It’s Easy to Feel Relaxed at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Surrounded by great plains, this hidden gem of a National Park contains gorgeous views, ample wildlife, and gets nowhere near enough hype. I hadn’t even heard of it until we started planning this road trip. I feel this is due to the park’s location in rural western North Dakota with major US highway I-94 running directly through it, which was our main highway home. We are not fool enough to drive right through a United States National Park without checking it out and we’re so glad we did! Its wide open spaces were so enjoyable and allowed us to slow down our pace and relax following much time on the interstate.

During out too-short visit, which included the Scenic Loop Drive in the Southern Unit of the park, we were able to experience a fun and winding road, climb to scenic outlooks, encounter friendly facilities and view abundant wildlife including wild horses. 

Here is a link to the official Theodore Roosevelt National Park map. 

We arrived at the park late in the day and everything seemed to be a hue of pastel; the sky, the grass, and even the earth. It was the perfect setting to enjoy dinner at the Cottonwood picnic area, one of the best picnic areas I have ever encountered at a National Park. Not only was each shaded table area tidy and somewhat private, but the restroom facility had flushing toilets – a rarity in National Parks. 

One of the most memorable spots in this park, for us, was one of the prairie dog towns just south of Peaceful Valley Ranch. These comical creatures were exceedingly fun to watch in their natural, protected habitat. The entire community of prairie dogs were barking and bobbing in and out of their tufted holes, a few of them scurrying around on a mission, a few more seemingly too plump to move much! 

Beyond the flat prairie dog towns are the rolling hills of prairie grasses and the noteworthy “painted canyons” with layers of colorful earth. As if these vibrant views weren’t refreshing enough, we made it just 10 miles down the scenic loop drive before spotting wild horses grazing atop one of the hills! I stopped and stared at them through the binoculars, a big smile on my face. 

We continued to drive the scenic loop, looking at the beautiful landscape, spotting more wildlife, and stopping at any likely looking outlook. Our favorite outlook was from the top of Buck Hill which is a short drive off the scenic loop and then a short climb, .2 miles, from the parking lot to the top. 

Though we spent just a few hours in this park, we were able to grasp its beauty. I certainly hope to be back to explore both main areas of the park to do more hikes, see more horses, and to see the petrified forests. On the way out, we passed through a very cute and touristy town, Medora, surely where most park visitors stay. When I return, I will surely be looking to stay there!