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: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-the-painted-canyon-nature-trail.htm

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.

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.

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, eho often hang out here.

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.

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.

Cannonball Concretions pulloff 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.

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.

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.