Theodore Roosevelt National Park, est. Nov. 10, 1978
You might be wondering why a park named after the "Conservation President," he established 18 units of the NPS and created the Antiquities Act, took so long to have a park named in his honor. There is a rich history, much debate, creation of parts of the park under both state, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service, before it finally came in agreement to create a National Park in his honor. To date, this is the only National Park named solely for one person. If interested, you can read the history of creating this park by following this link The History of TRNP.
I felt that this park deserved its own blog because it is made up of 3 separate units, its aesthetic value, and the park we most looked forward to visiting. Our 4 days here didn't disappoint. We spent 2 days visiting the North Unit and 2 days visiting the South Unit, which are 68 miles apart and each have their own uniqueness.
North Unit
Our first day in the North Unit we arrived with camper and pups in tow. There is a 14 mile (one way) scenic drive that hosts the "Grand Canyon" of North Dakota. We just kept saying "wow" with each new overlook. We tried our best to just stop and take it all in, which wasn't hard because there was so much to take in. We were greeted by the park ambassadors, a few of the 300 head of Bison that make the North Unit their home.
We returned at 8AM on day 3 to do a few short hikes (it was 90 by 9AM), and let the boys (Doug and Brodey) climb and explore, while Dunovan and I just enjoyed sitting and soaking in the vistas.
Note: All of these photos of Bison were taken from inside our truck because the Bison where right along the road. #1 Rule- Do Not Pet The Fluffy Cows.
A video of some of the herds we came across in the North Unit.
Canyon Ball Concentration
"The large round rocks littering the ground and protruding from the butte...were not carried here by flowing water or glaciers, they formed within the sediment layers of the badlands. Now, erosion is slowly exposing [them]. Notice how some cannon balls have completely eroded out of the butte while others are just being exposed. Even more lie deep within the rocks layers, yet to be revealed." ~NPS.gov
This was a unique area. Not only to see but for Brodey and my big kid, Doug, to climb.
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| Doug and Brodey climbed up to the top of the Cannonball area. |
Buckhorn Trail
We left from the Cannonball area to hike on Buckhorn Trail.
River Bend Overlook
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| See the Blue and Red dots, that's Doug and Brodey. |
Oxbow Overlook
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| Looking for Bighorn Sheep. We never found them. There are about 40 in the park. |
South Unit
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| Maltese Cross Cabin, found at the entrance to the South Unit. This was one of TR's cabins, originally located 7 miles north. He lived here occasionally in the mid-20s. |
We stayed less than a mile from the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP in Medora, ND. A very small, western-ish town. It has 3 restaurants, a couple of ice cream parlors, one that made fresh scones every morning (Note: they open at 7 and you need to get their early because they sell out fast!), and some clothing stores and touristy shops. They are also known for their Western Musicals, shown nightly but we opted out of going, and Western Museum, which we also didn't visit.
We did drive through and explore the park all four nights we were here, Doug and I did one early morning visit (after we got our scones!) , and Brodey and Doug explored for almost 5 hours one day (too hot at 98 for me and Dunovan). This unit is different than the North Unit. More plains areas, 500 head of Bison, many Prairie Dog Towns, wild horses, petrified wood and much more. There is 36 mile loop in the park but 12 miles of it is closed for construction. At this time you have to drive the 24 miles out and back.
Note: Again, we did not approach any Bison but took pictures from our truck. I did try and get close to a prairie dog but they are fast!
Bison
This guy, which Brodey named Napoleon, was hanging out one evening in one of the Prairie Dog Towns. We stayed a safe distance from him so we could take a few pictures.
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| Brodey is taking this senior picture thing very seriously. |
Prairie Dog Towns
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| Coyote stalking Prairie Dog Town, he quickly left. |
These next two are babies, and their mama took good care of them to keep them away from me. Note: They are still grey they are so young.
This video show young siblings playing, the mom of the above young protecting her young, then an adult yelling at us/ warning others that we are there.
Theodore Roosevelt visited and stayed here but never lived here. It is currently being assessed as to what its role will be in the future.
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| Brodey thought it was funny that he was taller than this door. |
Old East Entrance Station
Doug and Brodey found the Old East Entrance while out exploring. This entrance was built in 1938 as part of a Great Depression project but was later moved to Medora in 1968.
Artifacts found while hiking
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| Bison Skull |
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| Rattlesnake skin |
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| Young Elk Antler |
Views from around the South Unit
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| Dunovan |
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| Brodey |
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Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Painted Canyon Visitor Center is the 2nd visitor center in the South Unit of the park. There is a gift shop, trail heads, and some awesome views. There are no roads into the park from this visitor center.
Elkhorn Ranch
35 miles north of Medora, along a rustic gravel road is the third unit of TRNP. This is where Theodore Roosevelt's Ranch stood. We did not visit this 3rd unit of the park. Currently the only thing left is the foundation of his home. You can learn more about Elkhorn Ranch by following this link. Elkhorn Ranch
Final Night
Our final night in Theodore Roosevelt ended with a sunset drive. The Cooks give this park all 8 of our thumbs up! Definitely the gem of North Dakota and worthy of a return trip someday.
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