Top Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Countries
What to do and see in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The Best Nature & Parks
70,448 acres along the Little Missouri River.
1. Oxbow Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
The ease with which wildlife can be seen in this part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is matched only by zoos.
Reviewed By krogersku - Johnston, United States
The Oxbow Overlook is at the end of the 14 mile road in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Bathroom facilities are available. Three picnic tables are at the site. The only issue with having a picnic there is the strong prairie wind. If you are going to eat a picnic lunch there plan accordingly with your food choices. The views as expected are fantastic.
2. Caprock-Coulee Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Take this self-guiding hiking trail through the North Dakota wilderness; at just under five miles in length, it won't wear you out.
Reviewed By gingersnaps527 - Spearfish, United States
This is a beautiful and, as it turned out, an exciting hike. We were hiking and taking plenty of photos on the well-maintained trail. On the way back, we spotted three buffalo on the trail. The buffalo saw us as well. We hike up a ridge and waited them out. This was a good lesson for me as I wore regular tennis shoes rather that hiking boots. There was a ton of cacti everywhere on the ridge. Always be prepared even if you think you're going on an easy hike!
3. South Unit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 241 reviews
Popular area of the park for hiking and horseback riding.
Reviewed By dreamspeaker - Middleton, United States
We spent a few hours here on our way out to Yellowstone NP from Wisconsin, thinking it would be a pleasant diversion that would only merit a couple hours. We vastly underrated this park. Even doing a whirlwind tour (driving as much of the loop as we could, part was washed out, and taking two short hikes), it took us about 4 hours, which we were happy to spend. We could have enjoyed it for much longer. This national park has a little bit of everything - bison, prairie dogs, badlands, wild horses, windswept trees and prickly pear cactus, and we even saw a dung beetle! Driving the loop road is very pleasant. I don't think we spent enough time to ensure these were the BEST hikes, but we did hike out onto a trail that poked out into a canyon, and also did the coal vein hike which was very nice because hardly anyone else was out there. My only tip is to be aware of wildlife. On the coal vein hike, we had to stop because a bison was on the path between us and our car and we kept a good distance of at least 25 yards like we were supposed to. Bison can be very dangerous. Apparently, the tourists who pulled in while we waited to proceed were unaware of this and proceeded to approach the bison from behind to try to touch it. Thankfully, the bison only glared at them, but don't do this. Bison are dangerous animals when provoked.
4. North Unit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
One half of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, separated from the rest of the park by almost 50 miles.
Reviewed By pasweet - Dayton, United States
I find it interesting to read the reviews that tout either the north or south unit of the park as best. They each have their good points. I would recommend going to the south unit visitors center first as it is more complete. There is no prairie dog town in the north section and the south has several huge active towns. We saw more animals in the south but we did see several herds of buffalo in the north including some animals very near the road. Three things the north unit uniquely has include: —way fewer people — cannon ball concretions which are very cool structures —the most popular view in all of North Dakota which includes the little Missouri River and the badlands. In fact this view was a contributing factor in this land becoming a federal park (according to the park ranger) In my view both sections offer unique natural experiences and everyone who can should visit both
5. Peaceful Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Built in 1885, this valley was once the site of a booming horse ranch; now, it's a place for reflection and the observation of nature as a scenic looking point in Teddy Roosevelt National Park.
6. Buckhorn Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
An 11-mile hiking trail featuring a wild prairie dog town - they may look cute but these critters bite!
7. Sperati Point Trail
8. Ridgeline Nature Trail
9. Talkington Trail
An 8.2-mile trail through the Teddy Roosevelt National Park.
10. Jones Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
