Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Bison roam the badlands from top to bottom, surprising visitors with their agility and ability to cross even the most rugged terrain.
When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.
Map showing location of park.
An advertisement for National Park Week 2025 (April 19 - 27) showing photos of the badlands, a bison, the Little Missouri River, and a prairie dog.
Celebrate National Park Week at Theodore Roosevelt National Park with Three Special Events
Love national parks? There's a holiday for that! National Park Week is happening April 19 to April 27 this year. Entrance fees will be waived on April 19, 2025, to kick off the celebration and to encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person.
A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
Photo by NPS Photo / Mark Meyers
the Little Missouri River under blue skies
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
A muddy river bank lined with cottonwood trees and steep buttes
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
two bull bison collide heads in a dusty battle for dominance
Photo by NPS Photo / Teresina Wheaten
the swirling, dusty looking milky way runs vertically though a starry night sky
Photo by NPS Photo / Jeff Zylland
a string of bison are silhouetted against the backdrop of hazy blue and yellow badlands
Photo by NPS Photo / Roland and Lisa Honeyman
a green prairie hilltop overlooks the badlands, shrouded in shadows
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
A bugling bull elk and his harem of cows stand on the edge of a butte as the sunlight fades
Photo by NPS Photo / Rolan and Lisa Honeyman
a strange looking sand and rock formation stands in a prairie of brown grass
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
The rising sun casts light on Roosevelt's snow-covered cabin.
Photo by NPS Photo