Overview
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the badlands’ rowdy handshake with history... a 70,000-acre spread of rugged wilderness where prairie winds whisper secrets and bison strut around like they own the joint. This isn’t just another park; it’s a raw and rattling chapter of the American frontier, shaped by the man who once said, “Get action, do things, be sane!” Ol’ Teddy himself ranched here in the 1880s, and the land still feels like it’s carrying his stubborn grin. But the charm here runs deeper than the scenery. The park is a quirky playground of petrified forests, fossilized ripple marks, and hidden cabins where Roosevelt once plotted his cowboy dreams. Painted Canyon offers ancient petroglyphs of spirits and bison carved by Lakota hands, while Wind Canyon flashes with Native-inspired rock art that pops up like secret trail graffiti. Toss in golden autumn overlooks and the Medora Musical blasting cowboy ballads all summer, and you’ve got a national park that’s less about picture-perfect postcards and more about diving headfirst into the eccentric heartbeat of the Dakota badlands.
Top Attractions (Cabins, Canyons & Carvings)
Maltese Cross Cabin
Teddy Roosevelt’s 1880s ranch house, brimming with cowboy relics and pioneer grit.
Painted Canyon Petroglyphs
Ancient Lakota carvings telling stories of bison, spirits, and prairie survival.
Oxbow Overlook
Sweeping views of the Little Missouri River twisting through the badlands.
Petrified Forest Loop
A 10-mile hike past fossilized trees and 60-million-year-old swamp ghosts.
Wind Canyon Trail Art
Rock markers and symbols along the cliffs, blending Native heritage with modern artistic flair.
Ranger Cabin at Cottonwood
A hidden 1900s outpost stuffed with homesteader tools and Lakota crafts.
Unique Stories & Facts (Legends, Relics & Fossils)
- Petroglyph Tales: Painted Canyon’s carvings carry 1,000-year-old Lakota legends of prairie life.
- Trail Art Surge: Wind Canyon’s quirky markers began appearing in the 2020s, reviving Native symbols.
- Ranger Cabin Cache: A rusty branding iron from the early ranching days was found tucked away in the Cottonwood cabin.
- Fossil Find: The Petrified Forest holds a tree stump that’s been fossilized for 60 million years.
Best Travel Seasons
Spring (March–May)
Cool breezes, blooming wildflowers, and easy hiking weather.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season with warm temps (70–85°F) and ranger tours in full swing.
Fall (Sept–Nov)
Golden hues and crisp hikes, with fewer crowds to share the views.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Snow-dusted badlands vistas and frosty solitude for the hardy traveler.
Lodging Options (Historic Hotels & Campgrounds)
Luxury: Rough Riders Hotel
Historic elegance from the time of Teddy himself.
Mid-Range: Badlands Motel
A rustic and reliable stay right in Medora.
Budget: Amble Inn
Simple and affordable stays for the road-weary traveler.
Camping: Cottonwood Campground
Sleep inside the park, right along the Little Missouri River.
Dining (Bison Chili & Pitchfork Fondue)
Cowboy Cafe
Bison chili and hearty Dakota platters to fuel your adventure.
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Open-air steak skewers with a stunning badlands backdrop.
Theodore’s Dining Room
Elk burgers in a historic setting at the Rough Riders Hotel.
Boots Bar & Grill
Pheasant tacos and authentic Western charm.
Become a Pathfinder
See something we missed? Spot a detail that doesn’t add up? That’s where you come in. Pathfinders don’t just read the journey — they help write it. Correct the facts, fill in the gaps, and blaze new trails for fellow travelers.
Does it cost anything? Ha! Nope. In fact, we pay you. Even better, you can write off your travel on your taxes (check your local laws). We’ll even help you fill out the forms.
Talk about a no-brainer. You’re a money-making, tax-break-taking, pathfinding machine.
Travel Tips
- Watch for wildlife on the roads and trails, and always keep a safe distance, especially from bison.
- The prairie weather can change in a heartbeat. Pack layers, sun protection, and be ready for wind.
- Drive the scenic loops in both the North and South Units for the best views and wildlife sightings.
- The badlands ecosystem is fragile. Help protect it by staying on designated trails.
Destination Joke
Because even the bison leave their signature in the badlands!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
“Teddy's Ghost & Bison Side-Eye: Dane D. Blaze in the Badlands.”
Your Theodore Roosevelt Offbeat Guide!
Ready for a rowdy handshake with history? This guide is your ticket to the badlands where bison strut, prairie winds whisper secrets, and Teddy Roosevelt's stubborn grin is still felt on the land.
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your Badlands Vibe?
Answer to find your perfect offbeat adventure!
Will it be the 1,000-year-old Lakota petroglyph carvings, Teddy Roosevelt’s own ranch cabin, or a 60-million-year-old fossilized tree stump?
Hunt for modern Native-inspired symbols in Wind Canyon or soak in the sweeping badlands views from Oxbow Overlook.
Dive into ancient stories etched in stone at Painted Canyon or listen for cowboy spirits that still linger at the Maltese Cross Cabin.