National park · North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The only U.S. national park named for a single person — the North Dakota badlands where a grieving TR ranched after his wife and mother died on the same day in 1884, shaping his conservation ethic.

Entrance
$30 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Established
April 25, 1947
Region
Great Plains & Heartland
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park patch

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History

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only American national park named after a single person, honoring Theodore Roosevelt's connection to the area where he sought solace after personal tragedies. It reflects his influence on conservation policies during his presidency and his love for the rugged landscapes of the West.

Key events

  1. Roosevelt first visited the North Dakota badlands in 1883 to hunt bison, which ignited his passion for the region.
  2. After the deaths of his mother and wife in 1884, Roosevelt returned to North Dakota to heal and later established the Elkhorn Ranch.
  3. The park was designated as the Roosevelt Recreation Demonstration Area in 1935 before becoming a national memorial park in 1947.
  4. The park's bison population was reintroduced in 1956 as part of ongoing conservation efforts to restore the species.
  5. The park features approximately 100 miles of trails and received 850,000 visitors in 2021.

Trails

  • Caprock Coulee Loop 4.3 mi · Moderate
  • Wind Canyon Trail 0.4 mi · Easy
  • Painted Canyon Nature Trail 0.9 mi · Easy
  • Achenbach Trail 16 mi · Hard
  • Boicourt Trail 2.8 mi · Moderate

Plan your visit

Hours · Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Open 24 hours, every day

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $30
  • Motorcycle $25
  • Per Person $15

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Summer. Best hiking weather, all facilities open, longest days
  • Fall. Bison rutting season, cooler temps, fall colors
  • Spring. Baby wildlife, wildflowers, pleasant temps
  • Winter. Snow-covered badlands, solitude, wildlife more visible

Wildlife

BisonFeral horsesPrairie dogsElkPronghornCoyotesMule deerBald eagles

Nearby patches

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