What to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with Kids
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The North Dakota Badlands are an incredible place to spend the summer.
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The sandstone formations take you to another time on the earth.
If you’re looking for what to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with kids (or without!), you’re in the right place. The rugged North Dakota badlands are expansive and isolated. Here you will find bison, wild horses, wild rivers, prairie dogs, elk, and a wild part of yourself you didn’t know existed. The surprisingly colorful Badlands terrain is dry and rough; a result of wind and erosion that erases soft sediment, scrubbing the land to a polish. The park is named for the president who established five national parks and birthed the country’s conservation movement. It was here that Teddy practiced what he called, “the strenuous life,” as he lived on his ranch in the North Dakota wilderness. Theodore Roosevelt was designated a National Park on November 10, 1978. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is visited by approximately 600,000 people annually and is made up of about 70,448 acres of protected land. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this unique National Park.
"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm.”
— President Theodore Roosevelt
Every visitor to Teddy Roosevelt National Park should make a stop at one of the three visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. The South Unit Visitor Center, Painted Canyon Visitor Center, and North Unit Visitor Center are all currently open for the public, but know that the North Unit operates on Central Time while the South Unit operates on Mountain time. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
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When to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Summertime Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s busiest and warmest season. The temperatures can reach into the 90’s and a few days while we were there in early July, it reached 102*F. This time of year the park is fully open; trails, visitor centers, Ranger-led activities, etc. Between these months you’ll be able to get the full outdoor experience. If you’re in North Dakota in the summer, check out my guide for a Road Trip through Northern North Dakota!
Winter is very very cold, but is also absolutely gorgeous. The town of Medora does close down quite a bit during this time, but they do still offer a few year-round lodging options. North Dakota winters are notorious for being brutal. If you visit in winter, be prepared with snowshoes, lots of layers, crampons for icy conditions, tire chains for the snow, etc. I was stationed in Minot, North Dakota for 2 years and we frequently saw temperatures in the negatives.
The average annual weather for Theodore Roosevelt NP — reference COURTESY of google.com
How to get to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Teddy Roosevelt National Park is absolutely amazing and if you’re in North Dakota already, it’s pretty convenient to get to. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo! (This one is in Painted Canyon)
Bismarck to Theodore Roosevelt National park is 2 hours
How far is Theodore Roosevelt National Park from Fargo? 4 hours, 45 minutes
Badlands National Park to Teddy Roosevelt National Park is 4 hours, 40 minutes
Rapid City to Theodore Roosevelt National park is 3 hours, 50 minutes
Bozeman to Teddy Roosevelt National park is 6 hours, 10 minutes
Yellowstone National Park to Teddy Roosevelt National Park is about 6 and half hours.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located right along I-94.The easiest way to visit Theodore Roosevelt is to fly into Fargo or Bismarck, North Dakota. However, it can be pricey & there are limited rental cars in the area. If you want to fly in, be sure to book far in advance to secure your rental car. The closest town with a hotel is Medora, North Dakota and I highly recommend visiting this amazing little town.
READ NEXT: Pinnacles National Park with Kids
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
South Unit Visitor Center
Entrance Fee
Private Vehicle: $30. Valid for 7 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Motorcycle: $25. Valid for 7 days: Admits one non-commercial motorcycle to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians are per person: $15. Valid for 7 days. Admits one individual with no car to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Book your entry pass in advance online at Recreation.gov or Buy an Annual Pass to all of the U.S. National Parks HERE for only $80. Unlimited access for 12 months.
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Where to Stay in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Teddy Roosevelt National Park Lodging:
The sandstone badlands above the grasslands
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Lodges:
There are no lodges inside of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Check out the town of Medora for amazing places to relax and rejuvinate!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: All of our blogs on South Dakota
Some of teddy roosevelt National Park’s wild horeses
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Campgrounds:
There are 2 regular campgrounds located inside Teddy Roosevelt National Park. Below are some short descriptions with links to each one.
Site 21 At cottonwood campground, south unit
Campground in Teddy Roosevelt North Unit
Juniper Campground: All regular sites are first-come, first-served. This 50 site campground can host tents and RVs. There is potable water available in the campground seasonally. The campground does have seasonal flush toilets, but no showers. There are no RV hook-ups in this campground. There is a seasonal dump station available.
Cost: $30 per site per night
Campground in Teddy Roosevelt South Unit
Cottonwood Campground: Half the sites are by reservation only while all remaining sites are first-come, first-served. This 76 site campground can host tents and RVs. There is potable water available in the campground seasonally. The campground does have seasonal flush toilets, but no showers. There are no RV hook-ups in this campground. There is no dump station available.
Cost: $38 per site per night
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
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Where to Stay Outside of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We stayed for 4 nights at elkhorn quarters in a family room
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has many options for staying outside the park. Almost all of them are going to be in Medora, North Dakota.
Recommended Campground Near Teddy Roosevelt National Park:
Medora Campground: The Medora Campground includes 150 campsites nestled under large cottonwood trees along the Little Missouri River. The campground can host tents or RV campers and does offer sites with full hook ups. It also has on-site cabins available for guest to book. Medora Campground also offers free Wi-Fi and has a playground for kids! We stayed here in 2010 and it was extremely convenient to the park and to the town of Medora.
Recommended Hotels Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
Elkhorn Quarters: This brand new “tiny house style” lodging is located less than 1 mile from the park entrance with hiking trails co-located on the property. Elkhorn Quarters is also the most economical and family-friendly lodging property in Medora. Be sure to check out the spacious family rooms! The property also has a private pool area and free Wi-Fi. If you want to stay in the heart of Medora and right at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is the spot for you!
Other Recommended Hotels in Medora, North Dakota:
Use the map below to find a hotel that fits your family size and budget.
the kids loved to beat the heat in the evenings at the elkhorn quarters pool!
What to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with Kids
The kids at painted canyon
1) Hike
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has hiking for any ability. With so many mountains and lake shores, there is easy hiking to very strenuous depending on what you’re looking for.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Latham looking at the teton range from the shore of string lake
Boicourt Overlook Trail: (South Unit) This very easy 0.2 mile nature trail is the perfect spot to watch the sunset!
Wind Canyon Trail: (South Unit) This easy 0.4 mile nature trail leads hikers up a canyon. Hikers are rewarded with views of the Little Missouri River. Pro-Tip: This spot is great for viewing sunsets!
Skyline Vista Trail: (South Unit) This very easy 0.1 mile nature trail leads hikers up to Johnson’s Plateau. It is a paved trail.
Ridgeline Trail: (South Unit) This easy 0.6 mile nature trail does have some steep grades, but it takes hikers through grasslands and badlands. Use the brochure to get a better explanation of the ecology and wildlife as you walk.
Buck Hill: (South Unit) This easy 0.2 mile trail takes hikers up to the highest point in the park. It’s short, but steep. However, the sweeping views from the pinnacle are worth it!
Coal Vein Trail: (South Unit) This easy 0.8 mile trail takes hikers to an old Coal Vein. Use the brochure to learn more about the geology and ecology of this protected part of the Badlands.
Little Mo Trail: (North Unit) This easy 1.1 mile nature trail takes hikers down to the Little Missouri River. The National Park Service offers a trail brochure for hikers to take along and learn about the ecology during the hike.
The kids hiking along wind canyon trail
Best Hikes for Kids in Teddy Roosevelt National Park:
The kids hiking along painted canyon trail
Painted Canyon Trail: (South Unit) This moderate 0.9 mile nature trail does have a steep incline. However, this trail gets hikers up close with wildlife and the rocks of the badlands.
Sperati Point: (North Unit) This easy 1.5 mile trail takes hikers to an overlook over the Little Missouri River. This is a classic prairie hike!
Caprock Coulee: (North Unit) This easy 1.5 mile Nature trail takes hikers through the North Dakota Badlands. Follow the guide to learn about the Ecology along the trail. **For a longer option, continue past the first .75 miles and climb the grassy butte to get some incredible views of TRNP. This extra piece of the hike will make the total 4.3 miles.
Prairie Dog Town Trail: (North Unit) This easy 1.5 mile trail leads hikers to an actual prairie dog town. This is an excellent hike for spotting wildlife!
latham at sperati point
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Teddy Roosevelt National Park:
We hiked around some badlands near wind canyon trail
Petrified Forest Loop: (South Unit) This moderate 10.3 mile trail takes hikers through and ancient petrified forest and through the badland wilderness. This is a loop trail.
Lone Tree Loop: (South Unit) This moderate 9.6 mile trail starts at the Ekblom trail. This trail takes hikers along a streams and is a great option for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Buckhorn Trail: (North Unit) If you want to get up close to prairie dogs and an nature, this hike is for you. It is a moderate 11.4 mile trail that takes hikers through sagebrush terraces and deep canyons.
Achenbah Trail: (North Unit) This strenuous 18 mile hike takes hikers through 2 river crossings and has many steep climbs and descents. This hike takes you deep into the wilderness, so be prepared before you begin.
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The kids playing on the banks of jenny lake
2) Ranger Program
I am no park ranger, but I also lead hikes
If there is one main “must do” in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it’s to join one of the many free Ranger Led programs. These programs are seasonal but are packed with amazing information about the ecology, geology, and history of this amazing park.
Tours of Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin (South Unit)
Geology Talk (Painted Canyon)
Guided Hikes (North and South Unit)
Nightly programs are offered at both Juniper and Cottonwood Campground amphitheaters.
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3) Elkhorn Ranch
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only National Park in the United States named after a person and for good reason. President Roosevelt found solace in the North Dakota Badlands after losing his young wife and mother on the same day. He fled to North Dakota to become a rancher. Here he owned 2 different ranches. Elkhorn Ranch is an intentionally remote ranch where the young President took to cattle ranching in his time of great grief.
Today, you can visit the remains of Elkhorn Ranch and experience for yourself how gorgeously remote it’s location is. Not much remains here except the foundation. **There are no facilities and limited wi-fi in this part of the park, so come prepared with ample water
The north dakota badlands are vast and isolating. Some, like teddy roosevelt, come here for that reason.
4) Float the Little Missouri River
Many avid kayakers and canoers head to North Dakota to experience the journey of floating from North or South on the Little Missouri River. The Little Missouri is one of the longest and wildest rivers in the United States. This long journey is 268.5 miles, but don’t worry! You can do smaller sections! If you’re planning a through kayaking trip (the whole thing) or want more information on the smaller sections, click HERE.
Missouri Kayak Adventures offers shorter trips that are more suited for families and day adventueres — check them out HERE.
the sunrise hikes in teddy roosevelt national park are stunning
5) Theodore Roosevelt Junior Ranger
Theodore Roosevelt’s newest Junior rangers
It’s easy to become a Junior Ranger in Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Pick up one of the Junior Ranger workbooks from any of the Visitor Centers. Then, head out to explore the park’s ecology, animals, and history! Once the book is complete, head back to a visitor center where a park ranger will check your work in the booklet, give the oath, and then present the coveted Junior Ranger Badge!
Check out the Junior Ranger page to learn more!
READ NEXT: What to do in Badlands National Park with Kids
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6) Take a Scenic Drive
The kids and i at the oxbow overlook - a stunning look down into the north dakota badlands
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is absolutely stunning to see in person. One of the best ways to get acquainted with this park is by doing one of the 2 designated scenic drives.
South Unit Drive: This 36-mile drive takes visitors from the town of Medora on a winding loop drive through the stunning North Dakota Badlands. We did this drive a sunrise and were amazing ad the volume of wildlife we saw. We saw 3 groups of wild horses, 2 giant herds of Bison, and endless prairie dogs and rabbits. This drive is also where you’ll find all of the major trailheads and gorgeous overlooks in the South Unit. I recommend doing the entire loop first to decide where you want to spend your time.
North Unit Drive: This 14-mile scenic drive is an out and back drive, so it ends up being 28 miles total. This drive is a great way to get acquainted with this section of the National Park. The first half of the road follows the bottom of the badlands. Midway through, it crawls up out of the canyon to the North Unit's most iconic view, River Bend Overlook. From there, it's an easy drive along the rim of the badlands to Oxbow Overlook at the road's end. All of the North Unit trailheads and overlooks are directly off this drive, so you can drive to the end first to decide where to stop.
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6) Explore Medora
Medora is a must visit when making the trek to theodore roosevelt national park
I was hosted by Visit Medora in 2021, but all opinions are my own — I also visited Medora on my own in 2010 and fell in love.
Medora is the town where you will find the South Entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A huge part of this National Park is Teddy’s life in and love for this park. Medora is a living historical relic of this past time. If you love digging into history, I highly recommend watching the Theodore Roosevelt Show, paying a visit to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, a visit to the Joe Ferris General Store. Theodore Roosevelt used to stay in the upstairs apartment of this General Store before he had his own ranch! If you want to see a well-preserved home from the time of Teddy Roosevelt being in North Dakota - make a visit to Chateau De Mores. Here at the Chateau, you will see a full hunting room similar to one that Teddy himself would have used before his long hunts. A huge part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is understanding the lifestyle of the cowboys who worked to tame this land and Medora captures that perfectly. If you can, I highly recommend spending a few extra days exploring here! DO NOT MISS the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Fondue!
Visit chateau de mores to see how life in badlands was during teddy’s time in nd
We got to meet teddy after his show
Theodore Roosevelt National Park named after the nation's "Conservation President" and it has the same effect on visitors today. It’s uncrowded trails and roads, amazing vistas, wide-open spaces and views of wild horses and bison roaming free, the park is much like it was when Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the North Dakota Badlands. History stands still here in North Dakota and it’s here that you will find a Wild West experience unlike any other in the world. No matter whether you camp inside the park or stay nearby in Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the perfect adventure for all ages.
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