Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
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Rolf Blauert


Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a national park in western North Dakota. Comprising three separate parts, this 70,448-acre (285 sq km) park preserves the badland landscape of the state. It was named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt who was so influenced by the badland landscape that he become more environmentally sensitive due to it.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park comprises the North Unit, South Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The main portion of the park is the South Unit. It is 80 mi (130 km) to the north of the South Unit, on US Highway 85, while the Elkhorn Ranch, which once belonged to President Roosevelt, is 20 miles (32 km) to the west of US Highway 85.

All three units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park are linked by the Maah Daah Hey Trail while the Little Missouri River flows through all of them.

Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin
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Theodore Roosevelt went to the North Dakota badlands in September 1883. His original purpose was to hunt bisons. He soon fell in love with the landscape of North Dakota, which moved him to purchase a ranch, the Maltese Cross Ranch, and started another, the Elkhorn Ranch. He wrote about his life in the outdoors in many newspapers and magazines on the East Coast.

The harsh winter of 1886-1887 killed many of his cattle, but it was also a catalyst in enhancing environmental awareness in him. The experiences he gained in North Dakota were influential in his pursuit of conservation policies when he was elected as the President of the United States for two terms, from 1901 to 1909.

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is noted for its scenic drives. There are also some 100 miles of foot and horse trails. The park is rich in wildlife, counting among them bisons, feral horses, elks, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer and prairie dogs, among others. There are 186 species of birds including golden eagles and wild turkeys.

Feral horses, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

The South Unit is reached from Medora, North Dakota. To reach Medora, turn off Interstate 94 at at either Exit 24 in the west and Exit 27 in the east. It is just 7 miles east of the Painted Canyon Visitor Center.

The North Unit is reached on US Highway 85, about 50 miles north of Belfield and 16 miles south of Watford City. Elkhorn Ranch Unit is 35 miles north of Medora. It is reached from a gravel road - get details from the visitor center.

The South Unit Visitor Center is open all year round from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm MT with extended hours in summer. Entrance fees for non-commercial cars are $10.00 per vehicle inclusive driver and passengers, valid for 7 days.

List of National Parks in the United States

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