Best Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

If you're looking for the best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, this place delivers something most parks don’t: space, solitude, and truly wild landscapes. From wildlife viewing along scenic drives to hiking through rugged badlands terrain, this guide covers the top things to see and do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park so you can plan your trip properly.

Key Takeaways

• The South Unit is the most visited section in the part, perfect for first-time visitors, wildlife spotting, and easier access from Medora, the small gateway town located just outside the park’s entrance
• The North Unit is more rugged, less crowded, and ideal for serious hiking and photography
• The Scenic Loop Drive and scenic byways are the foundation of any visit. Don’t miss the 36-mile scenic loop in  South Unit and 14-mile scenic byway in North Unit.
• Wildlife viewing is a core experience, with plenty of opportunities to see bison / buffalo herds, feral / wild horses, bighorn sheep, prairie dog towns, and more.
• Hiking requires preparation due to full sun exposure, extreme heat, and lack of shade. The bentonite slick clay trails can feel as slick as ice after rain. 

Which Part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is Best?

South Unit (Medora Basecamp)

The South Unit, located right next to the town of Medora, is the most accessible part of the park and the main hub for visitors. It’s where you’ll find the primary visitor center, the Maltese Cross Cabin, and the famous 36-mile scenic loop.

This is also the best area for:

• Wildlife spotting (especially bison / buffalo and feral horses)
• Easier access to overlooks and trailheads
• Quick stops like the Painted Canyon Visitor Center off I-94 access

North Unit (More Remote + Rugged)

The North Unit sits about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Medora and feels noticeably more remote. This is where you’ll get a deeper feel for the park’s rugged terrain, more dramatic landscapes, and geology shaped by the Little Missouri River.

What sets it apart:

• Steeper terrain and more noticeable elevation gain
• The 14-mile scenic byway with dramatic views
• Fewer crowds and quieter hiking trails

Quick answer: The South Unit is best for first-timers, families, and consistent wildlife viewing. The North Unit is better for rugged hiking, dramatic views, and fewer crowds.

What Not to Miss: Top Scenic Drives

The Scenic Loop Drive and scenic byways are the backbone of the main things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. If you're short on time, this is where you should focus.

South Unit 36-Mile Scenic Loop

Quick answer: The 36-mile scenic loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours without stops, but realistically plan for 3–4 hours.

This loop runs through the heart of the Little Missouri River valley and offers constant opportunities for wildlife viewing. You’ll most likely encounter bison herds and possibly feral horses crossing the road.

Must-stop highlights:

• Boicourt Overlook for sweeping views
• Multiple prairie dog towns (guaranteed wildlife stop)
• Painted Canyon Visitor Center (ideal first stop via I-94 access)

North Unit 14-Mile Scenic Byway

The 14-mile scenic byway is shorter but more dramatic, with sharper elevation changes and expansive viewpoints. 

Top stops:

• River Bend Overlook (arguably the most iconic photo spot in the park)
• Oxbow Overlook overlooking the winding Little Missouri River valley

For photography, aim for sunrise at Oxbow Overlook and late afternoon or sunset at River Bend Overlook for the best light and depth. This drive showcases the park’s more extreme geology and quieter atmosphere.

Tackling the Best Hiking Trails in the Badlands

The hiking trails here are very different from forested parks. You’re exposed almost the entire time, and the terrain can change quickly. Summer temperatures regularly climb into the 80s–90s°F, and with virtually no shade on exposed trails like Caprock Coulee. 

What to expect

• No shade and constant sun exposure
• High risk of extreme heat midday
• Slick clay / trail conditions after rain that feel like ice
• Hydration is critical due to heat, sun, and dry conditions. Bring extra water.

Step-by-step approach

Step 1: Start early
Hit the trail in the morning to avoid peak heat and harsh sun exposure. Cooler temps also increase your chances of spotting wildlife when animals are more active.

Step 2: Stay aware of trail markers
Trails in the badlands can quickly fade into open terrain. Keep an eye on posts, cairns, or subtle path changes so you don’t accidentally wander off route.

Step 3: Remember wildlife safety protocols
You may encounter bison, rattlesnakes, or other wildlife along the trail. Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and never approach or disturb animals, even if they seem calm. If a bison is blocking the trail, stop, keep your distance, and wait or turn around. Never try to pass or approach.

5 Best Hiking Trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

1. Wind Canyon Trail (South Unit)
Hike Details:0.4 miles round trip, minimal elevation gain
Short, high-impact trail with incredible views over the Little Missouri River valley

2. Coal Vein Trail (South Unit)
Hike Details:0.8 miles loop, minimal elevation gain
Easy loop with unique terrain, prairie views, and historical signage

3. Caprock Coulee Trail (North Unit)
Hike Details: 4.4 miles loop, moderate elevation gain (~500 ft)
The standout hike in the North Unit, featuring climbs, ridgelines, and expansive views

4. Petrified Forest Trail (South Unit)
Hike Details: 10 miles round trip, moderate elevation gain (~600–800 ft)
More remote and less visited, ideal if you have extra time and want something different

5. Maah Daah Hey Trail (Advanced, South Unit access)
Hike Details: Up to 144 miles total, but section hikes vary (distance + elevation depend on route)
A rugged, long-distance trail through the badlands. Most visitors hike a shorter section from the South Unit for a more remote, backcountry-style experience

The Ultimate Wildlife Viewing Guide

Wildlife viewing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is something you actively pursue, not something guaranteed. Timing, patience, and knowing where to look make all the difference.

Keep your eye out for: 

• Bison (buffalo) — the most common and most impactful
• Feral horses — most often spotted in the South Unit
• Prairie dog towns — easy to find along open flats
• Bighorn sheep — more common in rugged, elevated terrain
• Rattlesnakes — occasional, typically on trails

Bison are the main event. You’ll likely see multiple herds, and it’s not unusual to hit a full “bison traffic jam” where cars are stopped while they slowly cross the road. It feels cool the first time, they can last anywhere from a few minutes to 15–20 minutes! 

Feral horses are a bit more hit-or-miss, but that’s part of what makes spotting them feel different. When you do see them, it usually happens out on open plains, not right next to the road.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing Wilflife  

• Go at sunrise or sunset: This is when wildlife is most active and temperatures are cooler
• Drive slowly along scenic routes: Especially the South Unit loop and North Unit byway where most sightings happen
• Focus on open plains and river valleys: Animals are easier to spot at a distance than right along the road
• Scan constantly, not casually: Movement catches your eye first, so keep looking out beyond the obvious

Adhere to Wildlife Safety Protocols

Follow National Park Services guidelines for wildlife safety. Seeing bison up close is common, especially along the scenic drives. But people consistently underestimate them. They’re fast, massive, and don’t give warning. If they’re changing direction because of you, you’re already too close.

Always stick to this rule:

• At least 25 yards from most wildlife
• 100 yards from bison and horses

Tracing Theodore Roosevelt’s Footsteps

This park is deeply tied to Theodore Roosevelt history and the origins of the National Park Service conservation movement. His time ranching in the badlands directly influenced his later efforts to protect public lands and wildlife across the United States, , a connection well documented by the National Park Service and Theodore Roosevelt historical archives.

Must-see:

• Maltese Cross Cabin behind the South Unit visitor center. This preserved log cabin that Theodore Roosevelt lived in during his time ranching in the badlands in the 1880s. It offers a rare, tangible look at his early life here and the rugged conditions that helped shape his conservation mindset.
  
• Elkhorn Ranch was Theodore Roosevelt’s primary ranch. Today, no structures remain, only the original foundations and surrounding landscape. The remote site requires effort to reach and often a high-clearance vehicle. Don’t make the mistake of driving this road if your car cannot handle it!

How to Spend a Day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

If you’re doing a quick stop, this day trip planning framework works well:

7:00 AM — Wildlife spotting
Start your day early with a drive along the 36-mile scenic loop. This is the best time to spot bison, wild horses, and other wildlife before the heat sets in.

9:30 AM — Mid-morning hike (Wind Canyon or alternative)
Head out on Wind Canyon Trail for cooler temps and softer light. If you want something a bit longer, you can also opt for Coal Vein Trail or a short Maah Daah Hey section.

12:00 PM — Picnic + Maltese Cross Cabin
Take a break with a picnic lunch, then explore the historic Maltese Cross Cabin for a glimpse into Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the badlands.

2:00 PM — Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Wrap up your visit with sweeping views at Painted Canyon before exiting onto I-94.

If you have more time, expand into a 3-day itinerary and include the North Unit.

Tips for Your Visit: Surviving the Badlands Elements

This environment is harsher than it looks. This is where real outdoor performance gear matters. The Badlands will expose weak gear fast. KÜHL's UPF-rated, moisture-wicking shirts and breathable pants are ideal for sun protection / heat deflection.

Conditions to Prepare For

• Intense sun exposure
• Extreme heat during the day
• Sharp brush and uneven terrain
• Rapid temperature drops

Why Standard Activewear Fails

Basic gym clothes don’t hold up here:

• No UPF sun protection
• Poor durability in brush
• No breathability in heat

What Actually Works

• Moisture-wicking fabrics to stay dry
• UPF-rated shirts for protection
• Articulated fit pants for movement on steep terrain
• Lightweight, layered apparel for temperature swings

Make the Most of Your Theodore Roosevelt Adventure

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a rare, untamed slice of the American West that rewards those who come prepared. Whether you are cruising the scenic loops to photograph feral horses or scrambling up the Caprock Coulee trail in technical gear, planning your route and respecting the rugged environment guarantees an unforgettable trip.

Featured image by: sschremp.