The trail has steps that take you down into the canyon. Hike the mile-long Painted Canyon Nature Trail to see the layers from up close. This unique region was created due to continuous erosion by the wind and the water, similar to the other areas in the park.īut here, you can spot multiple layers of red, brown, orange, and white rock formations.įrom the Painted Canyon Overlook, you can see the incredible view spread over miles and miles of badlands. The Painted Canyon abounds with stunning geological beauty. Located right on the I-94, this non-fee area is the best place to experience the badlands in as little as one to two hours. The park’s Painted Canyon Visitor Center is one of the most accessible areas of the park. See the myriad of colors from Painted Canyon Overlook Here are some of our favorite things to do in the national park we have tried to cover the attractions in all three units so it will help in your trip planning. Inside the park, visitors will find miles of hiking and biking trails, equestrian trails, rock climbing, camping, and photography opportunities. Needless to say, the park has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. North Dakota’s only national park not only has 3 units but also covers over 70,446 acres.
If you have just one day to explore the park, we would recommend visiting the south unit but if you have more time be sure to check out the more wild and less crowded north unit as well – it’s totally worth the trip! Theodore Roosevelt National Park has stunning landscapes and plenty of wildlife Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park Another less-visited area is the Petrified Forest trail in the south unit. The North Unit is about an hour and a half away from Dickinson while the Elkhorn Unit is halfway between both the units. The South Unit is the most popular one due to its accessibility from I-94 and its proximity to Medora, a charming small town that makes a perfect place to stay and explore the park. The park is divided into 3 units: the South Unit, North Unit, and the Elkhorn Unit. The park preserves his legacy and visitors can learn a lot about him at the Visitor Center museum.įun Fact: Did you know that the badlands in western North Dakota are often referred to as the ‘other badlands’? The most popular badlands in the world are located inside the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. His time in North Dakota is also said to have influenced his conservationist policies. Roosevelt spent several years as a rancher in the park’s wilderness and considered the experience as instrumental to becoming the 26th President of the USA.
Named after US President Theodore Roosevelt, the national park shares a special connection with him. Located in western North Dakota, the park has a stunning landscape of eroded geological landforms. Theodore Roosevelt National Park has long been on our bucket list because of its rugged Badlands formations and abundant wildlife. Planning a trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and looking for things to do on your visit? Read our Theodore Roosevelt National Park travel guide to see the highlights in a day including Chateau de Mores Historic Site, Painted Canyon, Prairie Dog Town, and Oxbow Overlook.