8 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Theodore Roosevelt

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South Unit

Visit the park’s largest and most popular unit!  Highlights here include energetic prairie dog towns, rowdy bison, and a beautiful herd of wild horses.  Most activities are located along the Scenic Loop, a 36-mile drive that offers many overlooks and hikes.  The town of Medora offers numerous choices in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and is located just outside the park entrance.

4.  Buck Hill

Climb to the top of the *almost* highest point in the national park!  Marvel at the sweeping views of the valleys and badlands below—- if you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot wild horses or bison from up here.

What You Need to Know

The hike up Buck Hill is only 0.2 miles roundtrip, but it is a leg-burner!  Expect a steep walk up the hill to get to the awesome views.

Buck Hill is 2,680 feet high, ten feet shy of earning the distinction as the park’s tallest point, but it is the highest place you can reach by road. Peck Hill is higher but not as easily accessible.

Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Getting Here

From the South Unit Visitor Center, drive for 6.4 miles north along the park road.  When you reach a junction, continue straight and drive along the Scenic Loop Drive for 11 more miles to reach the turnoff for Buck Hill.  Turn right here and follow the road for 1 mile to the top.  This is where the trail begins.

5.  Petrified Forest Trail

Explore this remote area of the park where the trees have turned to stone!  After a walk through the prairie, the view opens up to a rocky environment that contains a large concentration of petrified wood.

What You Need to Know

There are two different collections of petrified wood, so you’ll need to choose between the north or the south section if you want to keep the mileage to 3 miles roundtrip.  It’s a good idea to talk to a ranger before attempting this trail to get driving directions and recommendations based on current conditions.

This trail has very little shade and can get slippery if it has recently rained.  Be prepared with the proper gear and shoes with good traction.

Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Getting Here

The Petrified Forest is located in a remote area of the South Unit and is accessed by gravel roads.  You can find driving directions in the park newspaper or head into the visitor center to get a more detailed map and recommendations.

6. Wind Canyon Trail

Stand on top of a gorgeous bluff overlooking the spectacular Little Missouri River!  This picturesque spot is the perfect place to breathe in the crisp country air, marvel at the big sky, and watch the bison in the valley below.

What You Need to Know

This trail is only 0.4 miles roundtrip, but it just might be the best mileage you cover on your visit.  Yes, it’s that beautiful!  The views are great all of the time, but sunset is especially favored by those who know the park well.

Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Getting Here

From the South Unit Visitor Center, drive 6.4 miles into the park.  Turn left at the junction (the sign will say Wind Canyon) to travel clockwise along the Scenic Loop Drive.  After continuing for another 4 miles, look for the parking area on your left.  The trail starts here.

7.  Painted Canyon Nature Trail

Dig deeper into the colorful North Dakota Badlands!  The view from the canyon rim is great, but even just a short jaunt down to the rocks will bring a whole new appreciation for the landscape.

What You Need to Know

This nature trail is 0.9 miles roundtrip and is initially quite steep as you hike down the hill.  Don’t let this deter you!  It levels out after a minute and then travels in a loop below the rim of the Painted Canyon.

Exhibits along the way will help you learn more about the hardy plants and wildlife that live in this beautiful park as you hike among these colorful rocks.

Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Getting Here

The trail leaves from the west side of the Painted Desert Visitor Center, located at Exit 32 along Interstate 94.

8.  Maltese Cross Cabin

Stunning scenery aside, this national park is dedicated to a man you might be interested in learning all about!  Step back in time at the Maltese Cross Cabin and find out more about the life of President Theodore Roosevelt.

What You Need to Know

Teddy Roosevelt is today known as the great conservationist president, a man who set aside millions of acres of land to be preserved and protected. He has said, “I would not have been president had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.”

This cabin is a physical piece of the legacy he left behind.  It was a temporary home, but his conservationist ideals became deeply rooted in him because of what he felt while he was here.

I highly encourage you to read more about Teddy Roosevelt’s life in North Dakota before visiting this park.  You will walk away with a much greater connection to the land and have an incredibly meaningful experience while you are here.  This is a good place to start.

If you admire President Roosevelt and would like to further immerse yourself in his story, definitely make the drive out to Elkhorn Ranch!  Just be sure to ask a ranger for a map and road conditions before you go.

Getting Here

The Maltese Cross Cabin is located directly behind the South Unit Visitor Center.

Have a phenomenal time in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Happy trails!