Welcome to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We would love to meet you in person at one of our three visitor centers. Below is a list; check out the location, hours of operation, and amenties offered at each location. See you soon!
North Unit Visitor Center
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.
Physical Address
208 Scenic Drive Watford City, ND58854-9327
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7 Medora, ND58645
The North Unit entrance is on U.S. Highway 85, approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles. I-94 travelers can access U.S. Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.
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.
North Unit Visitor Center and park sign at TRNP. NPS Photo
Park sign at entrance to the North Unit of TRNP. NPS Photo/K. Kitzhoffer
South Unit Visitor Center
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.
Physical Address
201 East River Road N. Medora, ND58645
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7 Medora , ND58645
The South Unit Visitor Center is located at the entrance to the park's scenic loop drive in the town of Medora, ND.
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.
South Unit Visitor Center celebrating annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival. NPS Photo
Native plant garden in front of the South Unit Visitor Center of TRNP. NPS Photo/L. Thomas
Park sign at entrance to the South Unit Visitor Center parking lot of TRNP. NPS Photo
Painted Canyon Visitor Center
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.
Physical Address
Exit 32 Hwy 94, ND58645
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7 315 Second Avenue Medora, ND58645
Take exit 32 from Interstate 94. The rest stop off of the highway includes two buildings. One is a visitor center and one includes restrooms, as well as a scenic overlook.
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.
