South Unit Visitor Center
Your essential starting point for Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, offering exhibits, ranger advice, and access to the historic Maltese ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
South Unit Visitor Center
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your essential starting point for Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, offering exhibits, ranger advice, and access to the historic Maltese Cross Cabin.
"A great visitor center with helpful staff and engaging exhibits, perfect for planning your park adventure."
Fill Up Water Bottles 💧
Refill your water bottles at the visitor center before heading out; amenities are scarce in the park.
Junior Ranger Program 🌟
Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities, a fun way to engage them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interpretive Exhibits
South Unit Visitor Center
Learn about Teddy Roosevelt's life and the park's unique badlands ecosystem through engaging displays.
Maltese Cross Cabin
Behind the Visitor Center
Step back in time at Teddy Roosevelt's historic North Dakota cabin, a tangible link to his ranching days.
Park Film
Visitor Center Theater
A recent and informative 17-minute film provides a great overview of the park's history and natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visitor Center First Stop
Plan for Road Closures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Fill Up Water Bottles 💧
Refill your water bottles at the visitor center before heading out; amenities are scarce in the park.
Junior Ranger Program 🌟
Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities, a fun way to engage them.
Check Road Status 🗺️
Inquire about any road closures before you drive the scenic loop to avoid disappointment.
Ranger Talks are Great! 🗣️
Attend ranger talks for in-depth insights into the park's history and wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
Fill Up Water Bottles 💧
Refill your water bottles at the visitor center before heading out; amenities are scarce in the park.
Junior Ranger Program 🌟
Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities, a fun way to engage them.
Check Road Status 🗺️
Inquire about any road closures before you drive the scenic loop to avoid disappointment.
Ranger Talks are Great! 🗣️
Attend ranger talks for in-depth insights into the park's history and wildlife.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the South Unit Visitor Center a helpful starting point for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, appreciating the informative exhibits and the historical Maltese Cross Cabin. Rangers are consistently praised for their knowledge and helpfulness. While the visitor center itself can get crowded, it's considered a valuable resource for planning your park adventure.
"We did not visit the centre, we visited the park. It is possibly my favourite place on earth. Bison, horses and more. Stunning scenery too. So peaceful. Plus the antics of the prairies dogs."
gaynor henry
"Nice little visitor center, not too busy for a July 4. Had a tour of their interpretive center, like 15-20 mins about Teddy Roosevelt and his time as a rancher. The young intern who gave us the tour was great. Also listened to Ranger Sidney who gave a talk about the Maltese Cross Cabin and she was quite good and very knowledgeable. Watch the 17 min movie about the park and pretty recent and informative (some parks have their interpretative movies a little old some time…) Kids got their junior ranger badge!"
Patrick Tanguy
"The South Unit Visitor Center at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the natural first stop for those entering the park from Medora. The visitor center does get busy, so be prepared for a lot of people in a smaller space.
Start with the park film shown in the theater, and then make your way through the interpretive exhibits to learn more about the park and Teddy Roosevelt. The Maltese Cross Cabin, one of Teddy's homes from North Dakota, has been relocated behind the visitor center.
There is a gift shop and clean restrooms. Make sure you fill your water bottles here before venturing into the park.
The Rangers on duty were helpful in recommending longer hikes for us, giving directions to remote trailheads, and answering our questions.
The parking lot is a decent size but doesn't have a lot of space for RVs or trailers. Since the visitor center is immediately adjacent to Medora, you could park your rig on one of the side streets in Medora and just walk over."
Dawn J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The South Unit Visitor Center is located near Medora, North Dakota. If you're driving from Medora, it's a very short drive. Parking can be limited, especially for RVs or trailers, so consider parking in Medora and walking over if needed.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can get crowded, particularly during peak times. Larger vehicles like RVs and trailers may find it challenging to park.
Absolutely! The visitor center is adjacent to Medora, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying in town or have parked your vehicle there.
From I-94, take exit 24 for US-85 South towards Medora. Continue on US-85 S and follow signs for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The South Unit Visitor Center will be on your right.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The visitor center itself is free to enter. However, to drive the scenic loop road within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you will need a park entrance pass.
Visitor center hours can change seasonally. As of November 3rd, they are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mountain Time. It's always best to check the official NPS website for the most current hours.
Entrance fees vary by vehicle type and pass duration. You can purchase a 7-day pass or an annual pass. Check the NPS website for current pricing.
Yes, you can typically purchase park entrance passes at the South Unit Visitor Center. It's a convenient place to get your pass before exploring the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore interpretive exhibits about Teddy Roosevelt and the park, watch an informative park film, visit the relocated Maltese Cross Cabin, and get advice from knowledgeable rangers.
The visitor center offers ranger-led talks and tours, including insights into Teddy Roosevelt's life and the park's history. The Maltese Cross Cabin also has talks.
Keep an eye out for bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, and various bird species. The best viewing opportunities are often along the scenic loop drive.
Yes, the South Unit offers stunning badlands scenery, historical insights into Teddy Roosevelt's life, and opportunities to see wildlife. It's a great introduction to the park.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars are great for wildlife viewing.
📸 📸 Photography
The badlands formations themselves offer incredible photographic opportunities. The scenic loop drive provides numerous pull-offs with dramatic vistas. The Maltese Cross Cabin also makes for a picturesque subject.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer colors that highlight the badlands' textures.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the visitor center exhibits for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the displays. Always check for signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When exploring the scenic loop, look for opportunities to spot wildlife like bison and prairie dogs, which are always a hit with kids. Short, easy hikes like the Painted Canyon Nature Trail are manageable for little legs. Be prepared for potential weather changes, as thunderstorms can occur, as experienced by one family on a road trip.
🚗 Road Trippers
If you're traveling with an RV or trailer, be mindful of parking limitations at the visitor center. You might need to park in Medora and walk over.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the South Unit Scenic Loop
Wildlife sightings are common along the loop. Keep an eye out for bison grazing in the valleys, prairie dogs popping out of their towns, and various bird species. The best times for wildlife viewing are typically early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, several hiking trails branch off from the scenic loop. These range from short, easy walks to more strenuous backcountry treks. Popular options include the Petrified Forest Trail and the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, offering opportunities to get up close with the unique geology and flora of the badlands.
Teddy Roosevelt's Legacy in Medora
The Maltese Cross Cabin, relocated behind the visitor center, offers a tangible glimpse into Roosevelt's life as a rancher. Visitors can tour the cabin and learn about his daily routines and the challenges he faced. Ranger-led talks at the visitor center often delve into Roosevelt's time in the Dakotas, his political career, and his lasting impact on conservation in America.
Roosevelt's time in the badlands instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature, which he later championed as President. His efforts led to the establishment of national parks, forests, and monuments, preserving vast tracts of wilderness for future generations. Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a journey into the landscapes that inspired one of America's most influential presidents.
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