Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
National park · Medora, North Dakota
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.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Theodore Roosevelt National Park — North Unit
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park lies north of Medora, near Watford City, where the Little Missouri River bends east. The canyons are deeper and the slopes greener than in the South Unit, and visitor numbers are much lower.
The scenic road of about 22 km leads from the gate to Oxbow Overlook above the river bend, passing River Bend Overlook, which has a stone shelter built in the 1930s, and the cannonball concretions, rounded stones that detach from the sandstone. Bison roam freely through the unit, and a small herd of longhorn cattle recalls the ranching era.
Trails of various lengths descend into the canyons, and there is a riverfront campground.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
May through September, early morning or late afternoon.
How to get there
About 110 km by road north of Medora via US‑85, near Watford City.
Tip
The North Unit observes Central Time, one hour ahead of Medora. Bring water and fuel, as services are scarce along the route. Entrance is paid; check the park website.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Theodore Roosevelt National Park — North Unit
Is it worth going to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes, to see deeper canyons and fewer people; allow a full day for the round trip.
What time zone is the North Unit in?
The North Unit follows Central Time, one hour ahead of Medora and the South Unit.
What is there to see in the North Unit?
The River Bend and Oxbow overlooks, the cannonball concretions, the bison and the longhorn cattle herd.