Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Rock formations and petrified wood in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

One of thousands of prairie dogs in North Dakota.

Scoria Point during a sunset.

North Dakota's colorful and desolate Badlands is the setting for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park memorializes the 26th President's efforts to conserve the nation's natural and cultural resources.

In the 1880s, Roosevelt spent time at his cattle ranch here in the Little Missouri River Badlands. During that time, he witnessed disappearing wildlife and wildlife habitat due to abuse of public land. He saw the decline of bison, elk and bighorn sheep and watched the depletion of rangeland due to uncontrolled cattle grazing.

In the North Unit of the park, a 14-mile scenic drive, nature trails and backcountry trails lead visitors to the dry gulches and wilderness of this wild and remote region.

In the South Unit, one of Roosevelt's former ranch cabins is next to the visitor center. This unit has a 36-mile scenic drive, self-guided trails that identify the badlands' distinctive features and several popular backcountry routes. Backcountry camping requires a free permit.

Canoe trips on the Little Missouri River, in season, are an ideal way to experience the beauty and solitude of this region.

The park is open year-round, but with limited services from October through April.