"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 comprised of three areas: South Unit, North Unit  and Elkhorn Ranch Unit.  View map

South Unit
The South Unit entrance is in Medora, ND.  Medora is accessible via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27 in North Dakota.  Medora 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 on I-94 at Exit 32.

North Unit
The North Unit entrance is along U.S. Highway 85, approximately 16 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles.  I-94 travelers can access U.S. Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.

Elkhorn Ranch Unit
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 fording the Little Missouri River.  Ask a ranger at one of the park visitor centers for information on traveling to the Elkhorn Ranch Site before you attempt the journey.

Seasonal Road Closures
Park roads may be closed in winter due to snow or icy conditions.  Check the current park road status and North Dakota highway status prior to your visit.