A lesser known and not so crowded National Park…definitely a must see.
As we travel the country, we are always on the look out for the lesser known gems. In addition to being less crowded, they often provide some of the best and most interesting photo ops in the country. One of our favorites Theodore Roosevelt National Park is tucked away in western North Dakota. Who knew that Teddy had a National Park named after him? Hope you enjoy these photos and learning a little about one of the lesser know members of our National Parks system.
Teddy Roosevelt National Park is divided into the South Unit, North Unit and Painted Canyon. The entrance to the South Unit and Visitors Center is just off Interstate 94 near the town of Medora North Dakota. The Painted Canyon area, popular for hiking and camping, can be viewed from the scenic overlooks right off I-94 about 10 miles east of the entrance to the South Unit. There are several hiking trails that lead through the canyon offering scenic views of the colorful rock formations.
You may want to consider allowing a couple days at to see the entire park.
The North Unit entrance is 69 miles north of the South Unit, about a 1 hour and 10 minute drive on US Route 85.
Spend time exploring the South Unit and the sites along the 36 mile loop scenic drive. There are numerous overlooks and trails along the way and be sure to be on the lookout for the abundant wildlife including Bison, Wild Horses, Prairie Dog Towns, Pronghorn Antelope, Mule Deer and more. The North Unit has an out a back scenic route of about 14 miles from the visitor center to Oxbow Overlook and 14 miles back with plenty of breath taking scenery along the way.
Teddy Roosevelt National Park is home to one of the largest and most accessible bison herds in the United States. The herd, managed as a wildlife population, typically has 750-1100 members. Bison were first introduced into the park in 1916 with 102 animals from Nebraska. The original members of the herd were part of last free-ranging bison herds from the 1800s. The majority of the herd resides in the South Unit with a smaller group in the North. Remember to be safe when observing the wildlife. Don’t get to close.
The rugged landscapes of Teddy Roosevelt National Park are home to several bustling communities of prairie dogs. These charismatic rodents have transformed a once-barren landscape into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Their playful antics and comical vocalizations will captivate you as they scurry about their intricate burrow systems. Observe the intricate social dynamics of these highly organized colonies, where each member plays a vital role in the survival of the group. As you immerse yourself in their world, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the remarkable resilience of these fascinating creatures. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the prairie dog population of Teddy Roosevelt National Park.
Roaming through the parks 70,466 acres is a population of 150-200 free-roaming mustangs that descended from horses brought to the area by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. These hardy animals have adapted to the park's rugged terrain and play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem by grazing on vegetation and creating open spaces. The herd provides visitors with an opportunity to observe wild horses in their natural habitat, showcasing the park's commitment to preserving native wildlife. The horses tend to favor certain areas within the park with the larger concentrations often found in the South Unit. Try to visit in the early morning of late evening hours for the best chance to see these magnificent animals.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in western North Dakota, offers a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy. You can drive the scenic loop road to view the park's rugged badlands, colorful buttes, and abundant wildlife. Hiking trails lead to hidden canyons and panoramic vistas. The North Unit features the Little Missouri River and its cottonwood forests, as well as rolling prairies and buttes. Explore the park's history at the Maltese Cross Cabin, where Roosevelt once stayed, and learn about the park's geology and ecology at the visitor center. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the park, with opportunities to see bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and a variety of bird species. Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife watching, scenic drives, or history, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has something to offer everyone.