Theodore Roosevelt National Park

"I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota," Theodore Roosevelt once remarked.

Roosevelt first came to the badlands in September 1883 on a hunting trip. While here he became interested in the cattle business and invested in the Maltese Cross Ranch. He returned the next year and established the Elkhorn Ranch.

Whenever he managed to spend time in the badlands, he became more and more alarmed by the damage that was being done to the land and its wildlife. He witnessed the virtual destruction of some big game species, such as bison and bighorn sheep. Overgrazing destroyed the grasslands and with them the habitats for small mammals and songbirds. Conservation increasingly became one of Roosevelt's major concerns. During his Presidency, Roosevelt established the US Forest Service and signed the 1906 Antiquities Act under which he proclaimed 18 national mounuments. He also established 5 national parks, 51 wildlife refuges and 150 national forests.

Here in the North Dakota badlands, where many of his personal concerns first gave rise to his later environmental efforts, Roosevelt is remembered with a national park that bears his name and honors the memory of this great conservationist.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in the colorful North Dakota badlands and is home to a variety of plants and animals, including bison, prairie dogs, and elk.

Box 7
Medora, ND 58645-0007
701 623-4466
701 842-2333

By Plane
Air service is available into the North Dakota towns of Bismarck, Dickinson and Williston.

By Car
The North and South units are in western North Dakota.

The South Unit entrance and Visitor Center are located in Medora, just off Interstate 94 (exits 23 & 27) and is 135 miles west of Bismarck, North Dakota.

The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is located 7 miles east of Medora just off I-94 at exit 32.

The North Unit entrance is located
16 miles south of Watford City along U.S. Highway 85. The distance between Medora at the South Unit and the North Unit is 70 miles via I-94 and U. S. Highway 85.

By Plane
Bus transportation via Greyhound is available along I-94. The bus stops in Medora, three blocks from the park entrance.

There is no public bus transportation along Highway 85 and to the North Entrance.

Train service is available into Williston.

Summers are warm with temperatures in the 80s and 90s with a few days into the 100s on some years. Evenings can be cool. Average maximum: July is 87.1 degrees and August is 86.7 degrees. Average minimum: July 54.5 degrees and
August is 52.4 degrees. Annual precipitation is 15 inches.

Winters are generally cold.
Recommend layers of clothing, especially in spring and fall. Rain gear in spring. Hat for sun protection is needed in summer.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities