Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in western North
Dakota and comprises of three geographically separated areas of
badlands. This National park was named
for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, in honor of his
achievements in conservation as president and for the
landscape's influence on his life. The park covers 110 square
miles of land in three sections: the North Unit, the South Unit,
and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.
The park's larger South Unit lies alongside Interstate 94 near
Medora, North Dakota. The smaller North Unit is situated about
80 miles north of the South Unit, on U.S. Highway 85, just south
of Watford City, North Dakota. Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch is
located between the North and South units, approximately 20
miles west of US 85 and Fairfield, North Dakota. The Little
Missouri River flows through all three units of the park. The
Maah Daah Hey Trail connects all three units.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wildlife
One of the most popular attractions in the park is wildlife
viewing. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to a wide
variety of Great Plains wildlife including bison, feral horses,
elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer and mule deer, prairie
dogs, and at least 186 species of birds including golden eagles,
sharp-tailed grouse, and wild turkeys. Bison may be dangerous
and visitors are advised to view them from a distance. Bison,
elk, and bighorn sheep have been successfully reintroduced to
the park.
