Library of Congress January 20, 2025On Inauguration Day, we look back to the inauguration of our park's namesake President. Theodore Roosevelt's 1901 inauguration was a significant moment in American history, as it marked the beginning of his presidency after the assassination of William McKinley. Roosevelt took the oath of office on September 14, 1901, in a relatively simple ceremony at the Ansley Wilcox House in Buffalo, New York, as McKinley had been shot earlier that month and died from his injuries. At just 42 years old, Roosevelt became the youngest president in U.S. history. His inauguration symbolized the dawn of a new era, and his energetic approach to the presidency soon became evident in his reform-oriented agenda. Theodore Roosevelt would go on to serve two terms as President (1901-1908) and run for a third term under his "Bull Moose" party in 1912. 
NPS / Noah Greene January 19, 2025The first Fee Free Day of 2025 is here!In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all National Park Service units will be waiving entrance fees tomorrow, January 20th. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of our national parks and reflect on the day’s significance. 
NPS January 18, 2025Have you ever driven through the park and wondered, "What is that big black line running through the landscape?" If you have, then you've seen one of the park's coal veins!Coal veins are a common geological occurrence in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but how did they get there? Millions of years ago, this area of North America was a vast, swampy expanse. Trees, such as bald cypress and sequoia, thrived in this moist environment. As plant material from these trees and other plants fell into the water, they formed a dense layer of vegetation known as peat. Over time, overlying sediments that also settled in the water put pressure on and compacted the peat, causing chemical changes that transformed it into a soft, woody-textured material known as lignite. These lignite coal veins are present throughout the landscape and can be anywhere from an inch thick to multiple feet! 
NPS January 14, 2025Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the prairie dog town.The American badger doesn't always look so unkempt. Lots of people (us included) find them rather cute. But, just like any other wildlife species, they prefer to be left alone. Cuddly creature? Definitely not. Badgers are aggressive, solitary animals, who prefer to take their naps in peace. They're mostly nocturnal, which means you won't find them wandering along a trail in the middle of the day. After their beauty sleep, they climb out of their burrows to feed on other burrowing animals, like prairie dogs and other small rodents. Their long front claws allow them to dig into the burrows of their prey with ease, making it rather easy to find a midnight snack. They've also been observed hunting alongside coyotes for food, proving that teamwork really does make the dream work. Remember to always stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away while observing wildlife in the park. 
NPS January 11, 2025Even in winter, you have to admit the scenery here is "butte"-iful. The landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are magnificent no matter the season, so come pay us a visit! Check the park website for news and weather updates to ensure you have full access to everything the park has to offer! 
NPS January 10, 2025Oh deer...It appears this white-tailed deer found one of our trail cameras. But wait, doesn't this park have mule deer? The truth is we have both. While mule deer are seen most often at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, white-tailed deer can sometimes make an appearance. But wait (you say again), how can I tell the difference between the two? One of the best ways to identify which deer you're looking at is their tails! Mule deer have a small white tail with a black tip, while white-tailed deer have a fluffy, white underside of their tail. 
NPS January 9, 2025Today we mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. During his tenure, President Carter more than doubled the size of the National Park System through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, setting aside more than 43 million acres of national park land in the Last Frontier.
NPS / Stephen January 8, 2025The North American Porcupine is found across most of Canada, Upper Great Lakes region, New England and the Western United States in forests, shrubby deserts and grasslands. The porcupine is the second largest rodent in North America (behind the beaver), usually weighing between 10-20 pounds, although some may be larger. This slow-moving, short-legged creature is covered with long black hair and barbed quills. Despite common belief, porcupines do not actually "launch" their quills; rather, they are loosely attached and can be released as a defense mechanism if attacked or harassed by a predator. Porcupines are good climbers and can often be found in trees. How much time is spent in trees is highly dependent on food sources and predators. In places where ground cover is scarce, offering little food and shelter, porcupines will spend more time foraging and sheltering amongst the canopies. Have you seen a porcupine in Theodore Roosevelt National Park? 
NPS January 7, 2025Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Annual Winter Bird Count in 2024! We recorded 16 total species in the North Unit and 28 total species in the South Unit. Birds such as the American Robin, White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Shrike, and Bald Eagle were spotted in both units. Also impressive was the sighting of 4 Red Crossbills in the South Unit; the only other time this species was recorded during the annual count was in 1975! We look forward to seeing what our results look like at the end of 2025! 
NPS / IMG January 6, 2025During the cold winter season, bison develop thick, woolly coats that help protect them from freezing temperatures and harsh winds. It is said that a bison's winter coat is so thick and provides insulation so effective that when snow accumulates on its coat, it will not melt from the heat of the bison's skin. Their skin also thickens in response to cold temperatures and fatty deposits appear to insulate the animal.This is important because during winter storms, bison will actually turn toward the storm, hunker down, and wait for it to pass. Bison also have the ability to use their large head and massive neck and shoulder muscles as snow plows to forage in snow as deep as four feet! 
NPS January 5, 2025When you're camping in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you may see a flash of bright red in the trees or hear fast drumming and a shrill screech off in the distance. If you witness either of these, you may be in the presence of a male Red-headed Woodpecker, one of many bird species present in the North Dakota badlands! Today is National Bird Day, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park has a lot of birds. From Bald Eagles to Chipping Sparrows, Canada Geese to Wild Turkeys, there's always a birdwatching adventure when you visit! Even in winter, birds are out basking on the buttes, so grab a pair of binoculars and get to birdwatching! 
NPS / Sydney Honn January 4, 2025It's World Braille Day and we want to take the opportunity to highlight our braille transcriptions of the park brochure! Everyone deserves to be able to learn about the broken badlands that Roosevelt himself admired, so stop into the North and South Unit visitor centers to borrow a copy! 
NPS / Martin January 4, 2025Arguably, the most famous reference to "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" in pop culture was showing the approach of a Tyrannosaurus rex in the 1993 film Jurassic Park in the rearview mirror or "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are," performed by Meat Loaf. Frequently Asked Questions: Bison How big is a bison? The bison is the largest land mammal in North America. Males (bulls) weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg), females (cows) weigh about 1,000 pounds (500 kg). How fast can a bison run? Faster than you. A bison is agile and quick and can run up to 35 miles per hour (55 kph). A bison can also pivot quickly—an advantage when fighting predators that aim for hindquarters. 
NPS January 1, 2025Happy New Year from Theodore Roosevelt National Park! As we step into a new year, we reflect on the breathtaking beauty of the North Dakota Badlands, the rich history of this land, and the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt himself. In 2025, let’s celebrate the untamed spirit of adventure, the power of nature, and the promise of new discoveries. Whether you're hiking the trails, spotting wildlife, or enjoying the park's peaceful solitude, may this year bring you closer to the beauty that is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt |
Last updated: January 21, 2025