Named for our twenty-sixth president, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is situated in the North Dakota badlands. It covers 110 square miles divided into three separate sections. One of the sections, near Fairfield, includes Roosevelt’s Elkorn Ranch. This was a ranch Roosevelt bought and established in the late 19th century. Roosevelt had discovered the beauties of the Dakota wilderness on a bison hunting expedition. Parts of the park area were preserved after Roosevelt’s death in 1919. The parameters and name of the current day park were set in 1978.
Wildlife brought Roosevelt to the badlands in the first place, and it’s still the main attraction for tourists who go to Theodore Roosevelt National Park today. You can still see bison there, along with bighorn sheep, mule and white-tail deer, pronghorn, elk, and prairie dogs. The park is fenced to keep wild horses and bison in the park while allowing smaller animals access in and out of the park in certain areas. Bird watchers also love the park as it gives them the opportunity to spot over 186 species of birds, including wild turkeys and golden eagles.
Wildllife can be viewed from the miles of hiking trails, which can be traversed on foot or by horseback. Visitors can also drive along the 36 mile scenic loop. There are three camping sites, one in the north unit and two in the south, and visitors can obtain back country camping permits from the visitor center in either unit.
Visitors to the center located at the south unit in Medora can enjoy buggy rides, visit the museum and see Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin. They can also watch the Medora Musical that takes place in the Burning Hills Ampitheater on summer evenings. Both south and north unit visitor centers offer guided ranger programs that are great for groups and families.
The beautifully dark night skies of North Dakota also provide excellent opportunities to view the heavens. There are sometimes scheduled star-gazing events like the Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival. Check out this video of everything you can expect from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and put your vacation plan into motion!
Images via NPCA Photos,
