A photograph of the Elkhorn Ranch taken by Theodore Roosevelt in 1886.

Are any buildings left at the Elkhorn Ranch?

No, this 30' x 60' structure is no longer standing. Theodore Roosevelt's "home ranch" was built during the fall of 1884 and spring of 1885. It was abandon during the early 1890s. As was customary at the time some of the lumber was recycled and used to help construct other nearby buildings. A fire may have also played a roll in its disappearance. By 1901 the ranch house had disappeared except for a couple of rotted logs and the large sandstone rocks used for the foundation.

Champsosaurus and other fossils on display at the South Unit Visitor Center

Can fossils be found in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes. Swamps and lush forests once dominated the landscape. The park has one of the largest petrified forests in the U.S. and extensive paleontological deposits from the Paleocene era.  In addition to several plants and freshwater snails species, vertebrate fossils include crocodile-like creatures called champsosaurs, crocodiles and alligators, turtles and fish.    

A total of 42% of the park is legislative wilderness

How much of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is wilderness?

A total of 29,920 acres, or 42%, of this 70.447-acre national park is legislative wilderness. The smaller 24,070-acre North Unit has 19,410 acres in wilderness while the 46,159-acre South Unit has 10,510 acres in wilderness.

The park offers both short nature hikes as well backcountry trail opportunities

Are there hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

There are almost 100 miles of trails in the park. Some are short walks less than one mile while others are several miles and can take two days to complete. Hikers and horseback parties who wish to camp overnight in the backcountry must register at either the South or North Unit visitor centers and obtain a free backcountry use permit. A free backcountry guide is also available. In addition to the established trail system, visitors have the opportunity to travel crosscountry in the park.

Bruce Kaye

Theodore Roosevelt National Park with its three units is 70,446.89 acres in size

How big is Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Total Acreage                  70,446.89
Total Federal                   69,702.12
Total Nonfederal                  774.77
By Unit
    South Unit                  46,158.57
    North Unit                  24,070.32
    Elkhorn Ranch                 218.00

Total Wilderness Acreage 29,920.00
   By Unit
    South Unit                  10,510.00
    North Unit                  19,410.00