Last updated: April 10, 2021
Thing to Do
Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Historic photo taken by Theodore Roosevelt
The Elkhorn Ranch may seem like a long drive for little reward; after all, the cabin no longer stands, with only foundation stones remaining. However, make the trip, and you'll find yourself in one of the most peaceful parts of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Roosevelt established the Elkhorn after the tragic loss of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884. Looking for somewhere more quiet and remote than the Maltese Cross Cabin, with its relative proximity to Medora, Roosevelt headed north, eventually choosing a spot that spanned the Little Missouri river. This location and the house he built there became a retreat for him. Take a moment and stand atop one of the foundation stones while visiting and imagine what Roosevelt's ranch life might have been like.
"My home ranch-house stands on the river brink. From the low, long veranda, shaded by leafy cotton-woods, one looks across sand bars and shallows to a strip of meadowland, behind which rises a line of sheer cliffs and grassy plateaus. This veranda is a pleasant place in the summer evenings when a cool breeze stirs along the river and blows in the faces of the tired men, who loll back in their rocking-chairs (what true American does not enjoy a rocking-chair?), book in hand--though they do not often read the books, but rock gently to and for, gazing sleepily out at the weird-looking buttes opposite, until their sharp outlines grow indistinct and purple in the after-glow of the sunset." - From Hunting Trips of a Ranchman by Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt established the Elkhorn after the tragic loss of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884. Looking for somewhere more quiet and remote than the Maltese Cross Cabin, with its relative proximity to Medora, Roosevelt headed north, eventually choosing a spot that spanned the Little Missouri river. This location and the house he built there became a retreat for him. Take a moment and stand atop one of the foundation stones while visiting and imagine what Roosevelt's ranch life might have been like.
"My home ranch-house stands on the river brink. From the low, long veranda, shaded by leafy cotton-woods, one looks across sand bars and shallows to a strip of meadowland, behind which rises a line of sheer cliffs and grassy plateaus. This veranda is a pleasant place in the summer evenings when a cool breeze stirs along the river and blows in the faces of the tired men, who loll back in their rocking-chairs (what true American does not enjoy a rocking-chair?), book in hand--though they do not often read the books, but rock gently to and for, gazing sleepily out at the weird-looking buttes opposite, until their sharp outlines grow indistinct and purple in the after-glow of the sunset." - From Hunting Trips of a Ranchman by Theodore Roosevelt.
Details
Duration
3-6 Hours
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is remote, located between the North and South units. Visitors should plan for a drive of approximately 90 minutes each way, with time to hike and explore at the Elkhorn unit itself.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Elkhorn Ranch Parking Area
The Elkhorn Ranch is a remote unit, located between the North and South units of the park. Reaching the Elkhorn Ranch requires a drive of approximately 90 minutes each way, mostly on gravel roads.
Driving from the North Unit to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
- Take US 85 north (left). Travel 13.8 miles to Watford City.
- Turn left at the light to stay on US 85. Travel 16.5 more miles on US 85.
- Turn left onto ND-68 W. Travel 16.7 miles.
- Turn left onto ND-16 S. Travel 31.4 miles.
- Turn left on Black Tail Road/FH 2 (gravel).
- Travel 12.2 miles.
- Turn right on Bell Lake Road (still FH 2).
- Travel 3 miles.
- Staying on FH2, turn left towards the USFS Elkhorn Campground. Follow FH2 for 3 miles, continuing past the campground and MDHT trailhead to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area.
Driving from the South Unit to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
- Take I-94 westbound to exit 10.
- At the end of the exit ramp, turn right on County Road 11 (gravel). Follow County Road 11 for 8.8 miles.
- Turn right on Westerheim Road. Follow Westerheim road for 6.5 miles.
- Turn left on Bell Lake Road. Follow Bell Lake Road for 11.7 miles.
- Turn right onto FH2 towards the USFS Elkhorn Campground. Follow FH2 for 3 miles, continuing past the campground and MDHT trailhead to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area.
Driving from the North Unit to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
- Take US 85 north (left). Travel 13.8 miles to Watford City.
- Turn left at the light to stay on US 85. Travel 16.5 more miles on US 85.
- Turn left onto ND-68 W. Travel 16.7 miles.
- Turn left onto ND-16 S. Travel 31.4 miles.
- Turn left on Black Tail Road/FH 2 (gravel).
- Travel 12.2 miles.
- Turn right on Bell Lake Road (still FH 2).
- Travel 3 miles.
- Staying on FH2, turn left towards the USFS Elkhorn Campground. Follow FH2 for 3 miles, continuing past the campground and MDHT trailhead to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area.
Driving from the South Unit to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
- Take I-94 westbound to exit 10.
- At the end of the exit ramp, turn right on County Road 11 (gravel). Follow County Road 11 for 8.8 miles.
- Turn right on Westerheim Road. Follow Westerheim road for 6.5 miles.
- Turn left on Bell Lake Road. Follow Bell Lake Road for 11.7 miles.
- Turn right onto FH2 towards the USFS Elkhorn Campground. Follow FH2 for 3 miles, continuing past the campground and MDHT trailhead to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The Elkhorn Ranch unit is a remote, 218-acre site with a flat 0.7 mile mowed trail leading to the former location of the Elkhorn Ranch cabin. The ground can be slippery in inclement weather. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.