Looking for the best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park? From wildlife watching to hiking and where to eat, check out these adventures in North Dakota’s only National Park!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve worked as a travel writer and outdoor guide based around the Midwest since 2018. I’m here to help you find unique adventures in the Midwest and beyond!

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Best Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

From chasing views to camping on the side of a river, here are some of the best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

1) Watch for Wild Horses

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the relatively few places in the United States to see free roaming (wild) horses! Horses once evolved on the North American continent but disappeared from the fossil record around 10,000 years ago according to the National Park Service. Horses were reintroduced to North America when brought by the Spanish in the 1500s.

One thing to note about Theodore Roosevelt National Park is that the park is fenced, meaning the wildlife within the park is limited to the park boundary. The fence is to help manage some of the wildlife without natural predators and to prevent livestock animals from running at large throughout the region according to the NPS page on wildlife management.

While larger livestock are relegated to the park deer, elk, and pronghorn are able to pass over or through the fence by design.

Wild horses can be seen throughout the park, and we had the best luck near dusk and dawn. Keep in mind that all wildlife within and outside of the park should be observed from a safe distance. Never attempt to approach wildlife, and consider investing in a good pair of binoculars to enhance your viewing experience!

2) Take in the sights from Painted Canyon

If you’re looking for a short, one-mile trail down into one of the most scenic spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, check out Painted Canyon. Painted Canyon is extra cool because you can score some of the best views right from the parking lot! When I was driving out west for the summer, this was one of my favorite places I stopped for lunch.

The layered Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt tell a fascinating geologic story; as sand, silt and mud were washed off the young Rockies by prehistoric rivers, ash from nearby erupting volcanos swept into the park, becoming bentonite clay. This sedimentary rock is and was extremely soft, making it susceptible to erosion.

READ: Midwest Road Trip Ideas

3) Hike Wind Canyon Overlook

Wind Canyon Overlook is the ideal sunset spot in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Perched above the Little Missouri River, this trail follows eroded bluffs above the river leading to a gorgeous overlook of the river below and Badlands sprawling out to either side.

On my first trip to Theodore Roosevelt it was early spring (like May 2) and SO windy but we basically had the park to ourselves which was super fun!

4) Go for a Scenic Drive

The South Unit Scenic Drive is a 24-mile out and back drive, easy to access from Medora, and one of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Many of the best overlooks and hikes can be accessed along the scenic road, and you’re likely to spot wildlife along the way!

5) Grab a burger in Medora

Medora, North Dakota is sometimes called the gateway to the West, and it certainly feels like that! Medora is the perfect place to basecamp for your Theodore Roosevelt National Park adventure. My favorite place I stopped in Medora was the Little Missouri Saloon, which had epic burgers.

6) Camp at the Cottonwood Campground

One of my favorite things we did in Theodore Roosevelt National Park was campout at Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit of the Park on the Little Missouri River.

Absolutely awesome vibes and views, really felt like we were “way out there” despite being a quick drive from town for dinner. In the morning over breakfast we even spotted bison across the river, which felt pretty darn cool!

READ: Camping Packing List (PDF download!)

7) Hike the Skyline Vista

Skyline Vista is another short hiking trail/overlook leading to epic views of the North Dakota badlands. This is another great spot for sunrise and/or sunsets.

8) Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail (or a section of it)

If you’re looking for more of an epic backcountry adventure, consider tackling the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This is a 144-mile epic single-track non-motorized trail. In terms of long-distance the trail is probably most popular among mountain bikers and bikepackers, but it is also possible to backpack. Check out the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association here for more.

9) Watch for prairie dogs & bison

Personally I think the coolest part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the wildlife… or the badlands. Or honestly just the out west vibe, big fan. I really enjoyed seeing wild horses, but seeing the bison and prairie dogs was my absolute favorite! Fun fact about bison, they are the largest land-mammal in North America!

Also exciting are the Black-tailed prairie dogs! These prairie dogs live in colonies, or “towns” and are so fun to watch pop in and out of the ground.

Love midwest adventure? Also read:

• Check out the best Upper Peninsula Waterfall Road Trip
• Explore the best backpacking tips in the Midwest
• Find the best Midwest Fall Color Destinations

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