The colorful North Dakota badlands provides the scenic backdrop to Theodore Roosevelt National Park which memorializes the 26th president for his enduring contributions to the conservation of our nation's resources. Theodore Roosevelt first came to Dakota Territory in September 1883 to hunt bison. Before returning home to New York, he became interested in the cattle business and established the Maltese Cross Ranch partnership. The next year he returned to the badlands and started a second open-range ranch, the Elkhorn. Theodore Roosevelt witnessed the decline in wildlife and saw the grasslands destroyed due to overgrazing. Today, this park memorializes Theodore Roosevelt's conservationist contributions.

The area was first established as a Memorial Park in 1947. It gained National Park status in 1978. The Little Missouri River has shaped this 70,448-acre park which is home to a variety of plants and animals.

• North Unit -
• South Unit -

• Drive the 14-mile Scenic Drive that goes from the entrance station to the Oxbow Overlook with turnouts and interpretive signs along the way.
• Set out from one of the trailheads along the Scenic Drive. Some are self-guiding nature trails. Any trail will help you gain an understanding of this land and its wildlife so get out of your car and go for a hike, whether it be a short one or a long one.
• Stop and visit Painted Canyon Overlook.