National Park · ND

Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt

The National Park Service lists 23 things to do at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 19 have no extra fee, 23 need no reservation, and 9 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (23) Hiking (12)Biking (2)Scenic Driving (2)Wildlife Watching (2)Junior Ranger Program (1)Birdwatching (1)Stargazing (1)Museum Exhibits (1)Park Film (1)
A road winds past buttes, viewed from above.
Photo: NPS Photo/L. Thomas

Bike the North Unit Scenic Drive

Bike the 14-mile scenic drive of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's remote North Unit!

Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Biking

A road curves to the left, with yellowing trees on both sides. Large buttes are in the distance.
Photo: NPS Photo/A. Myran

Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive

Hop on your mountain bike and experience the South Unit Scenic Drive in a whole new way.

Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Biking

Several large round rocks eroded out of the side of a butte. The sky above the butte is cloudy blue.
Photo: NPS Photo/J. Zylland

Explore the Cannonball Concretions

The cannonball concretions are an arresting and unusual geological formation. Stop at this pullout to explore their mysteries!

5-15 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

The badlands, including a view down into a sandy bottomed valley and large buttes under a cloudy sky
Photo: NPS Photo/L. Thomas

Hike Boicourt Trail

This short hike, with its elevated perspective and accessible trail, offers a unique view of the Little Missouri Badlands that the whole family can enjoy.

15-30 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

A trail winds through low buttes under a blue sky, with grass and flowers growing around it.
Photo: NPS Photo/L. Thomas

Hike Coal Vein Trail

Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

30-45 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

A trailhead sign next to a paved trail in a grassy area. Buttes are visible on the horizon.
Photo: NPS Photo/L. Eddy

Hike Skyline Vista Trail

Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

5-15 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

A paved trail leads to a bridge over a creek. A picnic shelter is seen behind some trees.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail

Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!

30-45 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

A view up a trail towards a butte through junipers. A trail marker reads Painted Canyon.
Photo: NPS Photo/J. Houghton

Hike the Painted Canyon Nature Trail

Painted Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop trail located just off Interstate 94 near the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. It offers a great introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whether visitors are just passing through or planning on a multi-day stay.

30-80 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

A large petrified stump is central to the image, with others and large buttes visible behind it.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike the Petrified Forest

The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes.

2-10 Hours Year-round

Hiking

Two children sit on the edge of a rock ledge and gaze out over the badlands, juniper, and trails.
Photo: NPS Photo/S. Ng

Hike up Buck Hill

Hike to the top of Buck Hill, one of the highest points in the park, and get an amazing 360° view of the surrounding badlands!

5-30 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

A bend in the river and a trail above it are seen at sunset. Buttes and prairies line the river.
Photo: NPS Photo/W. Archer

Hike Wind Canyon Trail

Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands.

5-30 Minutes Year-round

Hiking

Hiking in the North Unit

Nature Trails in the North Unit are perfect for casual hikers and nature enthusiasts, but the backcountry trails really steal the show! The Buckhorn, Caprock Coulee, and famed Achenbach Trails traverse the park's vast wilderness areas.

Year-round

Hiking

Hiking in the South Unit

From paved paths to strenuous backcountry trails – the hiking trails in the South Unit have a little something for everyone. Explore a sampling of park terrain with trail options to fit all levels of hikers.

Year-round

Hiking

Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit

Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.

3-6 Hours Year-round

Hiking

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Theodore Roosevelt. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

Sources