Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, United States
4.5 (1.855 reviews) Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #2 in Medora National Parks
Underrated Gem of the National Park System
Well, well! We have found another hidden gem of the National Park system. We found TR National Park to include critters and fowl by the score, scenics to beat the band...the works! I'm sure it helped that we visited in April, and so had many trails and pullouts all to ourselves. We were the only visitors to the phenomenal petrified forest and other trail sights. The southern unit seems to have the critters and the northern unit the speculator views. We preferred the beauty of the northern unit...and we strongly recommend you travel the 60 miles north of Medora to visit that jewel. Thank you, National Park Service...you've got a gem on your hands!
Address
, Medora, North Dakota, United States, Postal Code: 58645.
Mobile
Website
http://www.nps.gov/thro/
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 06, 2024, 17:51
User Ratings
4.5 based on (1.855 reviews)
Reviews
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5theoljohnnyboy 5:00 PM Jun 1, 2021
TR NP
This review needs to be split into two parts: 1. South unit of TRNP: 5/5. Well kept, amazing overlooks, easy trails, great little town nearby. Currently a portion of the loop road is closed. Entry is around $30 per vehicle. We saw a couple dozen horses, 100-200 bison, a few pronghorns, prarie dogs and deer over our 2 days at the park. The south unit also offers a number of tremendous sunset overlooks. There are multiple visitor centers. 2. North unit of TRNP: 3/5: It is about 60 miles north of the south unit and feels a bit forgotten. The roads are in need of repair- this is the primary reason. New restrooms along the scenic drive will be opening soon. It seemed to be much drier (less vibrant) here than at the Southern unit. We did see quite a few Bison in the few hours that we were there. The cannonball concretions are a unique sight to see. Both end of the park are quiet parks- however the northern unit is very very quiet with seemingly very few visitors. In 2 days we drove the south units scenic drive 2x, stopped at all pull offs, did 4 short trails, and did the Northern Units scenic drive and pull offs. Take your time to enjoy this park, go to the northern end if you wish but keep expectations for that area in check.
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5ems_jls 5:00 PM Sep 17, 2021
Even better than I thought it would be
Photographs don't really capture the feel of this park but once you are there it makes a real impression. The badlands are stunning in the sudden appearance next to all the prairie farm and ranch lands. The bison, wild horses, and prairie dog towns are readily spotted and very rewarding. Allow more time on the South Loop Drive than you might think, since a) there are lots of turnoffs and short side trail hikes to take and b) the road is blocked near the end and you have to go back the way you came rather than doing a full loop. I also went back by myself at night for a view of the stars in the darkness. Very rewarding also but takes a little nerve once the car lights are out and the coyotes are doing their howls! (Can't speak to the North Unit, only went to South Unit and the Painted Canyon overlook.)
