Theodore Roosevelt National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt first came to the badlands on a hunting trip in September 1883. He was enchanted by the landscape and its wildlife. TR invested in two cattle ranches, the Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn. The experience was influential on his life, philosophy, and politics. "I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota," he said.

Maltese Cross Cabin

Built during the winter of 1883-84, the Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first home in Dakota Territory. Guided tours of TR's cabin are scheduled daily mid-June through Labor Day. It is open for self-guided viewing the rest of the year.
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Theodore Roosevelt as a young cowboy in Dakota Territory, 1880s

Theodore Roosevelt as an 1880s Rancher

When twenty-four-year-old Theodore Roosevelt stepped off the train in Dakota Territory in September 1883, he brought with him a keen sense of adventure and wonderment. Today, the park provides an opportunity to learn about an environment and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation.
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		The Badlands Of Theodore Roosevelt National Park The colorful Little Missouri River Badlands provides the scenic backdrop to the park which memorializes the 26th president for his enduring contributions to the conservation of our nation's resources. more...

		Wildlife The Little Missouri River has shaped the land that is home to a variety of prairie plants and animals including bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, elk, mule deer and wild feral horses. more...

Write to

Superintendent
PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information - South Unit Visitor Center
(701) 623-4730 ext. 3417

Visitor Information - North Unit Visitor Center
(701) 842-2333

Fax

(701) 623-4840

Climate

Summers are warm with temperatures in the 80s and 90s with several days in the 100s. Evenings can be cool. Average maximum: July is 87.1 degrees and August is 86.7 degrees. Average minimum: July 54.5 degrees and August is 52.4 degrees. Annual precipitation is 15 inches.

Winters are cold and windy with brief warming spells. Snow accumulation is generally minimal although occasional heavy snows are possible.