North Dakota · the United States

Theodore Roosevelt

The badlands of North Dakota in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with bison and wild horses, the Old West town of Medora and the presidential library.

Great Plains (Mount Rushmore)

In the photo: Little Missouri Valley seen from Wind Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

In western North Dakota, the Little Missouri River cuts through the badlands, a landscape of hills streaked with clay, sandstone and dark lignite layers, with prairie fields between the canyons. Theodore Roosevelt arrived here in 1883 to hunt bison, had two cattle ranches in the region, and later wrote that he would not have become president without his experience in North Dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects this landscape in three units. The South Unit, adjacent to the town of Medora, has the Scenic Loop Drive, about 58 km long, with prairie dog colonies, bison and wild horses, and the Maltese Cross cabin, which belonged to Roosevelt. The North Unit, about 110 km down the road, has deeper canyons and fewer visitors, and the remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the site of the president’s second ranch.

This destination brings together 1 city: Medora.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Theodore Roosevelt is

Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Theodore Roosevelt

✈ Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK), in Dickinson · 60 km to Medora

The regional airport in Dickinson (DIK) is about 60 km from Medora, and Bismarck (BIS) is about 215 km away. Medora is on Interstate 94, and the region is explored by car.

Dakota do Norte · Theodore Roosevelt

Medora

Small Old West town in the badlands of North Dakota, at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Founded in 1883 by the Marquis de Mores, a Frenchman who named the town after his wife; the couple’s wooden house, the Château de Mores, is a museum. In summer the Medora Musical stages a show in an outdoor amphitheater, and on a hill west of town sits the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

The local experience

Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt

Medora · North Dakota · National park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park — South Unit

The park area most visited, next to Medora, with the Scenic Loop Drive, bison, wild horses, prairie dogs and Roosevelt’s cabin.

Medora · North Dakota · Viewpoint

Painted Canyon

Overlook beside I‑94 with wide views of the colorful badlands, east of Medora.

Medora · North Dakota · National park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park — North Unit

The park’s lesser‑visited unit, with deeper canyons, the road to Oxbow Overlook, bison, and a historic herd of longhorn cattle.

Medora · North Dakota · Museum

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Presidential museum and library on a hill west of Medora, designed by Snøhetta, with exhibits about Roosevelt’s life and presidency.

See 2 more places in Theodore Roosevelt

Medora · North Dakota · Historic house

Chateau de Mores State Historic Site

26‑room wooden house from 1883, built by the Marquis de Mores, founder of Medora, furnished with original pieces.

Medora · North Dakota · Show

Medora Musical

A summer music and comedy show about the Old West, performed in an outdoor amphitheater on the badlands slopes.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From May to September, when the park roads are open and services in Medora are operating; the Medora Musical runs from June through September. Summers are hot and dry during the day, with cool nights; winters are cold with snow, and some park road sections can close.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two to three days: one for the South Unit and Painted Canyon, one for Medora, the presidential library and the Medora Musical, and one for the North Unit.

Which city to stay in

Medora has lodging and campgrounds a few minutes from the South Unit entrance, which sell out in summer. Dickinson, about 55 km away, has more options. For the North Unit, Watford City is the base. There are campgrounds inside the park, in both units.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Theodore Roosevelt

How many days should I plan for Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Two to three days, covering the South Unit, Medora and the North Unit.

Can you see bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Bison are commonly seen in both units, and wild horses in the South Unit. Keep your distance from animals and do not leave your car near them.

What is the difference between the South Unit and the North Unit?

The South Unit, next to Medora, is the most visited, with the Scenic Loop Drive and the wild horses; the North Unit, about 110 km away, has deeper canyons and fewer people.

Do I need a car to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes: the park units are distant from each other and there is no public transportation. In the United States you drive on the right.

Do I need a visa to visit the United States?

Entry requirements for the United States depend on your nationality and travel document: some countries participate in the visa waiver program, with prior electronic authorization, and others require a visa. Requirements can change: confirm before you travel.

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Theodore Roosevelt

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.