth-lined room. Menus run broad—grilled chicken, veggie wraps, mac for littles, and shareable baskets—plus regional nods like bison patties and kettle-crisp fries dusted with ranch seasoning. Staff move fast during matinee show nights, and coloring sheets keep small hands busy while orders fly. It’s the dependable, no-drama choice when energy is low and appetites high after dusty miles. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Family-friendly
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Watford City Brewpub – Copper tanks gleam behind the bar while flights land with notes of prairie honey, citrusy wheat, and malty amber—perfect with wood-fired pizzas blistered at the edges and burgers stacked high. Afternoons skew family-friendly with roomy booths; late evenings vibe lively as locals trade trail stories and game highlights. A sun-splashed patio catches the last light before you roll north for stargazing on the rim. Growlers, gluten-reduced options, and a kids’ menu make it easy for mixed groups. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Brewery / Casual
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Prairie Farm-to-Table Bistro – Candle-lit and intimate, this chef-driven spot showcases North Dakota producers: seared beef with sunflower-seed gremolata, roasted vegetables tossed in chokecherry glaze, and house-made pastas rolled thin. The room hums softly—a good place to celebrate a birthday or the last night of a road trip—while service paces courses so you still make blue-hour on the drive back. Weekend reservations are smart; the small dining room fills quickly. Expect thoughtful mocktails and a tight wine list aimed at cool-climate reds. (**Watford City – 16 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Fine Dining
Cost: $$$
More Info
Downtown Dickinson Bistro – A convenient bookend for travelers overnighting off I-94, this polished bistro balances comfort and craft: steak-frites with herb butter, pan-seared walleye over lemony greens, and skillet cookies for the table. Exposed brick, soft lighting, and attentive pacing make it feel special without requiring a tie; lunch is quick for those hustling to the park, while dinner settles in with a stronger wine and local-beer selection. Plenty of parking and nearby hotels simplify logistics after long drives. Call ahead on weekends to dodge waits. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Casual
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Dickinson Bakery & Espresso – Doors open early to trays of sugar-dusted doughnuts, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and drip coffee brewed strong for the highway. Midday brings soups, salads, and loaves to pack for picnics among the buttes; baristas are quick with route suggestions and weather notes. Bright windows, quick counter service, and plenty of seating make it a stress-free rally point for groups. Grab a dozen for the road and you’ll hit Painted Canyon with smiles and full mugs. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Bakery / Cafe
Cost: $
More Info
Type: Fine Dining
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Bluff-Top Pitchfork Steak Fondue – Part dinner, part panorama, this open-air feast skewers ribeyes on pitchforks and dips them into bubbling cauldrons while the badlands glow and music drifts from the nearby amphitheater. Family-style tables, baked beans, salads, and cowboy-era sides make it easy for groups, and kids love watching steaks sizzle in the evening breeze. Aim for the first seating to catch sunset color cresting the buttes; bring a light layer as the air cools quickly after dusk. It’s a singular memory—equal parts cookout and sky show—with shuttle and parking logistics smoothed by clear signage. (**Medora – 2 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Family-friendly / Casual
Cost: $$–$$$ (reservations recommended in peak season)
More Info
Broadway Bakery & Coffeehouse – Before the first overlook turns pink, grab caramel rolls still warm from the oven, breakfast burritos wrapped for the road, and lattes pulled by baristas who know the day’s trail conditions. Creaky wood floors, chalkboard menus, and a quick pastry line set an energetic morning rhythm; by midday, sandwiches and soups rotate with seasonal specials for easy pack-along lunches. Seating spills onto a small patio where bikes clatter and the town hums awake. Early open hours and reliable grab-and-go make it a hiker’s secret weapon. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Bakery / Cafe
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Little Missouri Riverfront Patio Café – Set under cottonwoods with a breeze off the water, this patio spot pairs view-forward seating with hearty plates: bison burgers on toasted brioche, crisp salads with chokecherry vinaigrette, and a fried-walleye sandwich that tastes like summer. Golden hour brings swallows skimming the river and cameras clicking across the railing; string lights glow as the sky fades to indigo. Service is relaxed but efficient, with umbrellas for midday shade and blankets offered on cool nights. Expect easy parking and a sunset you’ll remember long after dessert. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Casual
Cost: $$
More Info
Badlands Family Grill – A cheerful, kid-friendly stop where the smell of sizzling griddles and vanilla shakes fills a bright, booth-lined room. Menus run broad—grilled chicken, veggie wraps, mac for littles, and shareable baskets—plus regional nods like bison patties and kettle-crisp fries dusted with ranch seasoning. Staff move fast during matinee show nights, and coloring sheets keep small hands busy while orders fly. It’s the dependable, no-drama choice when energy is low and appetites high after dusty miles. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Family-friendly
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Watford City Brewpub – Copper tanks gleam behind the bar while flights land with notes of prairie honey, citrusy wheat, and malty amber—perfect with wood-fired pizzas blistered at the edges and burgers stacked high. Afternoons skew family-friendly with roomy booths; late evenings vibe lively as locals trade trail stories and game highlights. A sun-splashed patio catches the last light before you roll north for stargazing on the rim. Growlers, gluten-reduced options, and a kids’ menu make it easy for mixed groups. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Brewery / Casual
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Prairie Farm-to-Table Bistro – Candle-lit and intimate, this chef-driven spot showcases North Dakota producers: seared beef with sunflower-seed gremolata, roasted vegetables tossed in chokecherry glaze, and house-made pastas rolled thin. The room hums softly—a good place to celebrate a birthday or the last night of a road trip—while service paces courses so you still make blue-hour on the drive back. Weekend reservations are smart; the small dining room fills quickly. Expect thoughtful mocktails and a tight wine list aimed at cool-climate reds. (**Watford City – 16 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Fine Dining
Cost: $$$
More Info
Downtown Dickinson Bistro – A convenient bookend for travelers overnighting off I-94, this polished bistro balances comfort and craft: steak-frites with herb butter, pan-seared walleye over lemony greens, and skillet cookies for the table. Exposed brick, soft lighting, and attentive pacing make it feel special without requiring a tie; lunch is quick for those hustling to the park, while dinner settles in with a stronger wine and local-beer selection. Plenty of parking and nearby hotels simplify logistics after long drives. Call ahead on weekends to dodge waits. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Casual
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Dickinson Bakery & Espresso – Doors open early to trays of sugar-dusted doughnuts, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and drip coffee brewed strong for the highway. Midday brings soups, salads, and loaves to pack for picnics among the buttes; baristas are quick with route suggestions and weather notes. Bright windows, quick counter service, and plenty of seating make it a stress-free rally point for groups. Grab a dozen for the road and you’ll hit Painted Canyon with smiles and full mugs. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Bakery / Cafe
Cost: $
More Info
Places to Stay in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Chamber of Commerce
Settle into welcoming basecamps that fit every style—from park-adjacent cabins and boutique inns in Medora to modern suites in Watford City and road-friendly hotels in Dickinson. Wake to badlands views, sip coffee on a quiet porch, and return after scenic drives to fireplaces, stargazing decks, and cozy lobbies with on-site dining or easy walk-to-trailheads for evening loops. With vacation rentals for families, classic motels with drive-up convenience, and polished park lodges–style stays that keep you close to overlooks and trailheads, you’ll trade long commutes for restful nights and unhurried mornings.
Broadway Boutique Inn – In the heart of walkable Medora, this intimate inn blends small-town charm with trail-ready convenience: step from a calm, art-filled lobby to evening rambles along the Little Missouri or sunrise loops on the nearby badlands overlook. Rooms favor warm woods, textured throws, and blackout shades that make early starts easier; thoughtful touches like gear hooks, mini-fridges for picnic fixings, and an espresso cart set the tone for efficient adventure days. After dusk, settle into fireside seating or a porch swing as the buttes cool and constellations sharpen overhead. Parking is painless, and most restaurants, galleries, and outfitters are a five-minute stroll. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Boutique Inn
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Little Missouri Riverside Cabins – Tucked under cottonwoods, these wood-clad cabins feel close to the landscape without sacrificing comfort. Mornings start with birdsong and river light through the curtains; evenings end on stargazing decks where crickets take over and the sky deepens to a velvety black. Interiors keep things practical—kitchenettes for trail lunches, durable floors for dusty boots, and a small table for spreading maps—while porch seating invites slow coffee before you roll to overlooks. Families appreciate easy parking, grills, and a short walk to town treats after golden hour. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Cabin
Cost: $$
More Info
Badlands Motor Court – A classic drive-up layout makes loading coolers and packs effortless, while renovated rooms mix clean lines with rugged textures. Expect quiet nights, strong showers, and quick access to sunrise viewpoints—no lobby maze, just park outside your door and go. A small courtyard with picnic tables catches afternoon shade, and bike-friendly racks make it simple to secure rides between loops. It’s the reliable, time-saving choice when you value proximity and practicality over frills. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Motel
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora Vacation Homes near Broadway – For groups who want living-room space and full kitchens, these vacation rentals scatter along quiet streets within an easy stroll of cafés, outfitters, and trailhead drives. Expect decks for sunset grills, washer/dryers that make dusty days simple to reset, and separate bedrooms so early risers can slip out without waking the crew. Many homes include fenced yards and gear storage, plus driveways that handle trailers or roof boxes. It’s a flexible base for multi-day itineraries where you want to spread out, cook, and recharge between scenic loops. (**Medora – 1–2 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Vacation Rental
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Watford City Modern Hotel & Suites – Built for comfort after long drives and longer hikes, these contemporary rooms feature blackout shades, quiet HVAC, and kitchenettes for simple breakfasts before heading to the North Unit. The lobby doubles as a relaxed co-working nook with strong Wi-Fi, while a small pool and fitness room loosen road miles. Evenings are mellow: grab takeout, then watch alpenglow fade from a high-floor window while planning the next day’s overlooks. Staff are dialed into road conditions and wildlife timing, making check-in feel like a tiny visitor center. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Lodge
Cost: $$
More Info
North Unit Kitchenette Suites – Tailored to hikers and photographers, these suites emphasize function: full-size fridges for ice and produce, two-burner cooktops, and a generous gear bench by the door. Mornings run smooth with fast coffee and a quick route to ND-85; nights are quiet thanks to solid walls and well-sealed windows. Request a top-floor corner for big-sky views and minimal foot traffic, and use the guest laundry to reset mid-trip. Plenty of parking handles vans and racks with ease. (**Watford City – 16 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Motel
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Prairie Ranch B&B – A few turns off the highway and the badlands open to rolling pasture, wind-brushed cottonwoods, and a farmhouse porch that catches first light. Inside, rooms are simple and restful—think quilts, board games, and a hearty ranch breakfast that fuels a full day of overlooks and rim walks. Evenings invite stargazing far from streetlights, with coyotes yipping in the distance and skies so dark you linger long after the last photograph. Hosts share local history and road tips that save time and miles. (**Grassy Butte Area – 20 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: B&B
Cost: $$
More Info
Dickinson Interstate Hotels Cluster – Ideal for late arrivals off I-94, these modern properties trade scenery for efficiency: fast check-in, dependable breakfast, and quick access to groceries and fuel before the final push west. Rooms run quiet despite the corridor, with firm beds and blackout curtains that make a pre-dawn start manageable. Families appreciate indoor pools and easy parking for trailers; business travelers lean on reliable Wi-Fi and nearby dining. Start here when flights arrive late or weather turns, then hop to Medora after sunrise. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Motel
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora RV Park Cabins – For road-trippers who want a real bed without giving up the camp vibe, these compact cabins sit near cottonwoods with shared green space for evening unwinds. Expect simple interiors—bunks or queen, mini-fridge, and heat/AC—plus porches that face open sky for sunset color. The location shines: walk to town treats, roll to viewpoints in minutes, and skip long nighttime drives. Bring headlamps for late returns and enjoy quiet, starry nights that still end near hot showers and coffee at dawn. (**Medora – 0.5 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Cabin
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Remote Badlands Retreat – A standalone vacation home set amid whispering grasses and broad horizons, this retreat trades town buzz for deep quiet and cinematic night skies. Inside, a full kitchen and generous dining table make shared meals easy; outside, a wraparound deck frames sunrise coffee and sunset silhouettes of distant buttes. It’s ideal for photographers and families seeking privacy between South and North Unit forays, with gravel-road solitude that rewards patient drivers. Stock groceries on the way in and plan long, unhurried evenings under constellations. (**Billings County Backroads – 25 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Vacation Rental
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Type: Boutique Inn
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Little Missouri Riverside Cabins – Tucked under cottonwoods, these wood-clad cabins feel close to the landscape without sacrificing comfort. Mornings start with birdsong and river light through the curtains; evenings end on stargazing decks where crickets take over and the sky deepens to a velvety black. Interiors keep things practical—kitchenettes for trail lunches, durable floors for dusty boots, and a small table for spreading maps—while porch seating invites slow coffee before you roll to overlooks. Families appreciate easy parking, grills, and a short walk to town treats after golden hour. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Cabin
Cost: $$
More Info
Badlands Motor Court – A classic drive-up layout makes loading coolers and packs effortless, while renovated rooms mix clean lines with rugged textures. Expect quiet nights, strong showers, and quick access to sunrise viewpoints—no lobby maze, just park outside your door and go. A small courtyard with picnic tables catches afternoon shade, and bike-friendly racks make it simple to secure rides between loops. It’s the reliable, time-saving choice when you value proximity and practicality over frills. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Motel
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora Vacation Homes near Broadway – For groups who want living-room space and full kitchens, these vacation rentals scatter along quiet streets within an easy stroll of cafés, outfitters, and trailhead drives. Expect decks for sunset grills, washer/dryers that make dusty days simple to reset, and separate bedrooms so early risers can slip out without waking the crew. Many homes include fenced yards and gear storage, plus driveways that handle trailers or roof boxes. It’s a flexible base for multi-day itineraries where you want to spread out, cook, and recharge between scenic loops. (**Medora – 1–2 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Vacation Rental
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Watford City Modern Hotel & Suites – Built for comfort after long drives and longer hikes, these contemporary rooms feature blackout shades, quiet HVAC, and kitchenettes for simple breakfasts before heading to the North Unit. The lobby doubles as a relaxed co-working nook with strong Wi-Fi, while a small pool and fitness room loosen road miles. Evenings are mellow: grab takeout, then watch alpenglow fade from a high-floor window while planning the next day’s overlooks. Staff are dialed into road conditions and wildlife timing, making check-in feel like a tiny visitor center. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Lodge
Cost: $$
More Info
North Unit Kitchenette Suites – Tailored to hikers and photographers, these suites emphasize function: full-size fridges for ice and produce, two-burner cooktops, and a generous gear bench by the door. Mornings run smooth with fast coffee and a quick route to ND-85; nights are quiet thanks to solid walls and well-sealed windows. Request a top-floor corner for big-sky views and minimal foot traffic, and use the guest laundry to reset mid-trip. Plenty of parking handles vans and racks with ease. (**Watford City – 16 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Motel
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Prairie Ranch B&B – A few turns off the highway and the badlands open to rolling pasture, wind-brushed cottonwoods, and a farmhouse porch that catches first light. Inside, rooms are simple and restful—think quilts, board games, and a hearty ranch breakfast that fuels a full day of overlooks and rim walks. Evenings invite stargazing far from streetlights, with coyotes yipping in the distance and skies so dark you linger long after the last photograph. Hosts share local history and road tips that save time and miles. (**Grassy Butte Area – 20 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: B&B
Cost: $$
More Info
Dickinson Interstate Hotels Cluster – Ideal for late arrivals off I-94, these modern properties trade scenery for efficiency: fast check-in, dependable breakfast, and quick access to groceries and fuel before the final push west. Rooms run quiet despite the corridor, with firm beds and blackout curtains that make a pre-dawn start manageable. Families appreciate indoor pools and easy parking for trailers; business travelers lean on reliable Wi-Fi and nearby dining. Start here when flights arrive late or weather turns, then hop to Medora after sunrise. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Motel
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora RV Park Cabins – For road-trippers who want a real bed without giving up the camp vibe, these compact cabins sit near cottonwoods with shared green space for evening unwinds. Expect simple interiors—bunks or queen, mini-fridge, and heat/AC—plus porches that face open sky for sunset color. The location shines: walk to town treats, roll to viewpoints in minutes, and skip long nighttime drives. Bring headlamps for late returns and enjoy quiet, starry nights that still end near hot showers and coffee at dawn. (**Medora – 0.5 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Cabin
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Remote Badlands Retreat – A standalone vacation home set amid whispering grasses and broad horizons, this retreat trades town buzz for deep quiet and cinematic night skies. Inside, a full kitchen and generous dining table make shared meals easy; outside, a wraparound deck frames sunrise coffee and sunset silhouettes of distant buttes. It’s ideal for photographers and families seeking privacy between South and North Unit forays, with gravel-road solitude that rewards patient drivers. Stock groceries on the way in and plan long, unhurried evenings under constellations. (**Billings County Backroads – 25 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Vacation Rental
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Around Town - Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Freepik
Round out your badlands days with small-town charm in Medora, Watford City, and Dickinson—think scenic drives, museums and art galleries, brewery tastings, guided tours, and river walks that start minutes from the park gates. Follow the boardwalk past espresso aromas and market chatter, browse Western art, then catch the summer Medora Musical after a golden-hour drive or sample flights at a local taproom as sunset lights the buttes. Easy parking, short strolls, and family-friendly stops make it simple to pair trail mornings with culture-rich evenings and laid-back dining on patios under big-sky stars.
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – This museum anchors Medora’s boardwalk with galleries that smell faintly of saddle leather and prairie dust, celebrating rodeo legends, ranching heritage, and Indigenous traditions. Kids gravitate to hands-on tack displays and trail-era artifacts, while history buffs linger over championship gear and moving oral histories. Plan an hour or two in the cool galleries during midday heat, then step back outside to the clop of carriage rides and the murmur of ice-cream lines. It’s the perfect culture stop before an evening show or a sunset loop through the buttes. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Chateau de Morès State Historic Site – Wander the French-style hunting retreat of the Marquis de Morès, where creaking floors, period furnishings, and sweeping porch views bring 1880s Medora to life. Docent stories connect railroad dreams, cattle empires, and frontier grit; outside, cottonwoods frame the Little Missouri and the badlands rise like painted backdrops. Arrive midmorning for cooler temps and fewer tour groups, then stroll the interpretive trail to round out the visit. Pair with the downtown boardwalk for an easy half-day of history and photos. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum / Tour
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora Musical at Burning Hills Amphitheatre – As dusk softens the buttes, a live band strikes up and riders thunder across the rim—this high-energy Western variety show blends music, humor, and big-sky backdrops. The open-air amphitheater catches sunset color and cool evening breezes; families appreciate cushioned seating, concessions, and smooth shuttle access up the bluff. Go early for parking and golden-hour photos, then stay for the finale as stars prick the sky. It’s a signature summer night that pairs beautifully with a leisurely town dinner. (**Medora – 1.5 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Theater / Experience
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Pitchfork Steak Fondue – Overlook the badlands while chefs dip ribeyes on pitchforks into bubbling cauldrons—an only-in-Medora cookout where the air smells of mesquite and warm bread. Picnic tables line a bluff with sweeping views, live music sets an easy rhythm, and sunsets paint the coulees ember-orange before the nearby show. Reserve early on peak weekends and bring a light layer for the cool-up after dark. It’s festive, photogenic, and conveniently timed to roll straight into the amphitheater. (**Medora – 1.5 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Experience / Market
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Downtown Medora Boardwalk & Galleries – Wood-plank sidewalks connect cozy cafés, Western wear, and small galleries where regional artists showcase badlands oils, bronzes, and beadwork. Mornings bring espresso aromas and families with strollers; evenings hum with street musicians, ice-cream drips, and warm window light. Parking is simple along side streets—ditch the car and wander, ducking into air-conditioned shops between photo stops. It’s the easy, unhurried counterpoint to a high-mileage park day. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Gallery / Market
Cost: $–$$$ (browsing free)
More Info
Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson Museum Center) – Life-size skeletons and glowing mineral rooms spark kid wonder and satisfy fossil nerds, while lab windows reveal real prep work from local digs. Exhibits balance science with spectacle—expect towering theropods, hands-on stations, and a gift shop stocked with field guides and rock kits. Beat afternoon heat here, then grab a brew or family-friendly bite nearby before the sunset drive back west. Free parking and straightforward I-94 access make it an easy add to your itinerary. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Enchanted Highway – A whimsical roadside art drive featuring towering scrap-metal sculptures—geese spiraling skyward, grasshoppers mid-leap, a tin family waving from the prairie. Roll windows down to hear wind in the wheat and pull into roadside turnouts for photos and picnic breaks; the light near sunset makes silhouettes pop against wide-open sky. Start at the giant “Geese in Flight” off I-94 and meander south toward Regent, returning via Dickinson for dinner. Fuel up first and allow time—this is slow-travel joy. (**Gladstone/Regent – ~55 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Scenic Drive
Cost: $ (fuel and snacks)
More Info
Long X Visitor Center & Pioneer Museum – This gateway stop in Watford City pairs local history with modern travel services: friendly staff, maps, exhibits on homesteaders and the oil patch, and tidy restrooms. It’s a smart first call before the North Unit—confirm road conditions, pick up event flyers, and browse a small shop for guidebooks and regional crafts. Outside, landscaped grounds offer shady benches for a snack break between overlooks. Families and photographers alike appreciate the practical reset. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum / Experience
Cost: $ (donations appreciated)
More Info
Watford City Main Street & Brewery Tasting Rooms – After a North Unit loop, land in a walkable stretch of taprooms, bakeries, and murals where live music spills onto patios. Sample small-batch flights, order wood-fired pizzas, and linger at outdoor tables as the sky turns cotton-candy over the prairie. Weeknights are quieter; weekends bring a friendly buzz and occasional pop-up markets—parking is plentiful on side streets. It’s an easy, satisfying cap to a day of overlooks and bison sightings. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Brewery / Market / Gallery
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Type: Museum
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Chateau de Morès State Historic Site – Wander the French-style hunting retreat of the Marquis de Morès, where creaking floors, period furnishings, and sweeping porch views bring 1880s Medora to life. Docent stories connect railroad dreams, cattle empires, and frontier grit; outside, cottonwoods frame the Little Missouri and the badlands rise like painted backdrops. Arrive midmorning for cooler temps and fewer tour groups, then stroll the interpretive trail to round out the visit. Pair with the downtown boardwalk for an easy half-day of history and photos. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum / Tour
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora Musical at Burning Hills Amphitheatre – As dusk softens the buttes, a live band strikes up and riders thunder across the rim—this high-energy Western variety show blends music, humor, and big-sky backdrops. The open-air amphitheater catches sunset color and cool evening breezes; families appreciate cushioned seating, concessions, and smooth shuttle access up the bluff. Go early for parking and golden-hour photos, then stay for the finale as stars prick the sky. It’s a signature summer night that pairs beautifully with a leisurely town dinner. (**Medora – 1.5 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Theater / Experience
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Pitchfork Steak Fondue – Overlook the badlands while chefs dip ribeyes on pitchforks into bubbling cauldrons—an only-in-Medora cookout where the air smells of mesquite and warm bread. Picnic tables line a bluff with sweeping views, live music sets an easy rhythm, and sunsets paint the coulees ember-orange before the nearby show. Reserve early on peak weekends and bring a light layer for the cool-up after dark. It’s festive, photogenic, and conveniently timed to roll straight into the amphitheater. (**Medora – 1.5 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Experience / Market
Cost: $$–$$$
More Info
Downtown Medora Boardwalk & Galleries – Wood-plank sidewalks connect cozy cafés, Western wear, and small galleries where regional artists showcase badlands oils, bronzes, and beadwork. Mornings bring espresso aromas and families with strollers; evenings hum with street musicians, ice-cream drips, and warm window light. Parking is simple along side streets—ditch the car and wander, ducking into air-conditioned shops between photo stops. It’s the easy, unhurried counterpoint to a high-mileage park day. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Gallery / Market
Cost: $–$$$ (browsing free)
More Info
Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson Museum Center) – Life-size skeletons and glowing mineral rooms spark kid wonder and satisfy fossil nerds, while lab windows reveal real prep work from local digs. Exhibits balance science with spectacle—expect towering theropods, hands-on stations, and a gift shop stocked with field guides and rock kits. Beat afternoon heat here, then grab a brew or family-friendly bite nearby before the sunset drive back west. Free parking and straightforward I-94 access make it an easy add to your itinerary. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Enchanted Highway – A whimsical roadside art drive featuring towering scrap-metal sculptures—geese spiraling skyward, grasshoppers mid-leap, a tin family waving from the prairie. Roll windows down to hear wind in the wheat and pull into roadside turnouts for photos and picnic breaks; the light near sunset makes silhouettes pop against wide-open sky. Start at the giant “Geese in Flight” off I-94 and meander south toward Regent, returning via Dickinson for dinner. Fuel up first and allow time—this is slow-travel joy. (**Gladstone/Regent – ~55 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Scenic Drive
Cost: $ (fuel and snacks)
More Info
Long X Visitor Center & Pioneer Museum – This gateway stop in Watford City pairs local history with modern travel services: friendly staff, maps, exhibits on homesteaders and the oil patch, and tidy restrooms. It’s a smart first call before the North Unit—confirm road conditions, pick up event flyers, and browse a small shop for guidebooks and regional crafts. Outside, landscaped grounds offer shady benches for a snack break between overlooks. Families and photographers alike appreciate the practical reset. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum / Experience
Cost: $ (donations appreciated)
More Info
Watford City Main Street & Brewery Tasting Rooms – After a North Unit loop, land in a walkable stretch of taprooms, bakeries, and murals where live music spills onto patios. Sample small-batch flights, order wood-fired pizzas, and linger at outdoor tables as the sky turns cotton-candy over the prairie. Weeknights are quieter; weekends bring a friendly buzz and occasional pop-up markets—parking is plentiful on side streets. It’s an easy, satisfying cap to a day of overlooks and bison sightings. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Brewery / Market / Gallery
Cost: $–$$
More Info
For the Kids - Things to do with kids in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Arfan Adytiya, Unsplash
Bring the kids to the North Dakota badlands for a day that blends Junior Ranger discovery with hands-on exhibits, easy nature trails, and starry-night wonder. Start at the South Unit Visitor Center for badges, ranger talks, and wildlife programs, then swing east to the Painted Canyon overlook for stroller-friendly boardwalks and picnic tables with big-sky views. In Medora and Dickinson, interactive museums, scenic rides, and shaded playgrounds make snack breaks simple and bathroom access close—so curiosity, not logistics, leads the way from fossil casts to sunset stargazing.
Junior Ranger Program (South Unit Visitor Center) – Kick off a kid-forward day where rangers hand out activity booklets, stamp passports, and help little explorers decode bison tracks, prairie dog chatter, and badlands geology. Exhibits are bite-size and tactile—period artifacts, animal skull replicas, and maps that turn questions into scavenger hunts—while shaded picnic tables and nearby restrooms keep the pace relaxed. Time your visit for a short ranger talk to earn bonus requirements, then let children present their completed pages for an oath and shiny badge that becomes the trip’s favorite keepsake. Pair with a mellow wildlife drive so new “graduates” can spot their first herd. (**South Unit – inside the park**)
Type: Junior Ranger
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Painted Canyon Visitor Center & Overlook – Pull off I-94 for a jaw-dropping badlands panorama and a quick reset that kids love: breezy boardwalks, wildlife spotting scopes, and a compact visitor center with simple exhibits and snacks. The overlook’s railings offer confident perches for photos, and short rim strolls work for strollers and short legs—watch for sun and wind bursts along the exposed edge. Arrive midmorning before the asphalt heats up; rangers can suggest family-friendly viewpoints or evening stargazing plans. It’s a perfect stretch-and-learn stop between naps and the next scenic drive. (**Painted Canyon – 6 miles east of South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Nature Center
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – Step into Medora’s Western story where rodeo champions and ranching life come alive through kid-height displays, leather-scented galleries, and interactive corners. Young visitors try on tiny chaps, peer at bronc saddles, and trace cattle brands while parents linger over photographs and Indigenous artistry. Air-conditioned rooms make a cool midday break, and the compact layout rewards short attention spans; finish with a stroll for ice cream on the boardwalk. Plan 60–90 minutes and ask about family scavenger cards at the front desk. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora Children’s Park – A whimsical, wood-and-rope playground with towers, bridges, and slides that channel frontier make-believe—perfect for burning energy before dinners or shows. Benches ring the play area, shade trees soften summer heat, and nearby restrooms make quick turns easy with toddlers. Mornings are quiet for preschoolers; late afternoons draw friendly crowds of road-tripping families swapping tips while kids trade turns on the big slide. Pack a snack, set a meetup spot, and let the laughter echo off the buttes. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Playground
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson Museum Center) – Towering skeletons, fossil casts you can touch, and glowing mineral rooms ignite dinosaur fever while lab windows reveal real prep work from regional digs. Exhibits are staged at multiple heights for little paleontologists, with short interpretive panels, photo ops, and a shop stocked with rock kits and field guides. Beat afternoon heat or winter wind here, then grab cocoa or a casual bite nearby before the twilight drive back to Medora. Free parking, wide aisles, and family restrooms make logistics a breeze. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum / Interactive Exhibit
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Enchanted Highway Sculpture Drive – A roadside adventure where giant scrap-metal geese, grasshoppers, and tin families rise from the prairie—kids cheer each new sculpture like a level unlocked. Pullouts allow safe exploring and silly photos; bring a ball for quick play breaks and a picnic to enjoy at a small wayside shelter. The route is slow and scenic, ideal for nap windows and audiobook chapters, with sunset silhouettes turning the steel into storybook cutouts. Top off in Dickinson and download directions before the patchy cell zones. (**Gladstone/Regent – ~55 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Scenic Ride
Cost: $ (fuel/snacks)
More Info
West River Community Center – Aquatics – When weather flips or little legs need a rest from overlooks, this indoor complex delivers: warm pools, a lazy river, kid slides, and plenty of deck seating for parents. Locker rooms are spotless, day passes are straightforward, and lifeguards keep an eye on the action so everyone unwinds. It’s an easy add before or after the dinosaur museum; pack flip-flops and a snack for post-swim smiles. Winter trips especially benefit from this guaranteed playtime outlet. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Adventure Park
Cost: $–$$ (day pass)
More Info
Rough Rider Center – Skating & Aquatics – A family hub with seasonal ice, indoor turf, and splash options that turn blustery plains days into giggle-filled play sessions. Rentals make spontaneous skate sessions doable; check the calendar for open-skate windows or climbing inflatables on the turf. Concessions, clean restrooms, and ample parking simplify logistics for bigger groups, and you can pair the outing with a short scenic drive to North Unit overlooks. It’s a reliable energy-burner before an early bedtime. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Adventure Park
Cost: $–$$ (activity dependent)
More Info
Long X Visitor Center & Pioneer Museum – Part travel hub, part mini-museum, this stop greets families with friendly volunteers, maps, and exhibits that frame the badlands through homesteader grit and cowboy lore. Kids ring the antique school bell and peer at pioneer tools while parents snag event flyers, bathroom breaks, and route advice for the North Unit. Shaded benches outside make an easy snack spot before naptime drives. Budget 30–45 unrushed minutes to reset and learn. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $ (donation appreciated)
More Info
Medora Riding Stables – Family Trail Rides – Gentle, guided rides amble over sage-scented hills with big views and friendly wranglers who match horses to riders’ sizes and comfort levels. Helmets are provided, age/weight minimums keep things safe, and morning slots are cooler and calmer for first-timers. Expect photo stops, wildlife scanning, and a steady, kid-friendly pace; closed-toe shoes and water bottles make everyone happier. Reserve ahead on holiday weekends and arrive early to meet your horse without rushing. (**Medora – 1.5 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Scenic Ride
Cost: $$–$$$ (by duration)
More Info
Type: Junior Ranger
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Painted Canyon Visitor Center & Overlook – Pull off I-94 for a jaw-dropping badlands panorama and a quick reset that kids love: breezy boardwalks, wildlife spotting scopes, and a compact visitor center with simple exhibits and snacks. The overlook’s railings offer confident perches for photos, and short rim strolls work for strollers and short legs—watch for sun and wind bursts along the exposed edge. Arrive midmorning before the asphalt heats up; rangers can suggest family-friendly viewpoints or evening stargazing plans. It’s a perfect stretch-and-learn stop between naps and the next scenic drive. (**Painted Canyon – 6 miles east of South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Nature Center
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – Step into Medora’s Western story where rodeo champions and ranching life come alive through kid-height displays, leather-scented galleries, and interactive corners. Young visitors try on tiny chaps, peer at bronc saddles, and trace cattle brands while parents linger over photographs and Indigenous artistry. Air-conditioned rooms make a cool midday break, and the compact layout rewards short attention spans; finish with a stroll for ice cream on the boardwalk. Plan 60–90 minutes and ask about family scavenger cards at the front desk. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Medora Children’s Park – A whimsical, wood-and-rope playground with towers, bridges, and slides that channel frontier make-believe—perfect for burning energy before dinners or shows. Benches ring the play area, shade trees soften summer heat, and nearby restrooms make quick turns easy with toddlers. Mornings are quiet for preschoolers; late afternoons draw friendly crowds of road-tripping families swapping tips while kids trade turns on the big slide. Pack a snack, set a meetup spot, and let the laughter echo off the buttes. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Playground
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson Museum Center) – Towering skeletons, fossil casts you can touch, and glowing mineral rooms ignite dinosaur fever while lab windows reveal real prep work from regional digs. Exhibits are staged at multiple heights for little paleontologists, with short interpretive panels, photo ops, and a shop stocked with rock kits and field guides. Beat afternoon heat or winter wind here, then grab cocoa or a casual bite nearby before the twilight drive back to Medora. Free parking, wide aisles, and family restrooms make logistics a breeze. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum / Interactive Exhibit
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Enchanted Highway Sculpture Drive – A roadside adventure where giant scrap-metal geese, grasshoppers, and tin families rise from the prairie—kids cheer each new sculpture like a level unlocked. Pullouts allow safe exploring and silly photos; bring a ball for quick play breaks and a picnic to enjoy at a small wayside shelter. The route is slow and scenic, ideal for nap windows and audiobook chapters, with sunset silhouettes turning the steel into storybook cutouts. Top off in Dickinson and download directions before the patchy cell zones. (**Gladstone/Regent – ~55 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Scenic Ride
Cost: $ (fuel/snacks)
More Info
West River Community Center – Aquatics – When weather flips or little legs need a rest from overlooks, this indoor complex delivers: warm pools, a lazy river, kid slides, and plenty of deck seating for parents. Locker rooms are spotless, day passes are straightforward, and lifeguards keep an eye on the action so everyone unwinds. It’s an easy add before or after the dinosaur museum; pack flip-flops and a snack for post-swim smiles. Winter trips especially benefit from this guaranteed playtime outlet. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Adventure Park
Cost: $–$$ (day pass)
More Info
Rough Rider Center – Skating & Aquatics – A family hub with seasonal ice, indoor turf, and splash options that turn blustery plains days into giggle-filled play sessions. Rentals make spontaneous skate sessions doable; check the calendar for open-skate windows or climbing inflatables on the turf. Concessions, clean restrooms, and ample parking simplify logistics for bigger groups, and you can pair the outing with a short scenic drive to North Unit overlooks. It’s a reliable energy-burner before an early bedtime. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Adventure Park
Cost: $–$$ (activity dependent)
More Info
Long X Visitor Center & Pioneer Museum – Part travel hub, part mini-museum, this stop greets families with friendly volunteers, maps, and exhibits that frame the badlands through homesteader grit and cowboy lore. Kids ring the antique school bell and peer at pioneer tools while parents snag event flyers, bathroom breaks, and route advice for the North Unit. Shaded benches outside make an easy snack spot before naptime drives. Budget 30–45 unrushed minutes to reset and learn. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum
Cost: $ (donation appreciated)
More Info
Medora Riding Stables – Family Trail Rides – Gentle, guided rides amble over sage-scented hills with big views and friendly wranglers who match horses to riders’ sizes and comfort levels. Helmets are provided, age/weight minimums keep things safe, and morning slots are cooler and calmer for first-timers. Expect photo stops, wildlife scanning, and a steady, kid-friendly pace; closed-toe shoes and water bottles make everyone happier. Reserve ahead on holiday weekends and arrive early to meet your horse without rushing. (**Medora – 1.5 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Scenic Ride
Cost: $$–$$$ (by duration)
More Info
For the Pets
My Boy Blue
Traveling with pets around Theodore Roosevelt’s gateway towns is wonderfully low-stress: think pet-friendly patios in Medora, leash-friendly paths under cottonwoods by the Little Missouri, and quick access to dog parks and veterinary clinic care in Dickinson and Watford City. Shady picnic lawns, water spigots, and waste stations dot popular overlooks and town parks, so paws get cool breaks between scenic drives. With boarding/daycare options for longer hikes, grooming for post-camp dust, and posted leash rules that keep everyone safe, it’s easy to plan patio lunches with badlands views, sunset strolls, and calm overnights where tails thump contentedly beside your chair.
Medora Pet-Friendly Patios (Seasonal) – After a morning wildlife drive, head into town where outdoor tables line the wooden boardwalk and the scent of burgers, brisket, and fresh-baked buns drifts into the warm badlands air. Hosts often greet pups with a bowl of water, and many patios sit in partial shade that moves across the boardwalk as the sun arcs—perfect for lingering over an iced tea while your dog settles under the table. Evening brings golden light, live-music nights, and easy strolling between eateries; bring a short leash and mind posted signs at busy dinner hours. Street parking is straightforward, and most patios sit within a five-minute walk of the South Unit gate. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Pet-Friendly Patio
Cost: $–$$ (menu dependent)
More Info
Dickinson Veterinary Services (Multiple Clinics) – Road-tripping with pets feels calmer knowing full-service small-animal care sits just east along I-94. Expect clean, modern exam rooms, clear treatment plans, and friendly staff who understand travelers’ tight timelines; same-day appointments are often possible outside peak weekends. Lots accommodate SUVs and trailers, and many clinics post after-hours or emergency options on their doors and websites—snap a photo before you leave. Pair a visit with a shady stroll at nearby parks or a supply stop to restock food and waste bags. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Veterinary Clinic
Cost: $$ (varies by service)
More Info
Watford City Veterinary & Boarding Options – North-unit explorers will appreciate clinics and small boarding/daycare facilities near Main Street, handy when a long photography outing or river drive doesn’t suit paws. Reception areas are calm and bright, with separate seating for reactive or shy dogs, plus clear vaccination requirements for daycare stays. Morning drop-offs are efficient, and you’ll find grassy relief strips and posted waste stations by parking lots; pick up in the cool of evening after a scenic overlook swing. Call ahead on summer weekends, when rodeos and festivals increase demand. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Veterinary Clinic / Boarding/Daycare
Cost: $$–$$$ (by service and length of stay)
More Info
Painted Canyon Overlook – Leash-Friendly Boardwalk – This I-94 rim stop doubles as a fabulous sniff-and-stretch session: breezy overlooks, photogenic badlands, and a short, leash-friendly boardwalk where dogs pad along sturdy planks. Mornings are coolest; afternoons can be windy and bright, so bring water and booties if the deck is hot. Waste stations and trash bins keep the area tidy, and wide aisles make passing other pets easy. It’s the perfect “wow” break before or after your park day. (**Painted Canyon – 6 miles east of South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (free; standard highway stop)
More Info
Patterson Lake Recreation Area – Shoreline Strolls – On hot afternoons, loop west of Dickinson for lakeside breezes, shelterbelt shade, and long, leash-friendly paths where paws can meander between cottonwoods and beachy coves. Bring a long line for controlled wades in designated areas, plus a towel for post-splash shake-outs before the drive back to Medora. Picnic shelters, restrooms, ample parking, and occasional food trucks make it easy to turn a quick stop into a relaxed evening. Expect mosquitoes at dusk in summer—pack repellent and keep that tail wagging. (**Dickinson – 40 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (day-use fee may apply)
More Info
Medora City Park & Little Missouri River Walk – A shady in-town green where families picnic, kids play, and dogs sniff along the river’s edge under cottonwoods. Short paved loops and soft-surface connectors keep paws comfortable; water fountains and seasonal restrooms simplify breaks. It’s a stellar pre-show or post-lunch amble, with easy street parking and nearby cafés for takeout to enjoy on the grass. Follow posted leash rules—wildlife sometimes wanders through at dawn and dusk. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Pet Supply Stores – Food, Treats & Travel Gear – Need a tougher leash for windy overlooks or a collapsible bowl for trailheads? Big-box and farm-and-ranch outfitters in Dickinson stock kibbles, training treats, waste bags, portable water solutions, and booties sized for gravelly paths. Staff are used to road-trippers and can point you to self-wash stations or durable chews for evening settle-downs. Park curbside, restock fast, and be back on I-94 in minutes. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Pet Supply Store
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Grooming & Self-Wash – Quick Cleanups Between Camps – Dust happens on badlands roads; a quick self-wash calms itchy coats and keeps motel rooms tidy. Look for Dickinson venues with waist-high tubs, ramp access for senior dogs, and warm-air dryers; bring your own brush for faster detangle. Many spots sell travel-size shampoos and paw balm—handy after hot boardwalks and gravel pullouts. Call ahead near holidays and rodeo weekends when slots fill fast. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Grooming
Cost: $–$$ (service or self-wash)
More Info
Watford City Parks – Evening Loops & Play Fields – Close to the North Unit gateway, neighborhood parks offer mowed lawns, paved walking loops, and playgrounds where families can trade turns while one adult walks the dog. Sunset light paints the sky in sherbet colors, and prairie breezes keep summer evenings comfortable; winter visits bring crisp air and plowed paths after storms. Parking is easy, waste stations are common, and nearby cafés make hot-chocolate rewards simple. Keep leashes short near ballfields and community events. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Belfield & Beach Travel Stops – Pet Relief & Water – Handy interstate hubs east and west of Medora provide grass strips, disposal stations, and easy-in/easy-out fueling so pets can stretch safely between scenic drives. Morning and late-evening stops are cooler; mid-day asphalt can be hot, so pad straight to grass and pack a collapsible bowl. Many stations sell ice, bottled water, and simple pet supplies to bridge gaps until the next town. Keep leashes short near truck lanes and always secure doors before opening crates. (**Belfield – 15 miles / Beach – 26 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Other
Cost: $ (purchases optional)
More Info
Type: Pet-Friendly Patio
Cost: $–$$ (menu dependent)
More Info
Dickinson Veterinary Services (Multiple Clinics) – Road-tripping with pets feels calmer knowing full-service small-animal care sits just east along I-94. Expect clean, modern exam rooms, clear treatment plans, and friendly staff who understand travelers’ tight timelines; same-day appointments are often possible outside peak weekends. Lots accommodate SUVs and trailers, and many clinics post after-hours or emergency options on their doors and websites—snap a photo before you leave. Pair a visit with a shady stroll at nearby parks or a supply stop to restock food and waste bags. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Veterinary Clinic
Cost: $$ (varies by service)
More Info
Watford City Veterinary & Boarding Options – North-unit explorers will appreciate clinics and small boarding/daycare facilities near Main Street, handy when a long photography outing or river drive doesn’t suit paws. Reception areas are calm and bright, with separate seating for reactive or shy dogs, plus clear vaccination requirements for daycare stays. Morning drop-offs are efficient, and you’ll find grassy relief strips and posted waste stations by parking lots; pick up in the cool of evening after a scenic overlook swing. Call ahead on summer weekends, when rodeos and festivals increase demand. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Veterinary Clinic / Boarding/Daycare
Cost: $$–$$$ (by service and length of stay)
More Info
Painted Canyon Overlook – Leash-Friendly Boardwalk – This I-94 rim stop doubles as a fabulous sniff-and-stretch session: breezy overlooks, photogenic badlands, and a short, leash-friendly boardwalk where dogs pad along sturdy planks. Mornings are coolest; afternoons can be windy and bright, so bring water and booties if the deck is hot. Waste stations and trash bins keep the area tidy, and wide aisles make passing other pets easy. It’s the perfect “wow” break before or after your park day. (**Painted Canyon – 6 miles east of South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (free; standard highway stop)
More Info
Patterson Lake Recreation Area – Shoreline Strolls – On hot afternoons, loop west of Dickinson for lakeside breezes, shelterbelt shade, and long, leash-friendly paths where paws can meander between cottonwoods and beachy coves. Bring a long line for controlled wades in designated areas, plus a towel for post-splash shake-outs before the drive back to Medora. Picnic shelters, restrooms, ample parking, and occasional food trucks make it easy to turn a quick stop into a relaxed evening. Expect mosquitoes at dusk in summer—pack repellent and keep that tail wagging. (**Dickinson – 40 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (day-use fee may apply)
More Info
Medora City Park & Little Missouri River Walk – A shady in-town green where families picnic, kids play, and dogs sniff along the river’s edge under cottonwoods. Short paved loops and soft-surface connectors keep paws comfortable; water fountains and seasonal restrooms simplify breaks. It’s a stellar pre-show or post-lunch amble, with easy street parking and nearby cafés for takeout to enjoy on the grass. Follow posted leash rules—wildlife sometimes wanders through at dawn and dusk. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Pet Supply Stores – Food, Treats & Travel Gear – Need a tougher leash for windy overlooks or a collapsible bowl for trailheads? Big-box and farm-and-ranch outfitters in Dickinson stock kibbles, training treats, waste bags, portable water solutions, and booties sized for gravelly paths. Staff are used to road-trippers and can point you to self-wash stations or durable chews for evening settle-downs. Park curbside, restock fast, and be back on I-94 in minutes. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Pet Supply Store
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Grooming & Self-Wash – Quick Cleanups Between Camps – Dust happens on badlands roads; a quick self-wash calms itchy coats and keeps motel rooms tidy. Look for Dickinson venues with waist-high tubs, ramp access for senior dogs, and warm-air dryers; bring your own brush for faster detangle. Many spots sell travel-size shampoos and paw balm—handy after hot boardwalks and gravel pullouts. Call ahead near holidays and rodeo weekends when slots fill fast. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Grooming
Cost: $–$$ (service or self-wash)
More Info
Watford City Parks – Evening Loops & Play Fields – Close to the North Unit gateway, neighborhood parks offer mowed lawns, paved walking loops, and playgrounds where families can trade turns while one adult walks the dog. Sunset light paints the sky in sherbet colors, and prairie breezes keep summer evenings comfortable; winter visits bring crisp air and plowed paths after storms. Parking is easy, waste stations are common, and nearby cafés make hot-chocolate rewards simple. Keep leashes short near ballfields and community events. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Leash-Friendly Trail
Cost: $ (free)
More Info
Belfield & Beach Travel Stops – Pet Relief & Water – Handy interstate hubs east and west of Medora provide grass strips, disposal stations, and easy-in/easy-out fueling so pets can stretch safely between scenic drives. Morning and late-evening stops are cooler; mid-day asphalt can be hot, so pad straight to grass and pack a collapsible bowl. Many stations sell ice, bottled water, and simple pet supplies to bridge gaps until the next town. Keep leashes short near truck lanes and always secure doors before opening crates. (**Belfield – 15 miles / Beach – 26 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Other
Cost: $ (purchases optional)
More Info
Gifts & Keepsakes
Sam Lion, pexels
Bring Theodore Roosevelt’s badlands home with thoughtful souvenirs from park stores, downtown galleries, and museum gift shops—hand-thrown pottery glazed in prairie hues, letterpress maps of scenic drives, polished agates, and photo prints that catch golden-hour light on striped buttes. Visitor center stores and artist co-ops in Medora make gift hunting effortless, with park-themed apparel, enamel pins, and maps & guidebooks you’ll actually use on the road. Tuck flat-packed art into your daypack, choose pine-scented candles or leatherwork for easy gifting, and step back onto Main Street just steps from the South Unit entrance with keepsakes ready for the ride home.
Boondockers Cafe (Online/Etsy) – Thoughtful, packable keepsakes crafted in small batches for park lovers: weatherproof vinyl stickers that hug coolers and water bottles, laser-etched slate or cork coasters with topographic lines, and modern art prints that distill badlands color into bold silhouettes. Drops change with the seasons—prairie wildflower palettes in spring, star maps and camp-lantern motifs for summer nights, warm earth tones and buffalo silhouettes in fall—so gifts feel timely rather than generic. Everything ships flat or padded, slips easily into a suitcase, and arrives ready to wrap; sets bundle beautifully for teachers, hosts, or road-trip thank-yous. It’s a design-forward alternative to standard souvenir shops, with pieces that feel personal and durable. (**Online – Etsy**)
Type: Online / Handmade Goods
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
South Unit Visitor Center Bookstore – Steps from the entrance gate, this ranger-adjacent shop pairs trail-ready maps and field guides with locally themed postcards, enamel pins, and junior naturalist activity books. Touch display copies of maps & guidebooks before you buy, then browse shelves of natural history titles, prairie ecology, and Roosevelt biographies printed on sturdy, travel-friendly paper. Soft park-themed apparel, bandanas, and lightweight hats make practical gifts for sunny overlooks, while stamp stations and passport books help you mark the day. Friendly staff can point you to scenic drives and current conditions before you wrap a flat-packed print for the ride home. (**Medora – inside the park**)
Type: Park Store / Bookstore
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Painted Canyon Visitor Center Bookstore – At the sweeping I-94 overlook, this compact shop blends “wow” views with quick-grab keepsakes—letterpress prints, pocket field notebooks, topo postcards, and simple woodcraft ornaments inspired by the striped buttes outside the window. Travelers appreciate the flat, packable selection and kid-friendly racks of patches and magnets; natural-light displays make colors pop for easy choosing. Pick up a laminated map for dashboard use, a prairie-wildflower ID card for roadside pullouts, or a mini book on bison and badlands geology to gift later. Coffee in hand, you can choose a print, snap a rim photo, and be back on the road in minutes. (**Painted Canyon – 6 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Park Store
Cost: $–$$
More Info
North Unit Visitor Contact Station Bookstore – Quiet and personal, this seasonal stop stocks slim, trail-ready guidebooks, regional wildlife brochures, and a small but curated spread of patches, pins, and prairie-inspired prints. The vibe is unhurried: chat with staff about overlooks and bison etiquette, then choose a lightweight map that folds flat into your daypack. You’ll find kid-friendly nature journals and sticker sheets alongside hardy mugs and bandanas—useful, giftable, easy to pack. It’s the place to pick something meaningful before you descend into the canyon for evening light. (**North Unit – inside the park**)
Type: Park Store / Bookstore
Cost: $–$$
More Info
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – Museum Shop – Western heritage shapes the selection here: silver-toned concho accents, rope-trimmed ornaments, leatherwork, and coffee-table photo books that celebrate ranch culture and rodeo legends. Kids gravitate to stick-on badges and bandanas while adults browse curated jewelry, historic prints, and local-history titles that feel substantial in the hand. Displays are arranged by theme—trail, rodeo, ranch—so you can assemble a thoughtful gift bundle in minutes. Expect friendly docents, polished wood counters, and merchandise that carries a story from the gallery floor to your living room. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Chateau de Mores State Historic Site – Museum Store – Tucked beside the historic brick manor, this shop leans into Gilded Age-meets-badlands charm: linen tea towels, embossed stationery, small-batch preserves, and prints that echo the Chateau’s architectural lines. Shelves mix interpretive titles with elegant keepsakes, from cameo-style jewelry to wooden kitchen tools—easy to pack, lovely to gift. Seasonal exhibits drive limited-edition postcards and artisanal chocolates; docents happily wrap fragile items for road travel. Stop after a tour to pair a letterpress card with a local-history book for a thoughtful present. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Medora Boardwalk Galleries & Boutiques – Along the wooden sidewalks, small galleries showcase regional artists: oil landscapes that glow with badlands light, wildlife photo prints, turquoise-accented jewelry, and pottery fired in prairie earth tones. Rooms are cozy and well-lit; you’ll run your fingers across textured canvases, flip through matted prints, and compare glazes that mirror Painted Canyon’s strata. Many spots offer gift-ready boxes and traveler-friendly packaging, plus a rack of park-themed apparel for throw-on comfort after sunset shows. It’s an easy, strollable circuit where you can collect a few small pieces without weighing down your suitcase. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Gallery / Boutique
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Dickinson Museum Center – Gift Shop – Pair science and souvenirs with a visit to this museum complex, where shelves mingle dino-themed toys, polished stones, and geology kits with regional history books and prairie wildlife guides. The store favors sturdy, kid-proof items and educational gifts—think fossil casts, pocket microscopes, and activity workbooks—plus mailable postcards and badge-worthy stickers. Adults will find tasteful jewelry, local author paperbacks, and framed photo prints that travel well. It’s a smart detour on the way to Medora to pick up gifts for families back home. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Downtown Dickinson Galleries & Boutiques – Historic Main Avenue hosts gallery-style boutiques with handcrafted jewelry, small-batch candles, and North Dakota–made woodcraft that smells faintly of cedar when you lift the lid. Browse wall art and matted photo prints, then slip into a bookstore corner for regional cookbooks and letterpress maps that fold flat for travel. Weekend hours pair well with coffee runs and window shopping; many shops offer complimentary tissue and travel-safe boxes. It’s a relaxed urban counterpoint to Medora’s boardwalk, with easy street parking and plenty of lunch spots nearby. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Gallery / Boutique / Bookstore
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Long X Visitor Center & Pioneer Museum – Gift Shop – Near the North Unit gateway, this visitor center pairs local history exhibits with a well-edited store: beadwork accents, ranch-life photo books, prairie-flower seed packets, and tasteful apparel for cool evenings on the overlook. Displays highlight regional artisans and travel-smart gifts, from flat-packed prints to enamel camp mugs and embroidered patches. Staff can help assemble custom bundles—map + mug + seeds is a favorite—and wrap fragile items for rough roads. Stop by on your way to the river drive for a meaningful memento that won’t weigh down your pack. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop / Park Store
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Type: Online / Handmade Goods
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
South Unit Visitor Center Bookstore – Steps from the entrance gate, this ranger-adjacent shop pairs trail-ready maps and field guides with locally themed postcards, enamel pins, and junior naturalist activity books. Touch display copies of maps & guidebooks before you buy, then browse shelves of natural history titles, prairie ecology, and Roosevelt biographies printed on sturdy, travel-friendly paper. Soft park-themed apparel, bandanas, and lightweight hats make practical gifts for sunny overlooks, while stamp stations and passport books help you mark the day. Friendly staff can point you to scenic drives and current conditions before you wrap a flat-packed print for the ride home. (**Medora – inside the park**)
Type: Park Store / Bookstore
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Painted Canyon Visitor Center Bookstore – At the sweeping I-94 overlook, this compact shop blends “wow” views with quick-grab keepsakes—letterpress prints, pocket field notebooks, topo postcards, and simple woodcraft ornaments inspired by the striped buttes outside the window. Travelers appreciate the flat, packable selection and kid-friendly racks of patches and magnets; natural-light displays make colors pop for easy choosing. Pick up a laminated map for dashboard use, a prairie-wildflower ID card for roadside pullouts, or a mini book on bison and badlands geology to gift later. Coffee in hand, you can choose a print, snap a rim photo, and be back on the road in minutes. (**Painted Canyon – 6 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Park Store
Cost: $–$$
More Info
North Unit Visitor Contact Station Bookstore – Quiet and personal, this seasonal stop stocks slim, trail-ready guidebooks, regional wildlife brochures, and a small but curated spread of patches, pins, and prairie-inspired prints. The vibe is unhurried: chat with staff about overlooks and bison etiquette, then choose a lightweight map that folds flat into your daypack. You’ll find kid-friendly nature journals and sticker sheets alongside hardy mugs and bandanas—useful, giftable, easy to pack. It’s the place to pick something meaningful before you descend into the canyon for evening light. (**North Unit – inside the park**)
Type: Park Store / Bookstore
Cost: $–$$
More Info
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – Museum Shop – Western heritage shapes the selection here: silver-toned concho accents, rope-trimmed ornaments, leatherwork, and coffee-table photo books that celebrate ranch culture and rodeo legends. Kids gravitate to stick-on badges and bandanas while adults browse curated jewelry, historic prints, and local-history titles that feel substantial in the hand. Displays are arranged by theme—trail, rodeo, ranch—so you can assemble a thoughtful gift bundle in minutes. Expect friendly docents, polished wood counters, and merchandise that carries a story from the gallery floor to your living room. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Chateau de Mores State Historic Site – Museum Store – Tucked beside the historic brick manor, this shop leans into Gilded Age-meets-badlands charm: linen tea towels, embossed stationery, small-batch preserves, and prints that echo the Chateau’s architectural lines. Shelves mix interpretive titles with elegant keepsakes, from cameo-style jewelry to wooden kitchen tools—easy to pack, lovely to gift. Seasonal exhibits drive limited-edition postcards and artisanal chocolates; docents happily wrap fragile items for road travel. Stop after a tour to pair a letterpress card with a local-history book for a thoughtful present. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Medora Boardwalk Galleries & Boutiques – Along the wooden sidewalks, small galleries showcase regional artists: oil landscapes that glow with badlands light, wildlife photo prints, turquoise-accented jewelry, and pottery fired in prairie earth tones. Rooms are cozy and well-lit; you’ll run your fingers across textured canvases, flip through matted prints, and compare glazes that mirror Painted Canyon’s strata. Many spots offer gift-ready boxes and traveler-friendly packaging, plus a rack of park-themed apparel for throw-on comfort after sunset shows. It’s an easy, strollable circuit where you can collect a few small pieces without weighing down your suitcase. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Gallery / Boutique
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Dickinson Museum Center – Gift Shop – Pair science and souvenirs with a visit to this museum complex, where shelves mingle dino-themed toys, polished stones, and geology kits with regional history books and prairie wildlife guides. The store favors sturdy, kid-proof items and educational gifts—think fossil casts, pocket microscopes, and activity workbooks—plus mailable postcards and badge-worthy stickers. Adults will find tasteful jewelry, local author paperbacks, and framed photo prints that travel well. It’s a smart detour on the way to Medora to pick up gifts for families back home. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop
Cost: $–$$
More Info
Downtown Dickinson Galleries & Boutiques – Historic Main Avenue hosts gallery-style boutiques with handcrafted jewelry, small-batch candles, and North Dakota–made woodcraft that smells faintly of cedar when you lift the lid. Browse wall art and matted photo prints, then slip into a bookstore corner for regional cookbooks and letterpress maps that fold flat for travel. Weekend hours pair well with coffee runs and window shopping; many shops offer complimentary tissue and travel-safe boxes. It’s a relaxed urban counterpoint to Medora’s boardwalk, with easy street parking and plenty of lunch spots nearby. (**Dickinson – 33 miles from South Unit Entrance**)
Type: Gallery / Boutique / Bookstore
Cost: $–$$$
More Info
Long X Visitor Center & Pioneer Museum – Gift Shop – Near the North Unit gateway, this visitor center pairs local history exhibits with a well-edited store: beadwork accents, ranch-life photo books, prairie-flower seed packets, and tasteful apparel for cool evenings on the overlook. Displays highlight regional artisans and travel-smart gifts, from flat-packed prints to enamel camp mugs and embroidered patches. Staff can help assemble custom bundles—map + mug + seeds is a favorite—and wrap fragile items for rough roads. Stop by on your way to the river drive for a meaningful memento that won’t weigh down your pack. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Type: Museum Shop / Park Store
Cost: $–$$
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Trip Planning Tips
Chamber of Commerce
Plan Theodore Roosevelt’s badlands with intention: check current road conditions, trail status, and any seasonal closures so sunrise viewpoints and scenic drives stack neatly into your day. Arrive at dawn for quieter parking at Buck Hill or Boicourt Overlook, pack layers for swift Great Plains weather shifts, and note there’s no park shuttle—your route between the South and North Units hinges on your car and timing. Pick up permits at visitor centers, watch crowd-avoidance windows around midday, and save golden hour for layered buttes and quiet stargazing above the Little Missouri River.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit – Late May through October delivers the widest access to roads, overlooks, and prairie trails, with spring wildflowers dusting the clay slopes and bison calves wobbling through green coulees. Summer brings long daylight for the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive and painted sunsets over Boicourt and Wind Canyon, though afternoon heat and thunderstorms favor dawn starts and shaded mid-day breaks. September and early October trade crowds for crisp air, bugling elk, and cottonwoods glowing along the Little Missouri; winter can be stark and beautiful, but icy roads and limited services demand flexibility. Whenever you come, expect wind, quickly shifting clouds, and transcendent golden hours that reward patient itineraries.
Tip: Aim for sunrise at a marquee overlook, then cruise the loop road while trailhead parking is still open; save museums and Medora lunches for the midday lull.
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🎟️ Entrance Fee – Entry is valid for all units for seven consecutive days per vehicle, making it easy to split time between Medora’s South Unit and the quieter North Unit near Watford City. America the Beautiful passes are honored and often pay for themselves if you’re stacking multiple parks in a season. Pay at entrance stations or online ahead of time, then keep your receipt handy for re-entry after fuel or lunch runs. If you’re towing, allow extra time at fee booths and use wide lanes; larger rigs fit best in overflow or pull-through parking at Painted Canyon and major overlooks.
Tip: Buy or renew your annual pass before you travel to streamline the gate experience and skip card issues in low-signal areas.
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🚗 Getting Around – There is no park shuttle; you’ll drive scenic loop roads and short spurs to overlooks, prairie dog towns, and trailheads. The South and North Units are separated by about 70 miles of highway—plan fuel and snacks in Medora, Belfield, or Watford City, and download maps for when cell service fades in coulees. After rain, bentonite clay becomes “gumbo” that’s slick and sticky—avoid unpaved roads until they dry. Parking fills first at Boicourt, Painted Canyon, and River Bend Overlook, so stack those early and leave long, lazy drives for late afternoon when lots rotate more quickly.
Tip: Save the park PDF map and an offline navigation app; pin restrooms, fuel, and picnic spots before you lose signal.
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🌦️ Weather – Expect big-sky variability: sun-baked afternoons, sudden gusts that rattle grass, and fast-building thunderheads that march across the prairie. Summer highs often push the 80s–90s °F with low shade on ridgelines; evenings cool quickly, especially after storms. Spring can swing from warm to frost overnight, and winter swaps color for crystalline calm, with windchill and icy roads. Bentonite clays turn slick when wet, so even short walks can feel skittish—trekking poles help, and extra water is non-negotiable under that endless blue bowl of sky.
Tip: Check the hour-by-hour forecast and radar the night before; rejigger the plan if lightning enters the picture or high winds target exposed overlooks.
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🐾 Pets – Leashed pets are welcome in developed areas, campgrounds, picnic sites, parking lots, and along roads, but not on park trails or in buildings. Summer heat radiates from clay and asphalt—time walks for morning and evening, carry water, and watch for cactus spines along road shoulders. Give bison and wild horses wide space; pawing, tail-flagging, or head-down postures signal stress and demand extra distance. Nearby towns offer pet-friendly patios and supply stores, making it easy to plan off-park strolls between scenic drives.
Tip: Use the Painted Canyon complex or Medora’s riverfront sidewalks for shaded, leash-friendly breaks close to restrooms and water fountains.
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📅 Permits & Reservations – Front-country campground sites may include a mix of reservable and first-come options; book early for peak weekends and holidays. Backcountry overnights require a simple permit and smart water planning—springs are unreliable, and the Little Missouri can run muddy or low. Group events, commercial tours, and research may need special use permits; build processing time into your calendar. If your itinerary bridges both units, consider separate nights near each to cut highway commuting and align with sunrise hikes.
Tip: Start at a visitor center to confirm current water sources, fire restrictions, and any area closures before committing to an overnight route.
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⚠️ Safety/Altitude – Elevations hover near 2,000–3,000 feet, but heat, wind, exposure, and crumbly clay make short hikes feel bigger. Keep 25 yards from most wildlife and more from anything that looks keyed-up; bison can pivot faster than they appear. Rattlesnakes favor warm rock and grass edges—watch hands and paws, especially near burrows. After rain, bentonite turns to grease; traction footwear and trekking poles steady your steps on tilted, pebbly slopes, and extra water plus electrolytes fend off prairie dehydration.
Tip: Carry a wide-brim hat and a windproof layer year-round; on hot days, set a turnaround time rather than a distant viewpoint goal.
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🕘 Crowd-Smart Strategies – Anchor mornings at high-demand stops—Boicourt Overlook, Painted Canyon, and Buck Hill—then drift to long scenic drives while parking lots churn in midday. Pause in Medora for lunch, museums, or shade, and return for late-day loops when light stripes the buttes and traffic thins. The North Unit generally stays quieter; pair River Bend Overlook with a short walk to the CCC shelter for big scenery without jostle. Weekdays beat weekends, and cloudy forecasts can reward the patient with moody, crowd-free views.
Tip: Pack a tailgate picnic so you can pivot quickly when a pullout opens—efficiency keeps you ahead of the peak-hour wave.
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📸 Photography & Light – Badlands color ignites at the edges of day: pre-dawn blues melt into peach ridgelines, and sunset stacks warm bands across scalloped hills. Use a polarizer to tame glare on clay and a telephoto for bison portraits; prairie winds favor sturdy tripods and quick shutter speeds. Painted Canyon and Boicourt are classic, but wind-carved junipers at Wind Canyon and the CCC shelter in the North Unit frame compelling foregrounds. Summer new moons unlock Milky Way arches above the Little Missouri—bring a red headlamp and watch for prickly pear underfoot.
Tip: Scout compositions mid-afternoon, then return for golden hour—knowing your footing and sightlines pays off when the sky catches fire.
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♿ Accessibility – Visitor centers, popular overlooks, and many restrooms provide accessible parking and surfaces; Painted Canyon’s rim complex offers big views with minimal grade. Expect some uneven terrain at historic structures and older pullouts; wind and heat can amplify effort on exposed paths. Accessible campsites and picnic tables are available—reserve early in peak season and confirm pad dimensions for larger mobility devices. Service animals are permitted; carry water bowls and shade solutions during warm months.
Tip: Call a visitor center a day ahead to confirm current accessible features and construction impacts on curb cuts or ramps.
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📶 Connectivity/Navigation – Cell coverage fades quickly once you drop into coulees; expect dead zones on much of the loop roads and along the river bottoms. Download offline maps, save the park PDF, and pin gas stations—there’s no fuel inside the units. Many Medora businesses offer Wi-Fi for quick uploads or weather checks; North Unit services cluster in Watford City. Paper maps from visitor centers remain the most reliable backup when batteries dip or satellites drift.
Tip: Screenshot trailheads, mileages, and key junctions; keep your phone in airplane mode to preserve battery for emergencies.
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❄️ Seasonal Closures/Winter – Portions of the scenic loop roads can close due to slumps, snow, or ice, and unpaved spurs may gate after storms to protect roads and visitors. Winter services slim down; carry blankets, a full tank, and snacks if you’re chasing frosted overlooks and bison plumes in subzero air. Trails can hide ice under dusted clay—microspikes help on short walks to wind-scoured viewpoints. The tradeoff: hushed overlooks, knife-edge shadows on striped buttes, and starry, crystalline nights.
Tip: Check current conditions before committing to a loop; be ready to pivot to out-and-back segments or town museums on storm days.
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⛈️ Storms/Monsoon – On the Great Plains, powerful cells can form quickly June–August, bringing lightning, hail, fierce gusts, and brief, intense downpours. Sound carries across open country; if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds, descend from ridges, leave open high points, and shelter in a hard-topped vehicle. Flash water can funnel through draws and cutbanks—avoid low crossings and bentonite slopes while rain falls and for a while after. Storm skirts often explode into spectacular light; wait safely, then return for double rainbows and freshly rinsed color.
Tip: Track radar before you lose service and build a Plan B list—museums, Medora cafés, and covered overlooks for watching storms at a distance.
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🌱 Leave No Trace/Regulations – Stay on durable surfaces; thin prairie soils and steep clay slopes scar easily and hold footprints for months. Pack out all trash and food scraps, keep drones grounded, and leave bones, fossils, and antlers where they rest—removing natural objects is prohibited. Fires are limited to designated rings in campgrounds; use stoves in the backcountry and follow any seasonal fire restrictions. Give wildlife the space to be wild, leash pets in allowed areas, and brush boots to prevent invasive seeds from hitchhiking home.
Tip: Carry a zip bag for micro-trash and a small boot brush—tiny habits protect this fragile landscape at scale.
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Local Events
Time your Theodore Roosevelt getaway with hometown energy—summer concert series on the Medora amphitheatre hill, art walks and museum nights in Dickinson, and Watford City street fairs where food trucks perfume the air with barbecue and kettle corn. From farmers markets piled with prairie honey and chokecherry jam to parades, rodeos, and night-sky programs that fill Painted Canyon with telescopes and quiet awe, the calendar hums across the seasons. Plan trail mornings and pair them with sunset shows, fall harvest festivals, or winter lights on Main Street for an easy, memory-rich finish to your adventure day.
Medora Musical – Under a bowl of big-sky stars, the Burning Hills Amphitheatre comes alive with a high-energy Western revue—live band, tap-your-boot choreography, and patriotic harmonies that echo off striped buttes. Arrive early to watch evening shadows stretch across the badlands and to browse the hillside boardwalk; lawn scents of juniper and grilled supper drift on the breeze. Families settle in with blankets while swallows swoop the stage lights, and a fireworks pop or finale flourish on holiday nights turns the canyon into a natural soundstage. Parking is well organized; bring a light jacket for top-row gusts and consider seat backs for comfort during the two-hour show. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Nightly, early June–early September
Location: Burning Hills Amphitheatre, Medora
Cost: $$–$$$ (reserved seating tiers)
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Pitchfork Steak Fondue – On the rim of the amphitheatre, cooks spear ribeyes on pitchforks and plunge them into bubbling cauldrons while the badlands glow ember-orange—a dinner-and-a-view ritual before the show. Plates fill with baked beans, baked potatoes, coleslaw, and warm rolls; the scent of sizzling beef mingles with juniper and dust, and long communal tables spark easy conversation. Golden hour paints the coulees while fiddles from sound check drift up the slope, and kids love watching the “steak dip” happen in real time. Time your seating for 60–90 minutes before curtain so you can savor seconds and still stroll to your seats. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Evenings, early June–early September (weather-dependent)
Location: Tjaden Terrace, Medora
Cost: $$–$$$ (buffet pricing; kids’ rates)
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Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival – Telescopes bloom across Painted Canyon and Cottonwood Campground as rangers, astronomers, and families gather for talks, constellation tours, and deep-sky views. As the Milky Way lifts, coyotes yip in the distance and red headlamps bob between scopes while volunteers guide your eye to nebulae and planets. Daytime brings solar viewing and junior activities; evenings feature star parties where dark-sky etiquette keeps the scene hushed and awe-filled. Pack layers, a camp chair, and curiosity—cloud cover can shuffle programs, but the prairie night often rewards patience with crystal clarity. (**Inside the park**)
Season: Mid-September weekend (weather-dependent)
Location: South Unit / Painted Canyon & Cottonwood Campground
Cost: Free with park entry (select workshops may vary)
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Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally – At first light, burners roar and silk envelopes blossom behind town while pastel balloons lift over buttes and the Little Missouri. Spectators sip coffee as pilots chase smooth air; camera shutters click when baskets drift past church steeples and badlands rims. Evenings can bring a gentle glow event with tethered balloons lighting up like lanterns, but launches are always weather-dependent, so flexibility is key. Park early, bring a blanket, and choose a hilltop vantage for the widest panorama. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Early September (wind/weather permitting)
Location: Launch fields around Medora; viewpoints on nearby hills
Cost: Free to view (rides limited/varied)
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Badlands Birding Festival – Migratory songbirds thread cottonwood galleries while meadowlarks ring the morning air; guided field trips fan out to prairie dog towns, river bottoms, and rimtop overlooks. Naturalists help spot golden eagles riding thermals and identify sparrows by call; kids’ stations make optics approachable with scope demos and bird-banding displays. Expect early starts, casual pacing, and plenty of time to practice ID skills in varied habitats; pack sun protection and layers for windy overlooks. Registration often includes evening programs in Medora—perfect after a day of checklists and shared discoveries. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Late May–early June (peak migration window)
Location: Medora base with trips into park units and nearby grasslands
Cost: $$ (festival pass; some free public components)
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Roughrider Days Fair & Expo – A classic summer celebration with rodeo dust, carnival lights, demo derbies, concerts, and a Fourth-of-July parade that rolls down Dickinson’s broad avenues. The grandstand erupts as broncs buck and fireworks thump against big prairie sky; food vendors sling fry bread, lemonade, and smoky barbecue. Families appreciate daytime shaded barns and petting zoos, then pivot to evening arena action and a finale that lights the skyline. Arrive early for closer parking or use shuttle lots on peak nights; ear protection is welcome for little ones near the chutes. (**Dickinson – 35 miles east of South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Late June–early July (over Independence Day)
Location: Dickinson fairgrounds & downtown parade route
Cost: $–$$$ (varies by event/concert seating)
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Maah Daah Hey 100 – North Dakota’s signature endurance ride and festival weekend turns the singletrack ribbon into a spectator-friendly challenge as riders crest gumbo hills and dive through juniper draws. The expo buzzes with bike tech, food trucks, and storytelling from gritty veterans; sunrise starts are electric and finish-line hugs feel earned. Spectators hop between access points to cheer on climbs and hand up water; dust, heat, and wind shape strategy as much as legs do. Pair a morning on course with an afternoon in Medora, then return to clap racers through the chute under golden light. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: August (one-day race; related events surrounding)
Location: Maah Daah Hey Trail segments near Medora
Cost: $$$ to race; spectating free
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Watford City Homefest & Street Fair – Main Street fills with artisan booths, chalk art, kids’ zones, and evening bands as grills and smokers perfume the summer air. Locals reunite, visitors mingle, and lawn chairs bloom along the curb for sunset concerts under strings of lights. Families love the bounce houses and easy stroller rolling; photographers catch that honeyed North Unit glow reflecting in storefront windows. Park a block or two off the core and wander in—then make a side trip to River Bend Overlook for after-dinner alpenglow. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Season: Mid-summer weekend (typically July)
Location: Downtown Watford City
Cost: $–$$ (free entry; ticketed concerts/vendors vary)
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ND Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction & Celebration – Heritage rides tall during a weekend of ceremonies, ranch-craft demos, and living-history talks that honor cowboys, cowgirls, and Native horse culture. Galleries hum with conversation over saddles, beadwork, and bronzes, while outdoor spaces host music and story circles that stretch into golden evening. Expect a respectful, festive tone—boots optional but encouraged—and time your visit to pair a museum stop with the Medora Musical after sunset. Parking is straightforward near the complex; arrive early for exhibit walkthroughs before the crowds swell. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Early summer (typically June)
Location: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora
Cost: $–$$ (museum admission; special events vary)
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Medora’s Old-Fashioned Cowboy Christmas – As snow dusts the buttes, storefronts glow with garlands, a lighted parade jingles down Main Street, and carols spill from doorways into crisp prairie air. Hot cocoa steams in mittened hands, kids queue for crafts and Santa photos, and a community tree lighting washes the crowd in warm color. Daylight hours invite quiet scenic drives to Painted Canyon, then it’s back to town for concerts, open houses, and twinkle-lit strolls. Pack boots with traction and a wool cap—night temperatures dip, but the small-town cheer runs warm. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Early December weekend
Location: Downtown Medora & nearby venues
Cost: $–$$ (many free activities; select ticketed shows)
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Season: Nightly, early June–early September
Location: Burning Hills Amphitheatre, Medora
Cost: $$–$$$ (reserved seating tiers)
More Info
Pitchfork Steak Fondue – On the rim of the amphitheatre, cooks spear ribeyes on pitchforks and plunge them into bubbling cauldrons while the badlands glow ember-orange—a dinner-and-a-view ritual before the show. Plates fill with baked beans, baked potatoes, coleslaw, and warm rolls; the scent of sizzling beef mingles with juniper and dust, and long communal tables spark easy conversation. Golden hour paints the coulees while fiddles from sound check drift up the slope, and kids love watching the “steak dip” happen in real time. Time your seating for 60–90 minutes before curtain so you can savor seconds and still stroll to your seats. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Evenings, early June–early September (weather-dependent)
Location: Tjaden Terrace, Medora
Cost: $$–$$$ (buffet pricing; kids’ rates)
More Info
Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival – Telescopes bloom across Painted Canyon and Cottonwood Campground as rangers, astronomers, and families gather for talks, constellation tours, and deep-sky views. As the Milky Way lifts, coyotes yip in the distance and red headlamps bob between scopes while volunteers guide your eye to nebulae and planets. Daytime brings solar viewing and junior activities; evenings feature star parties where dark-sky etiquette keeps the scene hushed and awe-filled. Pack layers, a camp chair, and curiosity—cloud cover can shuffle programs, but the prairie night often rewards patience with crystal clarity. (**Inside the park**)
Season: Mid-September weekend (weather-dependent)
Location: South Unit / Painted Canyon & Cottonwood Campground
Cost: Free with park entry (select workshops may vary)
More Info
Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally – At first light, burners roar and silk envelopes blossom behind town while pastel balloons lift over buttes and the Little Missouri. Spectators sip coffee as pilots chase smooth air; camera shutters click when baskets drift past church steeples and badlands rims. Evenings can bring a gentle glow event with tethered balloons lighting up like lanterns, but launches are always weather-dependent, so flexibility is key. Park early, bring a blanket, and choose a hilltop vantage for the widest panorama. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Early September (wind/weather permitting)
Location: Launch fields around Medora; viewpoints on nearby hills
Cost: Free to view (rides limited/varied)
More Info
Badlands Birding Festival – Migratory songbirds thread cottonwood galleries while meadowlarks ring the morning air; guided field trips fan out to prairie dog towns, river bottoms, and rimtop overlooks. Naturalists help spot golden eagles riding thermals and identify sparrows by call; kids’ stations make optics approachable with scope demos and bird-banding displays. Expect early starts, casual pacing, and plenty of time to practice ID skills in varied habitats; pack sun protection and layers for windy overlooks. Registration often includes evening programs in Medora—perfect after a day of checklists and shared discoveries. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Late May–early June (peak migration window)
Location: Medora base with trips into park units and nearby grasslands
Cost: $$ (festival pass; some free public components)
More Info
Roughrider Days Fair & Expo – A classic summer celebration with rodeo dust, carnival lights, demo derbies, concerts, and a Fourth-of-July parade that rolls down Dickinson’s broad avenues. The grandstand erupts as broncs buck and fireworks thump against big prairie sky; food vendors sling fry bread, lemonade, and smoky barbecue. Families appreciate daytime shaded barns and petting zoos, then pivot to evening arena action and a finale that lights the skyline. Arrive early for closer parking or use shuttle lots on peak nights; ear protection is welcome for little ones near the chutes. (**Dickinson – 35 miles east of South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Late June–early July (over Independence Day)
Location: Dickinson fairgrounds & downtown parade route
Cost: $–$$$ (varies by event/concert seating)
More Info
Maah Daah Hey 100 – North Dakota’s signature endurance ride and festival weekend turns the singletrack ribbon into a spectator-friendly challenge as riders crest gumbo hills and dive through juniper draws. The expo buzzes with bike tech, food trucks, and storytelling from gritty veterans; sunrise starts are electric and finish-line hugs feel earned. Spectators hop between access points to cheer on climbs and hand up water; dust, heat, and wind shape strategy as much as legs do. Pair a morning on course with an afternoon in Medora, then return to clap racers through the chute under golden light. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: August (one-day race; related events surrounding)
Location: Maah Daah Hey Trail segments near Medora
Cost: $$$ to race; spectating free
More Info
Watford City Homefest & Street Fair – Main Street fills with artisan booths, chalk art, kids’ zones, and evening bands as grills and smokers perfume the summer air. Locals reunite, visitors mingle, and lawn chairs bloom along the curb for sunset concerts under strings of lights. Families love the bounce houses and easy stroller rolling; photographers catch that honeyed North Unit glow reflecting in storefront windows. Park a block or two off the core and wander in—then make a side trip to River Bend Overlook for after-dinner alpenglow. (**Watford City – 15 miles from North Unit Entrance**)
Season: Mid-summer weekend (typically July)
Location: Downtown Watford City
Cost: $–$$ (free entry; ticketed concerts/vendors vary)
More Info
ND Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction & Celebration – Heritage rides tall during a weekend of ceremonies, ranch-craft demos, and living-history talks that honor cowboys, cowgirls, and Native horse culture. Galleries hum with conversation over saddles, beadwork, and bronzes, while outdoor spaces host music and story circles that stretch into golden evening. Expect a respectful, festive tone—boots optional but encouraged—and time your visit to pair a museum stop with the Medora Musical after sunset. Parking is straightforward near the complex; arrive early for exhibit walkthroughs before the crowds swell. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Early summer (typically June)
Location: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora
Cost: $–$$ (museum admission; special events vary)
More Info
Medora’s Old-Fashioned Cowboy Christmas – As snow dusts the buttes, storefronts glow with garlands, a lighted parade jingles down Main Street, and carols spill from doorways into crisp prairie air. Hot cocoa steams in mittened hands, kids queue for crafts and Santa photos, and a community tree lighting washes the crowd in warm color. Daylight hours invite quiet scenic drives to Painted Canyon, then it’s back to town for concerts, open houses, and twinkle-lit strolls. Pack boots with traction and a wool cap—night temperatures dip, but the small-town cheer runs warm. (**Medora – 1 mile from South Unit Entrance**)
Season: Early December weekend
Location: Downtown Medora & nearby venues
Cost: $–$$ (many free activities; select ticketed shows)
More Info