Where is Theodore Roosevelt National Park,Medora, North Dakota?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in North Dakota, USA. It lies between Medora and Watford City and is situated in the Badlands region of western North Dakota. It is famous for its rugged landscapes, wildlife like bison and prairie dogs, and scenic drives.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Location Map,Medora, North Dakota

Top Attractions Inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park

  • Painted Canyon Visitor Center – Panoramic views and information about the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
  • Scenic Loop Drives – Routes offering breathtaking views of badlands, prairies, and wildlife.
  • Wildlife Viewing – Opportunities to see bison, elk, prairie dogs, and wild horses.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails ranging from short walks to challenging hikes through canyons and ridges.
  • Little Missouri River – Scenic river running through the park ideal for photography and reflection.
  • Historical Sites – Sites related to Theodore Roosevelt’s ranching life and conservation efforts.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Facts

Official NameTheodore Roosevelt National Park
LocationMedora, North Dakota, USA – Western North Dakota, Badlands region
Latitude & Longitude46.9650° N, 103.5380° W
Total Area~70,446 acres (≈285 km²)
Established / OpenedSeptember 21, 1947
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS)
RegionWestern North Dakota, Badlands, near the Little Missouri River
Address315 2nd Avenue W, Medora, ND 58645, USA
Zip Code58645
Area Code701
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptBadlands landscapes, wildlife preservation, prairie ecosystems, history of Theodore Roosevelt, outdoor recreation
Main Sections / DistrictsSouth Unit (Medora), North Unit (near Watford City), Elkhorn Ranch Unit (historical site)
Famous AttractionsScenic drives, Painted Canyon, Wind Canyon, wildlife viewing (bison, elk, wild horses), Elkhorn Ranch historic site, hiking trails
Annual Visitors~500,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Vehicle or Individual Pass Required
Ticket Price Range$30 per private vehicle (7-day pass); $15 per motorcycle; $15 per individual pedestrian/cyclist
Ticket OptionsPrivate Vehicle Pass, Motorcycle Pass, Individual Pedestrian/Bicycle Pass, Annual National Parks Pass
Best Time to VisitLate Spring (May–June) and Fall (September–October) for wildlife viewing and mild weather
Nearby AirportWilliston Basin International Airport (ISN) – 110 miles (177 km); Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) – 250 miles (402 km)
TransportationCar / Parking, Scenic Drives, Hiking Trails, Ranger-led Tours, Wildlife Viewing
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

Distances from Theodore Roosevelt National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Medora, ND – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Painted Canyon Visitor Center – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Maah Daah Hey Trail – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Little Missouri River – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Badlands National Park – 150 km (93 mi)
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site – 210 km (130 mi)
  • Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center – 190 km (118 mi)
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Medora Musical – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Elkhorn Ranch – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Watford City, ND – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Little Missouri National Grassland – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Killdeer Mountains – 120 km (74.5 mi)
  • Missouri River – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Marmarth, ND – 190 km (118 mi)
  • Long X Visitor Center – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Peterson Farm – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Burnt Ranch – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Medora-to-Bowman Scenic Byway – 80 km (49.7 mi)