Strap on your hiking boots and dust off your cowboy hat! This itinerary whisks you away to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, where rugged landscapes and rich history collide.
Prepare to be awestruck by the park's dramatic views and sweeping landscapes, and delve into the life and legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, the "Conservationist President."
South Unit
1. Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: up to 1 hour
Plan your Theodore Roosevelt National Park adventure at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center in Medora, North Dakota.
Park rangers will answer your questions and help you choose the perfect hike.
Learn about the park's wonders through exhibits, then grab a souvenir at the gift shop.
Before you hit the trails, soak in the panoramic views of the South Unit's Badlands formations.
This visitor center is your gateway to exploring scenic drives and hikes like the bison-dotted Painted Canyon Nature Trail. Trail information can be found here.
2. Medora, North Dakota
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: several hours/days
History meets wild beauty in Medora, North Dakota. Explore the:
- deMores Packing Plant ruins
- the Cowboy Hall of Fame
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, and more!
Hike the bison-dotted trails or challenge yourself on the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
Catch the acclaimed Medora Musical, a lively celebration of Roosevelt's legacy.
Go horseback riding or take a scenic bus tour for stunning Badlands views.
In the evening, unwind at a charming restaurant or explore the shops on Medora's historic main street.
This little town offers a taste of Western hospitality alongside stunning natural wonders.
3. The Maltese Cross Cabin
- Duration: up to 1 hour
Step back in time at the Maltese Cross Cabin in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
This historic log cabin was once a temporary home for the young Theodore Roosevelt before he became president.
Explore the restored cabin and imagine Roosevelt's life as a cowboy rancher.
Exhibits showcase his personal effects, offering a glimpse into his early days spent ranching in the rugged Badlands.
It's a fascinating look into the life of the conservationist-turned-president who shaped American history.
4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Visitor Center
- Duration: up to 1 hour
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit Visitor Center in Medora, North Dakota, is your one-stop shop for park adventures.
Chat with park rangers for the latest trail conditions, animal migration patterns, and weather.
Browse the gift shop for souvenirs from this epic adventure through the North Dakota Badlands.
And learn more about the man himself, President Theodore Roosevelt.
5. Prairie Dog Metropolis
- Duration: up to 30 minutes
Imagine a vast grassland dotted with hundreds of burrows – that's your cue!
These social critters, also called black-tailed prairie dogs, pop out to greet you with barks and chirps.
Be sure to stay on designated trails and observe from afar – these playful creatures are wild!
It's a fun and unique opportunity to witness a bustling prairie dog community in their natural habitat.
6. Peaceful Valley Ranch
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: up to 30 minutes
This historic dude ranch, once a bustling center of ranch life, offers a glimpse into the past.
Explore the restored ranch house and stables, remnants of a bygone era.
While horseback riding is no longer available, scenic trails wind through the ranch, allowing you to experience the beauty of the park on foot.
You may also get a glimpse of the famous Wild Horses, who often hang out here.
7. Boicourt Overlook and Trail
Image from Flickr by Andrew Parlette
- Duration: up to 1 hour
This short, paved path is perfect for all ages. Walk alongside a valley brimming with the park's colorful Badlands formations.
Reach the end of the paved trail for a scenic overlook.
Feeling adventurous? Continue on a short, unpaved section for an even more dramatic view of the Badlands sprawling out before you.
Keep your eyes peeled for grazing bison and soaring birds of prey as you soak in the park's beauty.
8. Buck Hill Trail
- Duration: up to 1 hour
This short, but steep path is an out-and-back trek. Imagine a winding path ascending a butte, with stunning views of the surrounding Badlands unfolding with every step.
Reach the top for panoramic vistas of the entire South Unit, from Painted Canyon to beyond.
Spot wild horses or bison grazing in the distance. Remember, proper footwear is essential, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment at the summit!
9. Coal Vein Nature Trail
- Duration: up to 2 hours
This short loop winds past remnants of a once-burning coal seam. Imagine the ground beneath your feet smoldering for decades! Informative signs tell the story of this geological oddity.
Climb wooden stairs for views of the Badlands landscape, keeping an eye out for prairie dogs and other wildlife.
The trail offers a unique glimpse into the park's geologic past alongside scenic vistas.
10. Scoria Point Overlook
- Duration: up to 30 minutes
This easily accessible stop offers panoramic views unlike any other. Imagine a landscape painted in hues of red, yellow, and gray – evidence of volcanic activity that baked the surrounding earth long ago.
Spot the coal seams that once caught fire, adding another layer to the park's geologic story.
Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep grazing on the cliffs, adding a touch of life to the dramatic scene.
It's a perfect spot to capture the essence of the Badlands in a single breathtaking vista.
North Unit
11. Buckhorn Trail
- Duration: up to 8 hours
This challenging, 11-mile loop winds through vast prairies and dramatic ravines.
Be prepared for sections that can be difficult to follow, especially after rain.
Hike alongside wildflower meadows and spot bison grazing in the distance.
While some sections follow the park's scenic drive, offering glimpses of fellow explorers, much of the trail allows you to immerse yourself in the park's quiet beauty.
Remember, this is for experienced hikers with proper navigation skills and plenty of water for a remote adventure.
12. Cannonball Concretions
- Duration: up to 1 hour
Cannonball Concretions pull-off surprises you with geological oddities. Imagine giant, spherical boulders scattered across the landscape – these aren't errant cannonballs, but ancient mysteries!
Stop and explore these fascinating sandstone concretions, formed millions of years ago when minerals cemented sand particles around a core.
Informative signs explain their formation as you marvel at these natural wonders contrasting with the rugged Badlands backdrop.
It's a quick stop with a big impact, perfect for a photo opportunity or a break on your scenic drive.
13. Long X Trail
- Duration: up to 5 hours
This moderate, 5.8-mile path was once a cattle drive route used by ranchers, including a young Theodore Roosevelt himself! Imagine cowboys herding longhorns across these very plains.
The trail winds through rolling prairies and dips into colorful canyons, offering diverse scenery.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and soak in the vastness of the Badlands landscape.
The Long X Trail is a perfect way to experience a slice of ranching history while enjoying the park's natural beauty.
14. Little Mo Nature Trail
NPS Photo
- Duration: up to 1 hour
This easy 1.1-mile loop offers two options: a paved inner loop perfect for families and a longer, unpaved section for a more adventurous trek.
The trail winds along the lush river bottom, a stark contrast to the surrounding badlands.
Informative signs point out plant and animal life, while you soak in the serene beauty of the cottonwood forest and wildflower meadows.
Keep an eye out for grazing bison and listen for birdsong as you explore this peaceful riverside haven.
15. Caprock Coulee Trail
- Duration: Up to 4 hours
This .08-mile nature walk turns into a moderate 4.3-mile loop that offers something for everyone.
Start by following a scenic trail through a narrow canyon, teeming with plant and animal life.
Ascend for breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River Valley.
The trail winds along grassy buttes and dramatic bluffs showcase the park's geologic wonders.
Keep your eyes peeled for bison and other wildlife roaming the plains below.
Remember, choose the clockwise direction for a more gradual climb, and enjoy this classic Badlands adventure.
16. Oxbow Overlook
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: Up to 30 minutes
Stand in awe at Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit's crown jewel, Oxbow Overlook.
This easily accessible viewpoint offers a panoramic vista unlike any other.
Gaze upon the Little Missouri River curving dramatically in a perfect oxbow, a classic geologic wonder. Interpretive signs explain the river's story.
For a closer look, embark on the easy, 0.2-mile Sperati Point Trail that leads to a higher viewpoint for even more stunning river and Badlands views.
Oxbow Overlook is a must-see, offering a glimpse of the park's beauty and the power of natural forces.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up your adventure at Theodore Roosevelt National Park with Shaka Guide's audio tour makes for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and fascinating history.
Whether you're hiking, driving, or just soaking in the scenery, Shaka Guide ensures you won't miss a thing. Happy exploring!
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Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Theodore Roosevelt National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Theodore Roosevelt National Park Know Before You Go article.