The National Park Service is partnering with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to loan artifacts and interpretive materials from national park collections as the new library honoring America’s 26th president prepares to open July 4, 2026, during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Beginning May 1, 2026, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Entrance fees and other in-person sales will be processed using mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets. The transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, and improves accountability.
The public reopening of an iconic roadway was celebrated today in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the approximately $51 million South Unit Scenic Loop Road rehabilitation project featured remarks by U.S. Senator John Hoeven, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, National Park Service Regional Director Bert Frost, and Park Superintendent Rachel Daniels.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park will host the Dakota Nights: Astronomy Festival on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23, inviting the public to celebrate the wonders of the night sky in a unique national park setting.
Love national parks? There's a holiday for that! National Park Week is happening April 19 to April 27 this year. Entrance fees will be waived on April 19, 2025, to kick off the celebration and to encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person.
On October 1, 2024, the rates for Theodore Roosevelt National Park campgrounds will change. Fee changes will include the Cottonwood Campground, Cottonwood Group site, Juniper Campground, Juniper Group site, and Roundup Group Horse Camp campground.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is excited to introduce the Junior Wilderness Ranger Program, launching on September 2nd. This new program is designed for both adults and children who are eager to explore, learn, and contribute to the protection of our natural landscapes.
Join us at Theodore Roosevelt National Park for Dakota Nights: Astronomy Festival, where the cosmos come alive under the pristine skies of the North Dakota badlands!
Earlier this spring, a male feral horse began entering Roundup Horse Camp, approaching campers and their riding stock, following riders down the trail, and interfered with the feeding and care of the camper’s horses.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park announced today that it is terminating the Livestock Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA). The decision was made after careful consideration of the information and public comment received during the EA process.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park will initiate a new online application process for the 2024 commercial operating season beginning February 1, 2024, until March 1, 2024.
A female visitor from Minnesota was severely injured by a bison at Painted Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, July 15. She was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Dickinson and was last reported to be in serious but stable condition.
The National Park Service is developing a Livestock Plan to address livestock, horse and cattle herds, within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, under relevant laws, regulations, policies, and park management priorities including the conservation of native species and natural prairie ecosystem functions.
MEDORA, ND: The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to develop a new livestock management plan (LMP) for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, to guide future management of horse and cattle herds at the park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park announces a virtual public meeting and comment period on a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) of the South Unit Loop Road Reconstruction Project.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is preparing a long-range comprehensive site plan for all developed areas of the park including: Painted Canyon Overlook, South Unit Entrance at Medora, North Unit Entrance, Peaceful Valley Ranch, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Watford City — Wintery weather conditions that developed over this weekend are a welcome sight to the firefighters that have been working the Horse Pasture Fire for the past week. The fire, currently mapped at 5,000 acres, is now 95% contained.
4/9/2021 – Fire activity on the Horse Pasture Fire remained high on Thursday, however no new growth was reported. Strong winds continued to be a challenge for firefighters, as they worked to keep the fire within established firelines. Flare ups were visible as large pockets of unburned fuel within the perimeter were consumed.
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is increasing recreational access and services.
Park staff have identified a large culvert failure at mile marker 12 on the South Unit Scenic Drive. Starting June 15th, the road will be closed at Wind Canyon for crews to replace the culvert and rebuild the road surface. This work is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Public Health Service, and the North Dakota Department of Health, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is resuming visitor access for recreational day use of trails, picnic areas, roads and backcountry camping.
Effective immediately, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will be closed to recreational use until further notice. The temporary closure includes visitor centers, facilities, trails, and campgrounds.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is announcing additional modifications to operations in response to guidance from federal, county, and local officials. As of April 4, 2020, park visitor centers, campgrounds, and a portion of the South Unit road are closed until further notice.
William Wren, from the McDonald Observatory at the University of Texas – Austin, will present a special program, “A Voice for Our Dark Skies: Preserving the Wonder and Awe,” on Thursday, August 29 at the Medora Community Center. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. MDT.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites curious minds of all ages to attend the seventh annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1. Join park rangers, astronomers, and space enthusiasts of all types to explore North Dakota’s beautiful night skies in the park.
Celebrate the birth of the National Park Service with a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Entrance fees will be waived in honor of the 103rd birthday of the National Park Service on Sunday, August 25, 2019.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites the public to the 35th Annual Badlands Star Party in the park’s North Unit on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3.
A visitor was injured by a bison in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, July 27. The victim, a 17 year old from Colorado, was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Bismarck. As the visitor is a juvenile, the name cannot be released.
A new National Park Service (NPS) study reports that visitors to North Dakota’s national parks spent $49.6 million dollars in nearby communities in 2018. Approximately 733,000 people visited Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, supporting 695 jobs in the surrounding areas and having a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $65.5 million.
A fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease of hibernating bats but not a direct health risk for humans, has been detected in North Dakota for the first time. The fungus was detected on one little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) that was captured on the night of May 6, 2019 within the boundary of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, during proactive WNS testing conducted by the National Park Service Northern Great Plains Network in collaboration with the University of Wyoming.
A 4.5 mile section of the Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is closed to motor vehicles indefinitely due to erosion failure.
In order to accommodate the busy Labor Day weekend, the road construction in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park will temporarily change.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the town of Historic Medora invite inquiring minds of all ages to attend the sixth annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 9. Join park rangers, astronomers, and space enthusiasts of all types to celebrate North Dakota’s beautiful night skies.
The National Park Service announced today that Theodore Roosevelt National Park will modify its entrance fees to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance needs to enhance the visitor experience, effective June 1, 2018.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites birding enthusiasts of all abilities to participate in the nationwide Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
MEDORA, ND: Celebrate the National Park Service birthday with a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Entrance fees will be waived in honor of the 101st birthday of the National Park Service, Friday, August 25, 2017.
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a proposed communications tower replacement in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites the public to the 32nd annual Badlands Star Party in the park's North Unit Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6.
The National Park Service has begun a pilot program to sell online electronic entrance passes to selected national park units through the "Your Pass Now" Program.
The National Park Service (NPS) will hold an open house meeting on Thursday, February 11 to gather public comments on the recently released Environmental Assessment (EA) for the replacement of the North Unit communications tower. The current tower provides communication functions essential to public safety and efficient operations for the park and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). It is located within the park boundary on the east side of Hwy 85 in McKenzie County, just north of the park entrance. The meeting will take place at the North Unit from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. CDT in the temporary visitor center building near the park entrance.
MEDORA, ND: Begin a new year with a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Entrance and camping fees will be waived for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday on Monday, January 18.
OMAHA – Wendy Ross, a 21-year veteran of the National Park Service (NPS), has been selected as the new Superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites the public to “Find Your Park” during National Park Week, April 18 – 26. Entrance to the park will be free on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19.
MEDORA, ND: Celebrate Presidents Day weekend with a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Entrance and camping fees will be waived for the three day weekend Saturday, February 14 through Monday, February 16.
Plans are underway at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and other sites throughout the country to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.
MEDORA, ND: Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites volunteers to participate in the nationwide Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 27, 2014. The event is free.
MEDORA, ND – Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites the public to provide feedback on a proposal to replace its North Unit communications tower with a shorter one at the same general location. The current tower provides communication functions essential to public safety and efficient park operations. It is located within the park boundary on the east side of Hwy 85 in McKenzie County, just north of the park entrance.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Photo Contest Winner Announced MEDORA, ND: The National Park Service and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association announced the winter of the third Annual “Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park” Photo Contest on Saturday.
Medora, ND – The National Park Service and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association are pleased to announce that the winning photo has been selected for the annual “Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park” photo contest. The winner will be announced during Medora’s 19th Annual Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas festivities on Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. MST in the park’s South Unit Visitor Center.
MEDORA, ND: The National Park Service will resume the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A limited number of elk will be removed by park staff beginning October 20 and, if required, the reduction period could extend into late January. Use of volunteers was considered, but will not be necessary during this phase.
MEDORA, ND: Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Historic Medora invite curious minds of all ages to spend an early autumn weekend exploring our mysterious universe. Park rangers, astronomers, and space enthusiasts of all types will gather for the Second Annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21.
MEDORA, ND: The National Park Service will celebrate its 98th birthday on Monday, August 25. Entrance fees will be waived at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, giving visitors a late summer opportunity to enjoy the park free of charge.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites the public to the 30th Annual Badlands Star Party in the park’s North Unit on Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23.
Aerial spraying of herbicide to control Canada thistle and leafy spurge in backcountry areas is expected to begin in Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Wednesday, June 24. Spraying will continue for two to three days, weather permitting, or until approximately 700 acres have been treated. Spraying operations will take place only in the North Unit of the park.
In an effort to curb the spread of an insect, the Emerald Ash Borer, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has implemented firewood restrictions for the campgrounds in the North and South Units.
Summer trail rides will begin in Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, May 24. Shadow Country Outfitters, the park’s only concessioner, runs the popular horseback riding operation from the historic Peaceful Valley Ranch. The first ride of the season is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. MDT.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park wants to remind motorists to Click It or Ticket. In order to enforce this reminder, park law enforcement rangers will be stepping up enforcement beginning May 19th 2014. Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer vacation season, and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound.
Spring visitor center hours will be in effect at Theodore Roosevelt National Park beginning on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The South Unit Visitor Center is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT. The North Unit Visitor Center, at the entrance to Juniper Campground, is open on Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center will open for the season on Saturday, May 3. Hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites the public to GO WILD! for nature, history, wildlife, and fun during National Park Week, April 19 - 27. Entrance to the park during this annual nation-wide celebration will be free Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, as the National Park Service is offering free entrance at all of its 401 park units which regularly charge fees.
The National Park Service plans to implement prescribed fire projects in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North and South Units between April 3 and May 20, 2014.
MEDORA, North Dakota – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 669,242 visitors to Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in 2012 spent $39.237 million in communities near these parks. That spending supported 528 jobs in the surrounding areas.
Start the new year with a visit to a North Dakota national park. Theodore Roosevelt National Park will waive entrance and camping fees for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 20.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park welcomes volunteers to participate in the nationwide Audubon Christmas Bird Count. The Medora Area Count will take place on Saturday, December 21. Volunteers wishing to take part should meet at the South Unit Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. MST. Any participants arriving later in the day should stop by the visitor center for guidance
The maintenance phase for managing the elk population in Theodore Roosevelt National Park has been completed for this year. A total of 46 elk were removed by park staff in the park’s South Unit between November 5 and December 5.
The National Park Service and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association announced the win ner of the second Annual “Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park” Photo Contest on Saturday.
The National Park Service and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association are pleased to announce that the winning photo has been selected for the annual “Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park” photo contest. The winner will be announced during Medora’s 18th Annual Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas festivities on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. MST in the park’s South Unit Visitor Center.
The National Park Service will resume the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A limited number of elk will be removed by park staff from November 5 through December 5. Volunteers will not be necessary during this phase.
Feral horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park are scheduled to be sold at public auction at Wishek Livestock Market inWishek, North Dakota on Saturday, September 28 at 11 am CDT. Approximately 105-110 horses will be sold to reduce the horse population in the national park to about 100 animals.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites curious minds of all ages to spend a crisp autumn weekend exploring our universe. Astronomers, park rangers, historians, and explorers of all kinds will gather for the first Dakota Nights: An Astronomy Festival Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29.
The National Park Service will celebrate its 97th birthday on Sunday, August 25. Entrance fees will be waived at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, giving visitors a chance to enjoy a late summer day in the park free of charge.
The dark night sky of Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit is the perfect setting for the annual North Dakota Badlands Star Party on August 9 and 10.
The visitor center in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park will be closed this month, and visitor contact functions will be moved to the campground. Unprecedented rains in recent years have caused unstable badlands soils to shift and caused the building to move.
Road construction on the Scenic Drive in Theodore Roosevelt National Park will resume on Monday, May 6. The construction crew will work on the East River Road from Wind Canyon to Beef Corral Bottom. Visitors will encounter single-lane traffic and delays of up to 30 minutes.
The National Park Service plans to implement prescribed fire projects in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North and South Units between April 1 and June 15, 2013.
The maintenance phase of managing the elk population in Theodore Roosevelt National Park has been completed for this year. A total of 69 elk were removed by park staff between October 30 and December 6.
The National Park Service and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association announced the winner of the first Annual “Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park” Photo Contest on Saturday.
The National Park Service has removed 21 antlerless elk from the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the past two weeks. The park is in the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan, after two highly successful elk reduction efforts during 2010-2011.
Winter visitor center hours will be in effect at Theodore Roosevelt National Park beginning on Monday, November 12, 2012.The South Unit Visitor Center is open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST.The North Unit Visitor Center will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, and will be open on other days as staffing allows.The Painted Canyon Visitor Center will be closed for the season. Both the North and South Unit Visitor Centers will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
To commemorate Veterans Day, the National Park Service is offering free admission at all park units Saturday, November 10 through Monday, November 12.Entrance fees will be waived at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, giving visitors one last fee-free opportunity to enjoy the park this year.
An autopsy report released by the North Dakota State Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Daniel Olszewski, the man who passed away while hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in July, had suffered a massive heart attack, which caused his death.
The National Park Service has begun the transition from elk reduction to the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A limited number of elk will be removed by park staff from October 30 through December 6. Volunteers will not be necessary during this phase.
The National Park Service has begun the transition from elk reduction to the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A limited number of elk will be removed by park staff from October 30 through December 6.
Repair and reconstruction of the Scenic Drive in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit has been completed and the road will reopen on Friday, October 26 at 9:00 a.m. CDT.
Free admission will be offered on Saturday, September 29 at Theodore Roosevelt National Park to encourage visitors to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and spectacular badlands scenery. The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at all national park units for National Public Lands Day.
September visitor center hours are now in effect in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The South Unit Visitor Center in Medora is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MDT. Painted Canyon Visitor Center, 6 miles east of Medora off I-94, is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT. The North Unit Visitor Center, located 15 miles south of Watford City on Hwy. 85, is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT. All of the park’s visitor centers offer free orientation films, exhibits, publications, and information about the park and the surrounding area.
The National Park Service will celebrate its 96th birthday on Saturday. As part of the festivities, Matt Schanandore, an internationally known flutist and storyteller, will present an evening of music and interpretive storytelling at the Cottonwood Campground amphitheater in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, August 25, at 8:30 p.m. MDT. Special ranger-led programs will be presented as well.
A dark night sky is the perfect setting for the North Dakota Badlands Star Party in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit. The annual event will be held on August 17 and 18.
The body of Dan Olszewski, 48, of Midlothian, VA has been recovered in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.He had entered the park on Sunday for a day hike and was reported missing on Monday morning.
Birds, geology, mammals, and more! Theodore Roosevelt National Park invites kids and their families for fun activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Play games, take a hike, and discover the many facets of the North Dakota badlands in these activity filled programs for the whole family. Programs will be offered in the North and South Units of the park.
Have you ever wondered how the “Teddy Bear” got its name? The Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association (TRNHA) invites kids of all ages to its annual Teddy Bear Picnic on Tuesday, July 10 at 1:00 p.m. MDT to celebrate National Teddy Bear Picnic Day.
To show appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. Military, on May 19 - Armed Forces Day - the National Park Service bagan issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to Theodore Roosevelt and all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents.
To show appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. Military, on May 19 - Armed Forces Day - the National Park Service bagan issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to Theodore Roosevelt and all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents.
The National Park Service is moving into the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan in Theodore Roosevelt National Park this fall, after two highly successful elk reduction efforts during 2010-2011.
Margaret (Meg) Schwartz has been selected as the new Chief of Administration at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. She was promoted into her new assignment on March 11 after serving as the park’s Budget Analyst for the last eight years.
Backcountry areas and hiking trails in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from October 18 – December 22 to accommodate the park’s elk reduction effort.