Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves three areas of rugged, beautiful badlands in southwestern North Dakota. It was established in honor of the landscape's influence on Theodore Roosevelt who, as a young man, hunted and ranched in the Little Missouri Badlands.
The park is open year-round.
Scenic drives explore the colorful landscape and usually offer glimpses of bison, prairie dogs, deer, and more.
Hiking trails range from paved walking paths to rugged wilderness routes.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota.
There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
An entrance fee is required to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park year-around. Fees are collected at entrance stations May through September and in visitor centers the rest of the year. The park does not issue timed entry permits. Self-pay stations are available when visitor centers and entrance stations are closed. Passes can be purchased online. The South Unit entrance station is in the town of Medora. The North Unit entrance station is 15 minutes south of Watford City. During the winter season (usually October through May) entrance fees can be paid or passes presented in the South or North Unit Visitor Center. If the visitor center is not open, there is a drop box near the flagpole where entrance fees can be deposited.
A small visitor center is located at the park entrance for visitors to the North Unit. Speak with a ranger, receive assistance with any trip planning needs, obtain a backcountry permit, purchase a souvenir at the bookstore, or watch the park film, Refuge of the American Spirit. Restrooms are available at this location.
Current Hours (WINTER HOURS (NOVEMBER - JUNE))
November 1–May 30
Sunday and Monday:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday-Thursday:Closed
Friday and Saturday:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Winter hours are typically observed from November until mid-June.
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Visitor Center is open.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
WINTER HOURS (NOVEMBER - JUNE)
November 1–May 30
Sunday and Monday:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday-Thursday:Closed
Friday and Saturday:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Winter hours are typically observed from November until mid-June.
Rangers staff the desk, assist visitors with trip planning, and issue backcountry permits. Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, located just outside, is open for self-guided tours year-round. Ranger-led cabin tours are offered in the summer. The park film, Refuge of the American Spirit, shows in the theater. A bookstore sells books, postcards, and more. A museum houses artifacts from Theodore Roosevelt's presidency and time in the badlands.
Current Hours (WINTER HOURS (November - May))
November 1–May 24
Every Day:8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Winter hours are typically observed November through mid May.
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
South Unit entrance adjacent to the town of Medora. The South Unit Visitor Center is open for park passes and book store sales.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
SHOULDER SEASON HOURS (Late Summer / Fall)
August 10–November 1
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Fall hours are typically observed late summer though October.
WINTER HOURS (November - May)
November 1–May 24
Every Day:8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Winter hours are typically observed November through mid May.
Features: Panoramic views, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, staffed information desk, exhibits and displays, gift shop, picnic shelters, drinking fountain, vending machines, public telephone, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Closed today
Current Hours (WINTER CLOSURE (NOVEMBER 2 - MAY 2))
November 2–May 2
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–4:30 PM
The Painted Canyon Visitor Center operates primarily in the summer months and is closed in the winter months.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Shoulder Season (May 3 - May 24)
May 3–May 24
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Closed for Staff Training
May 21–May 21
Every Day:Closed
Painted Canyon Visitor Center will be closed May 21 for all staff training. Normal hour will resume the next day, May 22.
Shoulder Season (August 10 - November 1)
August 10–November 1
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
WINTER CLOSURE (NOVEMBER 2 - MAY 2)
November 2–May 2
Every Day:Closed
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
Closed
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2026
Closed
Washington's Birthday
February 16, 2026
Closed
Labor Day
September 1, 2025
9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Columbus Day
October 13, 2025
9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Veterans Day
November 11, 2025
Closed
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
Public WiFi is not available.
Cellular Access should not be depended upon in the park. Verizon and AT&T are somewhat reliable in the North Unit and South Unit (in higher ground locations). Elkhorn Ranch Unit is extremely remote and no cellular service is accessible.
