"The badlands of North Dakota" Top 5 Page for this destination Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park by zrim

Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park Travel Guide: 108 reviews and 254 photos

Where the buffalo roam - Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

There are two distinct units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The South Unit lies along interstate 94 and many cross-country travelors stop to stretch their legs, take a whiz in the visitor center and maybe snap a photo or two. That's what my parents and I did in 1986 as we traveled across the northern U.S. to attend my sister's wedding in Seattle. At the time--it was my first experience with a national park....and it lasted ten minutes.

Flash forward seventeen years and Theodore Roosevelt National Park lie directly in our path as Becky and I struck out for the Canadian Rockies. This time I insisted that we explore not only the South Unit, but also the more remote North Unit which is an hour and a half drive north from the interstate. We arrived at the park about 6:30 a.m. and left the North Unit at about 4:00 p.m. We saw plenty of animals, took a couple great hikes and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Remote, few visitors especially in the North Unit
In a nutshell:Peaceful

Last visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Nov 25, 2003
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Reviews (13)

greener than I would have guessed - Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Meadows Off The Beaten Path (4)

I did not expect to find such a lovely meadow in these "badlands". I thought it would all be dusty rock and treachurous... more travel advice

red rock known as scoria - Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Scoria Off The Beaten Path (4)

The reddish/orange rock layer is called scoria. The red rock is formed by the underground burning of coal. The heat... more travel advice

not really dogs - Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Prairie Dogs Things to Do (6)

The cute critters of the prairie. Of course, prairie dogs are not canines at all, but they don't seem quite as nasty as... more travel advice

the green hills of North Dakota - Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Greener than I expected Favorites (1)

The badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are at best semi-arid and in drought years something of a desert. I did... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
How close is too close?

Local Customs (1)
Bison (Buffalo)

Comments (8)

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807Wheaton Mar 17, 2009 at 8:26 AM

I booked our August flight to Rapid City this morning - we are staying in Dickinson for two nights as a base for sightseeing TRNM - that will make 48 states -2 to go! Best Wishes from Augusta, GA.
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sarahandgareth May 26, 2005 at 9:01 AM

Great pictures! Makes me wish we could go back right now.
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JosM Oct 17, 2004 at 3:30 PM

Very accurate description of the park's geology. Beautiful pics too!
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Stephen-KarenConn Jun 23, 2004 at 10:18 AM

Yes, the North Dakota Badlands are greener than their South Dakota counterparts. I spent two fascinating days there when my brother was living in Dickinson. Your tips are well done.
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pipsqueak May 11, 2004 at 11:39 AM

Teddy Roosevelt credited his time in North Dakota with instilling in him the qualities needed to be President, maybe we should make it a pre-requisite!
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GillianMcLaughlin Apr 5, 2004 at 8:14 AM

Will happy to come and check out your buffalo, bears 'n' bobcats ... but a wild BLANE... you have to be kidding! (ps we do have buffalo in Europe... not many... but we do have them)
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globetrott Dec 20, 2003 at 2:17 PM

These buffalos look great and I think it is a pity, the old dimes with a buffalo on the backside have totally disappeared... some at least disappeared into my souvenirs !
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mrclay2000 Nov 25, 2003 at 9:03 AM

You should read TR's hunting accounts from this ranch. Although I don't wholeheartedly support blowing away these majestic creatures, TR and I had loves in common - the rugged wilderness.