If the title “best park for wildlife watchers” caught your eye, you’re in for a treat. If you know me, you know how much I love wildlife. I’m an avid birder and naturalist, and I’ve spotted over 2,000 species to date, so when I say this, it comes from real experience.
Yes, I’ve been to Yellowstone, and yet, I spotted more bison in North Dakota. And don’t even get me started on pronghorns and prairie dogs.
So, if you’re a wildlife lover looking for a quiet place to slow down and truly observe, surrounded by rolling hills, prairies, and striking badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park might just be your perfect escape.
How to reach Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in western North Dakota, near the Montana border and just off Interstate 94. Bismarck is the closest city with an airport, but it doesn’t offer direct flights from Seattle. Instead, we chose to fly into Billings, Montana, which has convenient direct flights from Seattle.
This is a great option for travelers from the Pacific Northwest; you’ll often find affordable direct flights on Alaska Airlines, and the drive from Billings to the park is absolutely scenic.
We took an evening flight from Seattle to Billings and stayed overnight in Glendive, which is about an hour from the park. Alternatively, you can stay in Medora, the closest town to the park, and a great base for exploring.
Which is the best month to visit?
The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is between late May and early October, covering spring through early fall. We visited in May (early spring) and were greeted with lush green rolling hills and abundant wildlife.
I was completely blown away by the beauty of this place; it’s truly a stunning national park that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. I wouldn’t recommend visiting in winter, as conditions can be harsh and wildlife sightings are limited, which is a big part of what makes this park so special.
Interesting Facts About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Before I tell you all the things you can do in the park, I wanted to talk about the significance of this place. This national park is a tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, who was a passionate wildlife lover himself. He came to the Badlands on a hunting trip in 1883 and fell in love with North Dakota.
Nicknamed “Teddy,” he was a conservation-minded president with a larger-than-life legacy. Theodore Roosevelt National Park reflects that spirit with dramatic badlands, abundant wildlife, and a deep connection to his time in North Dakota.
Here are some fun facts about Theodore Roosevelt and the national park:
- Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest U.S. president, taking office at age 42, and the first U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
- The teddy bear was named after Theodore Roosevelt’s nickname, “Teddy.”
- The park was first established as Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park in 1947 and later became a national park in 1978.
- He helped create the U.S. Forest Service and made conservation a major national priority.
Things to do in One Day
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is divided into three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. If you drive from the South Unit to the North Unit via Elkhorn Ranch, the trip takes about three hours, which means you can actually cover the park in a day, but if you’re short on time I recommend picking any one or at most two units. Most of the highlights are overlooks or short hikes, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
We chose to spend our time in the South Unit since I was busy photographing animals and birds. That meant we moved slowly, but I loved every moment of it. In the next sections, I’ll share the must-stop spots in each unit.
South Unit
The South Unit is the closest entry point to Medora along Interstate 94 and the most visited area in the park. It also has two visitor centers: the South Unit Visitor Center and the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. One of the main highlights here is the 36-mile Scenic Drive, which offers several beautiful viewpoints.
We only did this scenic drive, and here are the viewpoints we think are worth exploring in a chronological order (route map).
- South Unit Visitor Center – this was our first stop for maps, asking about the road closures and refilling our bottles.
- Prairie Dog Metropolis – The first stop is a great place to see plenty of prairie dogs going in and out of their burrows, along with bison hanging out nearby. We sat here for a while just observing them, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
- Skyline Vista – This is a great spot to look for wild horses and take in the badlands from a bird’s-eye view. We didn’t spot any horses, but the view was still incredible.
- Wind Canyon Trail – This 0.4-mile out-and-back trail follows a wind-carved canyon and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Little Missouri River. It’s absolutely scenic and highly recommended. We also saw a few pronghorns from this spot.
- Boicourt Overlook – A viewpoint that offers a beautiful mix of greenery and badlands.
- Badlands Overlook – A great place to get a closer look at North Dakota’s badlands.
- Scoria Point Overlook – Another beautiful perspective of the badlands, with more colorful peaks.
- Medora Overlook – A bird’s-eye view of Medora surrounded by the badlands.
- Painted Canyon – This was our last stop of the day, and it was unforgettable. We saw bison up close here, along with a stunning range of badlands that showed just how varied the landscape can be.
North Unit
The North Unit is the park’s quieter, more rugged side, offering dramatic badlands, fewer crowds, and some of the best wildlife viewing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s about 68 miles from Medora, so getting there takes a little more time, but the scenic drive is worth it. If you only have time for a few stops, these are the top ones to include:
- 14-mile scenic drive – gets you the best overlook spots in the park like the River Bend Overlook. You can also spot bison, mule deer, or even bighorn sheep.
- River Bend Overlook – one of the most iconic views in the park.
- Oxbow Overlook – gives you another sweeping look at the badlands.
Elkhorn Ranch Unit
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is even more remote and preserves the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s former home ranch. There’s no visitor center or scenic drive here, just a peaceful historic site along the Little Missouri River that feels deeply tied to Roosevelt’s story.
From Medora, it’s about 46 miles to reach the Elkhorn Ranch area, and the drive itself is part of the experience. If you want to mention it briefly, you can also note that the site requires more planning than the other units and may involve rough roads depending on conditions. The top things to highlight here are:
- The cabin site and foundation stones – the heart of the historic ranch area.
- The short, mowed pathway leading to the site, which makes the visit feel reflective and easy to follow.
- The peaceful setting along the Little Missouri River, which helps explain why Roosevelt loved this place.
Food Spots Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Medora is the best place to grab a meal. The city is beautiful, surrounded by badlands, and has a quaint, old-world vibe. Pacific Avenue is the main street, lined with restaurants you can choose from.
We dined at the Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room. The decor and vibe reminded us of the Wild West. We tried the wood-fired pizza, and it was so delicious! Plus, the view from the restaurant made the whole experience even better. For dessert, we stopped by Fudge & Ice Cream Depot for a quick scoop.
Other restaurants you can try are:
- Theodore’s Dining Room – A refined, Western-themed spot inside the historic Rough Riders Hotel, offering elevated regional cuisine like bison ossobuco, bacon-wrapped steaks, and fresh salads. A great choice for a dinner with elegant surroundings and a Wild West vibe.
- Farmhouse Café – A cozy, trendy, and family-friendly café known for homestyle cooking, hearty portions, and fresh, local ingredients. It’s quite a hit among travelers and a great breakfast or lunch spot in Medora.
- Pitchfork Steak Fondue – Medora’s most iconic dining experience, where you eat steak fondue-style off pitchforks cooked over an open flame, served with classic Western sides. It’s open June–September and offers a dramatic view of the Badlands, making it a must-do for a memorable night
Where to Stay Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Medore, here are three hotels you can consider. There are also campsites near Medora if you love camping. The views are amazing and the weather is pleasant, making it a perfect place for outdoorsy activities.
Hotels
- Rough Riders Hotel – A historic landmark built in 1884, beautifully renovated with Old West character, modern amenities, and a Wild West vibe. It’s Medora’s signature lodging experience and close to the park entrance, the Medora Musical, and downtown.
- Ferris Inn – Medora’s most historic property, opened in 1885, where Theodore Roosevelt himself stayed. Each room honors a person from his life, and the inn exudes classic presidential charm. It’s a luxury, historic stay in downtown Medora.
- AmericInn by Wyndham Medora – A welcoming, modern hotel just a 9-minute walk from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, rated 8.8 by travelers. It’s close to the Little Missouri National Grassland and offers comfortable rooms with easy access to the park.
Campsites
- Cottonwood Campground (South Unit, in the park) – Located just inside the park’s South Unit, 5 miles from Medora, with a rustic camping experience and beautiful views. It’s perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, and it’s open all year.
- Juniper Campground (North Unit, in the park) – A quieter, more remote campground in the North Unit, about 70 miles north of Medora. It’s basic campsites with no hookups but offers scenic surroundings and fewer crowds.
My Overall Thoughts
Theodore Roosevelt National Park surprised me more than I expected, with incredible wildlife sightings and stunning scenic views. My naturalist heart felt happy and full. This park has now earned its place on my list of top national parks in the USA, yes, even above Yellowstone, especially when it comes to how much wildlife I saw.
I highly recommend watching my Theodore Roosevelt National Park video on YouTube; you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about!
