How to Visit: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Fargo

Trails/Parks

There are dozens of parks along the Red River (which divides North Dakota and Minnesota).  A walking/bike path parallels the river, allowing easy access to the many green spaces in the area.

Lindenwood Park

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Explore Fargo's parks and trails. Places like Lindenwood Park and Island Park offer beautiful green spaces, walking trails, and often host events or live music during the summer months.

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Gooseberry Bike Path

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Rent a bike or bring your own to explore the city using its extensive bike trail system. It's a great way to get around and see the sights at your own pace.

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Things to Do

Fargo-Moorhead Downtown District

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Take a stroll through downtown Fargo. Explore the unique shops, street art, and perhaps catch a local event or street performance, especially during the warmer months.

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Plains Art Museum

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This museum offers free admission to its permanent collections, featuring regional and contemporary art. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions that might have a fee.

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Red River Market

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Visit the Red River Market, a vibrant farmers' market featuring local produce, crafts, and entertainment. It's free to attend and provides a great opportunity to experience the community and local culture.

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Wood Chipper from "Fargo"

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Anyone who is a fan of the movie Fargo, should make this a stop on North Dakota road trip.

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Twenty Below Coffee Co. Fargo

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Great local coffee shop, with hometown vibes. You feel welcomed as soon as you walk in the door. Grab a delicious cup of ethically sourced coffee and a pastry to start the day off right.

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Wild Terra

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A self-proclaimed experimental cider and wine bar, this place is fun! Great outdoor seating area and a wide selection of uniquely crafter ciders.

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Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Comfort

Homewood Suites by Hilton Fargo

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Situated only a short distance from many points of interest as well as Hector International Airport, this all-suite Fargo hotel features spacious accommodations, furnished with all full kitchens. With in-room fully equipped kitchens, free wireless internet access and a free daily breakfast, every stay is sure to be pleasant at the Homewood Suites Fargo. The hotel also features an on-site fitness center, complete with an indoor swimming pool. The Fargo Homewood Suites is also conveniently located close to North Dakota State University as well as major area freeways. Nearby restaurants, shopping centers and businesses are also easily accessible with hotel's free airport and local area shuttle service.

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Budget

AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo Medical Center

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AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo Medical Center features an indoor pool with a water slide, a fitness center and spacious rooms with a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV. Red River Zoo is just 5 minutes' walk away. A microwave, fridge and coffee-making facilities are provided in the contemporary rooms and suites at AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo Medical Center. They have free Wi-Fi along with a work desk. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast featuring waffles and omelets.

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Holiday Inn Express Fargo-West Acres, an IHG Hotel

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Featuring an indoor pool and hot tub, this Fargo, North Dakota hotel provides a free shuttle service to Hector International Airport, which is a 10-minute drive away. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Satellite cable TV is included in every room at the Holiday Inn Express Fargo-West Acres. Featuring a bathtub or shower, the private bathrooms also include a hairdryer and free toiletries. Extras include a coffee machine. A daily hot breakfast is served at this property, including a rotating menu of eggs, omelets, bacon, and more. A fitness center and 24-hour front desk is available at the Fargo-West Acres Holiday Inn Express. Other facilities include dry cleaning and a laundry. The property provides free parking.

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Campground

Lindenwood Campground

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This heavily wooded campsite is nestled along the Red River, adding to the "wilderness feeling" of Lindenwood Park. Campground conveniences include paved drive, electricity, picnic tables, running water, fire pits, hot showers, restrooms, two playground facilities, kayak rentals, bike rentals and bike trails. Plus, 46 back-in campsites are provided with water and electricity. Along with the campsites and restrooms, Lindenwood Campground offers, bike and kayak rentals, grab and go concessions, fishing, and a playground

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For van-lifers and car-dwellers: the Walmart south of downtown Fargo allows overnight parking, but please always check with management

Bismarck

Trails/Parks

Sertoma Park

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Friendly neighborhood park with trail system (3-mile loop around outer trail), pavilions, and playground equipment

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Things to Do

Anima Cucina

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Perfectly described on their website as a "bustling café by day transforming into an Italian inspired pasta & wine bar at night." Stop by in the morning for coffee and a selection of homemade breakfast items (including vegan pastries!)

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North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

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North Dakota’s largest museum features four museum galleries tracing the state’s rich history from its earliest geologic formation 600 million years ago to today. Best of all, admission is free! Learn about the history of the area and its cultural impacts. I learned more from this cultural heritage center than many national park visitor centers I visited!

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Chief Looking's Village

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The best view in Bismarck This natural grass, scenic area has a beautiful overlook of the Missouri River and the surrounding area.

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Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Comfort

Best Western Roosevelt Place Hotel

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Built in 2014, this 3-star motel is within 3 miles of North Dakota State Capitol and 4.5 miles of Bismarck State College. The motel provides an indoor pool, fitness center and a 24-hour front desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower and a hairdryer, rooms at the motel also provide guests with free WiFi. At Best Western Roosevelt Place every room has a desk and a TV. A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.

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Sleep Inn & Suites Bismarck I-94

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The Sleep Inn & Suites Bismarck I-94 hotel features interior halls, an indoor heated pool, hot tub, guest laundry and fitness room. Other amenities at this hotel include free hot breakfast, free wireless high-speed Internet access and free daily newspaper. All guest rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen, high-definition television, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board and large desk with ergonomic chair. Some rooms feature a sofa sleeper. This is a nonsmoking hotel.

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Courtyard by Marriott Bismarck North

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Offering an indoor pool and a restaurant, this hotel is located in Bismarck. All rooms are equipped with free WiFi and a flat-screen cable TV. A seating area with a work desk, a small refrigerator and coffee-making facilities are featured in all rooms at Courtyard Marriot Bismarck North. An private bathroom with a hairdryer is also included. The Bistro serves American cuisine for breakfast and dinner on site at Bismarck North Courtyard Marriot. Guests can take advantage of a hot tub and a fitness center. The property provides free parking.

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Budget

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck

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Offering free Wi-Fi and a 32-inch flat-screen TV in every room, this Bismarck hotel is less than a 5 minute drive from the North Dakota State Capitol. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Each air-conditioned room at Americas Best Value Inn and Suites features a large work desk. All rooms include a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The 24-hour front desk at Bismarck Americas Best Value Inn and Suites offers guests fax and photocopying services. A laundromat and a business center are available on site for guest convenience. Just off Interstate 94, this hotel is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Bismarck and the Bismarck Municipal Airport.

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Campgrounds

General Sibley Park and Campground

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Reservations (for RV camping) start in March, and the campground is open from early May to early October. There is a designated tent camping area though there are no designated sites. Campers are allowed to set up their tents anywhere within the mowed tent area. There are fire pits, picnic tables and vault toilets available within the designated tent camping area. There are two locations with electricity that are first-come, first-served. No reservations are needed or accepted in the tent area. Campers can register in the office during office hours or use the self-registration box after-hours. Please know there is plenty of space available in the tent camping area of the park. This area has never reached capacity, even on the busiest of holidays and weekends. Guests can reserve an RV campsite for tent camping if desired. Two tents per RV campsite are allowed.

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For van-lifers and car-dwellers: the Walmart in Bismarck allows overnight parking, but please ask management before staying the night

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a stunning and diverse landscape that honors to the conservation efforts of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The park is divided into three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The park is known for its rugged badlands, mixed-grass prairies, and abundant wildlife. It features colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and rolling hills that offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of the American Great Plains. Wildlife thrives in the park, including bison, wild horses, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species. The North Unit is characterized by its more rugged and remote terrain, offering trails and viewpoints that showcase the unique badlands landscape. The South Unit is more accessible and visited, featuring the Painted Canyon with its vibrant layers of rock. This is where I spent my time when I visited. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit, located between the North and South units, preserves the site where Theodore Roosevelt had his ranch and spent time in the wilderness.

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Trails

North Unit

Caprock Coulee Trail

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Caprock Coulee Loop: 4.4 miles (moderate) This trail leads hikers through dry washes and to viewpoints of the Little Missouri River. While hiking through the washes, you're surrounded by the colorful badlands landscape the park is famous for. Large mammals like bison and big horn sheep have been spotted from the trail. Keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes on a warm day!

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South Unit

Wind Canyon Trail

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Wind Canyon Trail: .5 miles (easy) The Wind Canyon Nature Trail is a short, family friendly trail starting from the park Scenic Loop Road. It is a popular spot to catch the sunset.

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Painted Canyon Nature Trail

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Painted Canyon Nature Trail: 1.0 miles (easy) Beautiful short hike, a great introduction to the park!

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Point to Point Trail

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Point to Point Trail: 1.5 miles (moderate) also called the Pancratz Trail Fantastic hike with lots of overlooks. You climb up a cable ladder for the best views of Medora.

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Petrified Forest Loop

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Petrified Forest to Overlook: 5.1 miles (moderate) This trail extends for miles and miles, but only takes about 1.4 miles to get to the petrified forest. Dirt road for several miles to reach trailhead.

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Things to Do

North Unit

14-mile Scenic Drive

Plan at least 1 hour and 15 minutes for the North Unit's out-and-back Scenic Drive (28 miles roundtrip).

The first half of the road traces the bottom of the badlands.  Then, it crawls up out of the canyon to the North Unit's most iconic view, River Bend Overlook. Finally, it's an easy drive along the rim of the badlands to Oxbow Overlook at the road's end. The road is paved, with one stretch of gravel, and is open to motor vehicles and cyclists.

South Unit

Medora

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Medora is surrounded by the breathtaking Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Known for its western culture, visitors will find this historic hub filled with a variety of activities and events for all ages.

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48-mile Scenic Drive

Take a drive through the park to admire the landscapes, wildlife, and unique rock formations.

Plan at least 2 hours to make it around the South Unit's stunning scenic drive.  Along the way are numerous scenic overlooks and trailheads. The two-way paved loop is open to motor vehicles and cyclists.  

Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Comfort

AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

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Offering free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV in every guest room, this hotel is 2 miles from Sully Creek State Recreation Area and in Medora, North Dakota. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Tea and coffee-making facilities are included in each air-conditioned room at AmericInn Motel & Suites Medora. A work desk and ironing facilities are also provided. Guests can enjoy a swim in the heated indoor pool or relax in the on-site hot tub. Laundry facilities and a business center are available at Medora AmericInn Motel & Suites for guest convenience.

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Budget

Little Missouri Inn & Suites Watford City

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Offering an indoor pool, Little Missouri Inn & Suites is located in Watford City. It offers rooms with free WiFi and serves a daily hot breakfast. A flat-screen TV and a seating area are included in each air-conditioned room at this hotel. Complete with a microwave, the dining area also has a refrigerator and a coffee machine. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. The daily hot breakfast at Little Missouri Inn & Suites includes Belgian waffles, pastries, coffee, tea and a steam table which may include biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, hard boiled eggs, bacon and oatmeal. A 24-hour reception greets guests of Little Missouri Inn & Suites. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a hot tub and BBQ facilities. Other facilities offered at the property include laundry facilities and a vending machine featuring snacks. The property offers free parking.

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Campgrounds

North Unit

Juniper Campground

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Juniper Campground is 5 miles from Hwy 85 and is the only campground in the park's North Unit. All sites are open to tent camping and most can also be used by vehicles/RVs (no hookups). All regular sites are first come, first served.

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South Unit

Cottonwood Campground

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Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground. Half the sites are by reservation at recreation.gov while all remaining sites are first come, first served. Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs (no hookups). Cottonwood Campground fills to capacity each afternoon, mid-May through mid-September.

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Free Dispersed Site

Scoria Pit

Located just outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit, this boondocking site is perfect for those that enjoy a slice of the rugged wilderness this park was built for (without having to work too hard for it!).  Down a dirt/gravel road, there are several sites to choose from.  No amenities, but good privacy and good cell reception.

GPS: 46.945001, -103.58858

Backcountry

Anyone planning to camp overnight in the backcountry obtain a free backcountry permit. There are no established backcountry campsites.

For the South Unit and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit, backcountry permits can be obtained at the South Unit Visitor Center in Medora. 

For the North Unit, permits can be obtained at the North Unit Visitor Center.

An Anecdote

Not every European would jump at the opportunity to visit "middle America," but when Anna reached out to me on Instagram, I was excited to show off a few of the lesser visited National Parks.

I met Anna in Toronto.  I gave her and a friend a ride from Toronto to Niagra Falls.  We hung out for the day and parted ways, exchanging Instagram handles as a way to stay in touch.  A few weeks later, Anna said she was extending her trip and wanted to visit some other parts of the US.  She asked if I was open to a road-trip companion for a few weeks.  I said, "sure, why not?"

I picked Anna up in Bismarck and we ended up spending two weeks together, exploring national parks, sleeping out of my tent, and meeting biker groups (I will save that story for another post!).

We were both blown away by the simple beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We saw different types of wildlife for the first time, hiked unique terrain, and made lasting memories together.