Discover How to Avoid Crowds and Spot Wildlife at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Published
Horses grazing at national park

 

Highlights of Theodore Roosevelt National Park



If you’re hiking, you can see a plethora of animals at the national park, depending on the season. The national park is home to over 200 kinds of birds, feral horses, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and the iconic bison. “It’s just a remarkable place for both critters and people,” North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife division chief Jeb Williams told ND.gov. There are also over 400 documented species of plants at the park, with an estimated additional 100 species yet to be recorded. Unlike busier national parks, you can see wildlife in a more natural, less-crowded habitat, and the lack of noisy crowds can make wildlife spotting a bit easier. 

If you don’t want to spend the day on your feet, you can spend it on horseback. Medora Riding Stables offers guided trail rides. You choose from one-hour or two-hour rides, with price ranges from roughly $50 to $100. Along with its wildlife viewing, the park’s landscape is something to behold, especially the sky. As the Midwest sky fills with vibrant pinks and oranges that stretch out for miles, the sunsets and sunrises in North Dakota are breathtaking. 

Planning your trip to the park

Sunrise in the Badlands

Medora, North Dakota is the nearest town and makes for a cozy place to stay if you’d rather find lodging than camp out under the stars. Medora is a historic town, complete with old-fashioned storefronts, including the picturesque Cowboy Lyle’s Candy Barn. If you visit during the summer, you can end your day after exploring the park by attending the Medora Musical, a live show that celebrates the region’s history and heritage.



Theodore Roosevelt National Park is about a 45-minute drive from Dickinson, North Dakota, and a two-hour drive from Bismarck, North Dakota. You can fly into either of these cities. While many choose to visit the park during the summer when the weather is warm, the park is open year-round, so intrepid adventurers may appreciate the solitude and scenery during other times of the year. Just keep in mind that North Dakota winters can be bitter cold. 

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.