Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Preserves the rugged badlands of North Dakota, where Theodore Roosevelt developed his conservation ethic. It's a prime location for viewing bison, wild...

Theodore Roosevelt National Park at a Glance

Location
Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains, United States, North America
Coordinates
46.970000, -103.450000
Area
285 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Nearest airport: Boyd's Turf Airport, 36 km away.

Nearest international airport: Williston Basin International Airport (XWA), 145 km away.

Weather & Climate in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The warmest temperatures in Theodore Roosevelt National Park occur in July, averaging 22.9°C (up to 29.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at -6.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 11.8mm. Average humidity: 70.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -6.0°C (rainfall: 11.8mm)
  • February: -5.5°C (rainfall: 14.7mm)
  • March: -1.2°C (rainfall: 15.3mm)
  • April: 4.3°C (rainfall: 46.0mm)
  • May: 12.8°C (rainfall: 76.7mm)
  • June: 19.4°C (rainfall: 44.6mm)
  • July: 22.9°C (rainfall: 33.3mm)
  • August: 21.9°C (rainfall: 45.6mm)
  • September: 17.6°C (rainfall: 25.9mm)
  • October: 8.1°C (rainfall: 35.3mm)
  • November: -0.0°C (rainfall: 11.9mm)
  • December: -5.2°C (rainfall: 21.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The best months to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -6.03°C, rainfall 11.8mm, sunshine 5.9 hrs, humidity 70.7%
  • February: Good, temperature -5.53°C, rainfall 14.7mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 62.2%
  • March: Good, temperature -1.17°C, rainfall 15.3mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 62.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 4.35°C, rainfall 46mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 57%
  • May: Good, temperature 12.78°C, rainfall 76.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 58.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 19.42°C, rainfall 44.6mm, sunshine 13.2 hrs, humidity 55.5%
  • July: Great, temperature 22.91°C, rainfall 33.3mm, sunshine 13.8 hrs, humidity 54.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.86°C, rainfall 45.6mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 54.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 17.55°C, rainfall 25.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 52.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 8.11°C, rainfall 35.3mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • November: Good, temperature -0.02°C, rainfall 11.9mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 65.1%
  • December: Good, temperature -5.19°C, rainfall 21.5mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 69.3%

Wildlife in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Home to 23 recorded species including 8 birds of prey, 8 waterbirds, 3 big herbivores, 2 iconic birds, 1 predators, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Based on average temperature of 7.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 60%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 7°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

7 safari lodges available.

luxury

mid-range

Other

budget

Similar Parks in Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains

Visitor Tips - Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a profound sense of solitude amidst its dramatic badlands, where we love watching wild horses and bison roam freely across the expansive prairie. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the rugged landscape in hues of orange and purple, making every visit feel like stepping back in time. We recommend exploring the less-visited North Unit for its rugged beauty and excellent chances to spot large bison herds.

Gate Times

Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, near Medora, and North Unit, near Watford City, are generally open 24 hours a day, year-round for scenic drives. However, visitor center hours vary seasonally, typically from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, with extended hours in summer and reduced hours in winter. We recommend checking the official park website for current visitor center schedules and any road closures, especially during winter when snow and ice can impact access. An entrance fee is required, and we advise purchasing it online or using an America the Beautiful pass; no advance booking is needed for park entry itself, but campground reservations are essential.

Tipping

In US National Parks, tipping park rangers is not customary or expected. However, if you engage a private guide for activities like horseback riding or specialized tours outside the immediate park service, we recommend tipping 15-20% of the service fee for excellent service. For any lodging staff in nearby towns, standard hospitality tipping practices apply.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Theodore Roosevelt National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park for wildlife viewing and comfortable exploration?

The best times to visit are typically spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these seasons, temperatures are milder, making hiking and scenic drives more enjoyable, and wildlife like bison, elk, and wild horses are often more active and visible. Summer can be very hot, while winter brings significant snow and cold.

What unique activities can I experience at Theodore Roosevelt National Park beyond typical scenic drives and wildlife spotting?

Beyond driving the scenic loops, the park offers extensive hiking trails through its rugged badlands, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. You can also enjoy ranger-led programs, horseback riding, and due to its low light pollution (crowding level 1/5), it's an excellent location for stargazing and astrophotography.

What are the typical entrance fees and accommodation options when planning a trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park typically costs around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or you can use an America the Beautiful annual pass. For lodging, the charming town of Medora, adjacent to the South Unit, offers hotels and restaurants, while both the North and South Units have campgrounds available for a fee.

Given the moderate malaria risk mentioned, what specific health precautions should I take when visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

While located in North Dakota, the provided context indicates a moderate malaria risk. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider regarding appropriate prophylaxis before your trip and to use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk, to mitigate any potential risk from mosquitoes.

What are the best strategies for spotting the park's iconic wild horses and bison, and what safety measures should I observe?

Wild horses are most reliably found in the South Unit, particularly along the scenic loop drive, often near the Peaceful Valley area. Bison roam both units but are frequently seen grazing in open grasslands; look for them early mornings or late afternoons. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards from bison and wild horses, and 100 yards from predators like coyotes or bobcats.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.