Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
Experience the rugged beauty of North Dakota's badlands, a haven for bison, wild horses, and Theodore Roosevelt's legacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is active, fewer crowds
Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
Best Time
Wildlife is active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the rugged beauty of North Dakota's badlands, a haven for bison, wild horses, and Theodore Roosevelt's legacy.
"Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an enchanting landscape where bison, antelope, and wild horses make home."
🚗 Scenic Drive Views
The North Unit Scenic Byway offers stunning vistas. Take your time and stop at overlooks .
🥾 Hike with Caution
Some trails, like Wind Canyon, can be challenging. Be prepared with water and sturdy shoes .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wild Horse Sightings
North and South Units
Witness majestic wild horses roaming freely across the rugged landscape. A truly unforgettable sight!
Bison Herds
Throughout the park
Majestic bison are a common sight, often seen grazing near roads and visitor centers. Keep a safe distance!
Painted Canyon Overlook
South Unit
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the colorful badlands, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Prairie Dog Towns
Various locations
Observe the charming and busy prairie dog colonies as they scurry and interact. A delight for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
North vs. South Unit: Which to Choose?
+1 The South Unit is more popular, featuring a scenic drive and closer wildlife encounters, especially wild horses.Wildlife Etiquette is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive Views
The North Unit Scenic Byway offers stunning vistas. Take your time and stop at overlooks.
🥾 Hike with Caution
Some trails, like Wind Canyon, can be challenging. Be prepared with water and sturdy shoes.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Bring a zoom lens for incredible wildlife shots. Patience is key for the best encounters.
💧 Stay Hydrated
North Dakota can be hot and dry. Carry plenty of water, especially when hiking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive Views
The North Unit Scenic Byway offers stunning vistas. Take your time and stop at overlooks.
🥾 Hike with Caution
Some trails, like Wind Canyon, can be challenging. Be prepared with water and sturdy shoes.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Bring a zoom lens for incredible wildlife shots. Patience is key for the best encounters.
💧 Stay Hydrated
North Dakota can be hot and dry. Carry plenty of water, especially when hiking.
🎟️ Park Pass Value
A one-week vehicle pass is cost-effective if you plan to explore both units.
🚫 Respect Wildlife
Never feed animals. Maintain a safe distance for your safety and theirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit for its stunning badlands scenery, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the opportunity to see wild horses and bison up close, and appreciate the park's status as an underrated gem. Some note that while beautiful, it's a more rugged experience compared to the South Unit.
"A tribute to Roosevelt and our country's past wisdom to set aside lands for conservation so that generations could enjoy their beauty and revitalizing abilities to our spirits.
Consisting of buttes, hoodoos, grasslands, and the Little Missouri River running through it, this park is an enchanting landscape where bison, antelope, wild horses, and other animals make home.
In the South Unit of the park, Wind Canyon especially has stunning views, as does Painted Canyon. Cottonwood Campground abuts the Little Missouri River as another place for picture taking.
Grateful for this and other National Parks. May we preserve them naturally for all generations hence."
Dancing Dolphin
"In August 2025, we visited the South Unit Visitor's Center at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. In the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there is a North Unit and a South Unit, and each Unit has their own Visitor's Center. In the South Unit, there is a 22 mile scenic drive with several scenic spots. We loved the scenery as we drove on this 22 mile scenic drive. The National Park Service intends to complete the scenic drive into a loop circle, and construction is underway. The South Unit Visitor's Center has many clever and colorful displays, including a log cabin outside. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is amazing and memorable."
John Cutler
"Good park to stop by and drive through. The prairie dog colonies are fun to stop by. We found a few bison at the visor center and one at the prairie colony. Nature Trail Hike outside the Painted Valley Vistor Center was difficult as you have to descend into a canyon. Other hikes where fairly quick."
Craig Hanus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Unit is accessible via US Highway 85, north of Watford City, North Dakota. It's about an hour's drive from the South Unit.
Yes, the North Unit features a 29-mile scenic byway that winds through the badlands, offering numerous pull-offs for viewing and photography.
Yes, you can drive between the two units, but it's a significant distance, about an hour and a half to two hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
The closest town to the North Unit is Watford City, North Dakota, which offers lodging, dining, and services. Medora is the main town for the South Unit.
Absolutely! Even a few hours driving the scenic byway will give you a taste of its unique badlands beauty and wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees apply to both the North and South Units. A standard vehicle pass is valid for 7 days for both units. Check the official NPS website for current fees.
No, advance booking is not typically required for park entry. You can purchase your pass at the entrance station or visitor center upon arrival.
Visitor center hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Theodore Roosevelt National Park website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and days.
Yes, America the Beautiful passes are accepted, which cover entrance fees for a year to all national parks. This is a great option if you plan to visit multiple parks.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open year-round, but services and road accessibility may be limited during winter months. The North Unit's scenic drive is generally accessible.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the scenic drive, abundant wildlife like wild horses and bison,
You have a high chance of seeing bison, wild horses, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for elk and deer as well.
Yes, the North Unit offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging backcountry routes. The Buck Hill trail offers great views.
Definitely! The dramatic badlands scenery, diverse wildlife, and open skies make it a photographer's paradise, especially during the golden hours.
Yes, there are restrooms and picnic areas located at various points along the scenic drive and at the visitor center. Some restrooms are porta-potties.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape and wildlife photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues.
A telephoto lens (200mm or longer) is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive badlands landscapes.
Many overlooks along the scenic drive provide excellent photo opportunities. The views from Buck Hill and along the Little Missouri River are particularly striking.
Yes, wild horses are a common sight and a popular subject for photographers. Remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing them.
Beyond bison and horses, look for prairie dogs, unique badlands formations, and the winding Little Missouri River. The stark beauty of the landscape itself is a subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The prairie dog towns are a guaranteed hit, providing endless amusement as the little critters pop in and out of their burrows.For a more engaging experience, consider short, easy hikes like the Buck Hill trail for great views without being too strenuous. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife by keeping a safe distance. The park's natural beauty and the chance to see bison and wild horses up close make for an educational and memorable family trip.
🚗 Road Trippers & Solitude Seekers
Travelers who appreciate solitude will find the North Unit particularly appealing. It's often described as more peaceful and less developed than the South Unit, offering a chance to truly connect with nature without the hustle and bustle.
+1 The park's vastness and dramatic scenery provide a perfect backdrop for reflection and enjoying the open road.📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
The chance to capture wildlife like bison and wild horses in their natural habitat is a major draw.Bring your telephoto lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for the sweeping vistas. The park's diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to river valleys, provide a rich subject matter. The relative lack of crowds means you can often set up your shot without interference, allowing for a more immersive and creative experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the North Unit Scenic Byway
Unlike the South Unit, the North Unit is often described as more rugged and less developed, providing a sense of solitude and raw natural beauty.As you drive, you'll encounter numerous pull-offs and overlooks, each presenting a unique perspective of the sculpted landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for bison grazing in the valleys and wild horses trotting across the distant hills.
The byway is also a fantastic place to spot prairie dogs near their bustling towns.Popular stops along the byway include Buck Hill, which offers a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint, and various points along the Little Missouri River. The byway eventually loops back, making it a convenient way to experience the core of the North Unit's stunning scenery without extensive hiking.
Wildlife Encounters: Bison, Horses, and More
often grazing peacefully in meadows or near the scenic drive. These majestic creatures are a powerful symbol of the American West and a highlight for many visitors.Perhaps even more iconic to this park are the wild horses that roam freely. Seeing these beautiful animals against the backdrop of the badlands is a truly special experience.
Social media content often captures these horses, sometimes even allowing them to approach vehicles (though maintaining a safe distance is crucial). Other common sightings include pronghorn antelope, deer, and the ever-entertaining prairie dogs.When observing wildlife, always remember the park's guidelines: maintain a safe and respectful distance (at least 25 yards from bison and elk, 100 yards from bears and wolves, though bears are rare here). Never feed the animals, as it disrupts their natural behaviors and can be harmful to their health.
The Underrated Beauty of the North Dakota Badlands
This stark, sculpted terrain creates a dramatic and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The vibrant hues of the soil, especially during sunrise and sunset, paint a breathtaking panorama that photographers and nature lovers alike will cherish.
The relative lack of crowds in the North Unit enhances this feeling of discovery and allows for a more intimate connection with the natural environment.Many visitors express surprise at the sheer beauty and scale of the North Dakota badlands, often finding it a refreshing change from more crowded destinations. It's a place that truly embodies the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt's love for the wild, offering a profound sense of peace and awe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit