National Park Guide

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Dakota, US

Rugged badlands sculpted by wind and water where Theodore Roosevelt found the inspiration to conserve America's wild places.

70,447

Acres

Trails

1978

Established

700,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK), 45 minutes

Best Months

June, September, October

Highlights

Painted Canyon Overlook
Scenic Loop Drive
Petrified Forest Trail
Wind Canyon Trail
Maltese Cross Cabin

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Wind Canyon Trail

Easy

0.4 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Caprock Coulee Trail

Moderate

4.4 miles round trip

500 ft gain

Petrified Forest Loop

Strenuous

10.3 miles loop

600 ft gain

Ridgeline Nature Trail

Easy

0.6 miles loop

50 ft gain

Buck Hill Trail

Easy

0.2 miles round trip

60 ft gain

About Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota preserves the dramatic badlands landscape that deeply influenced President Roosevelt's conservation legacy. The park is divided into three units featuring colorful painted canyons, bison herds, wild horses, and the winding Little Missouri River.

In-Depth Guide

Theodore Roosevelt Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for North Dakota's rugged badlands.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

Highly rated hotel within walking distance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit, featuring an indoor pool, free breakfast, and a warm western welcome.

10 min walk$120-220/night

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Comfort Inn Dickinson

Family-friendly hotel in Dickinson with an indoor pool and water slide, free breakfast, and easy access to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

45 min drive$100-180/night

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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickinson

Well-appointed hotel in Dickinson offering a breakfast buffet, indoor pool, and convenient location for exploring the rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

45 min drive$100-170/night

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Compare Theodore Roosevelt National Park

See how Theodore Roosevelt National Park stacks up against other national parks

Theodore Roosevelt National Park vs Badlands National Park

Choose Badlands for more dramatic and accessible rock formations with excellent fossil history. Choose Theodore Roosevelt for bison herds, painted canyons, and a less crowded experience with historical significance.

See full comparison