Often overlooked on the road atlas, North Dakota's crown jewel
Theodore Roosevelt National Park rewards the detour in a big way. Sprawling across the rugged badlands of the Little Missouri River valley, the landscape is dramatic and unlike anything you'd expect from the northern plains: striped buttes, sweeping prairie vistas, and bison roaming so freely you'll need to pull over more than once. Roosevelt himself came here as a young man to grieve the loss of his mother and wife, and ended up falling in love with the land, crediting his time in the badlands with forging the grit and conservation spirit that would define his presidency.
My Favorites
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
River Bend Overlook
Highlights: Hiking, landscapes, nature
Suggest Staying: 2-3 days
Stay Around: Medora or Cottonwood Campground
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The park is split into two units, North and South, each worth a visit with some pretty spectacular views and access to roamining bison and playful prairie dogs. There isn’t a whole lot happening in the surrounding area, so come with the park as your focus. Medora, just outside the South Unit, is a quaint little western town good for a meal and a night’s rest. I’d recommend 1–2 days.
See & Do
- Painted Canyon. Nice introduction to the area with some nice views with a stop off the highway.
- North Unit Scenic Drive. Notable stops include Wind Canyon Trail, Skyline Vista, Badlands Overlook, Boicourt Overlook, Coal Vein Trail, Buck Hill Trail.
- South Unit Scenic Drive. Notable stops include River Bend Overlook (my favorite), Oxbox Overlook, Caprock Coulee Trail (more involved hike), Cannonballs, Sperati Point.
- Stargazing. No light pollution so very clear skies.
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