"I grow very fond of this place, and it certainly has a desolate, grim beauty of its own, that has a curious fascination for me."

                                                                           Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota. The park is split into 3 separate units: South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch and North Unit.

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The South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch and North Unit are in western North Dakota.

The South Unit entrance and South Unit Visitor Center are located in Medora, just off Interstate 94 (exits 24 & 27) and is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line.

The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is located 7 miles east of Medora just off I-94 at exit 32.

The North Unit entrance is located 16 miles south of Watford City along Highway 85. The distance between the South Unit at Medora and the North Unit is 70 miles via I-94 and Highway 85.

NOTE: The last 7 miles of the North Unit's Scenic Drive are closed for repair. Visitors may drive from the visitor center to the Caprock Coulee pullout and can still access Juniper Campground. Entrance fees are not being charged during the closure which may last through October 2008.

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is located 35 miles north of Medora. Access to the site is via gravel roads. Approaching the site from the east requires a ford across the Little Missouri River. Stop at one of the park visitor centers for detailed directions, road conditions, and river depth before attempting to drive to the Elkhorn area.

Public Transportation

Plane
Air service is available into the western North Dakota towns of Bismarck, Dickinson and Williston.

Bus
Bus transportation via Rimrock Inc. is available along I-94. The bus stops in Medora, three blocks from the park's South Unit entrance.

There is no public bus transportation along Highway 85 and to the North Unit.

Train
Train service via Amtrak is available into Williston, ND.