The North Unit Visitor Center is your first stop for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s rugged northern section. Staffed by park rangers, the center offers trip planning advice, backcountry permits, and a bookstore with souvenirs. Here you can also watch a film about the park’s history and natural wonders.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Buckle up for a scenic adventure on the Buckhorn Trail! This moderately challenging 10.8-mile loop winds through North Dakota’s grasslands, offering stunning views of the Little Missouri River and unique rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for bison roaming the area, but maintain a safe distance. The Buckhorn Trail provides a memorable North Dakota hiking experience with its varied terrain and potential for wildlife sightings.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Marvel at nature’s oddities at the Cannonball Concretions Pullout. These large, spherical stones are geological wonders from the badlands landscape. Formed by mineral-rich water cementing sediment, they offer a glimpse into the forces that shaped this dramatic terrain. Easily accessible and a short walk from the parking area, the Cannonball Concretions Pullout is a quick stop that leaves a lasting impression.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Ditch the fancy car and park it by Juniper Campground for the Little Mo Nature Trail. This easy loop is a great way to stretch your legs and get your bearings in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hike the Caprock Coulee Loop for stunning views! This moderate 4.4-mile trail traverses badlands and grassy buttes, revealing the Little Missouri River Valley. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for this classic North Dakota trek.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Soak in breathtaking vistas at the River Bend Overlook Trail. This short, easy path leads to a historic stone structure perched on a butte. From this vantage point, marvel at the Little Missouri River winding through the rugged badlands landscape below. It’s a quintessential Theodore Roosevelt National Park experience.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Unveiling the park’s geologic past, Bentonitic Clay Overlook offers a fascinating glimpse into the earth. Gaze out at the sprawling landscape where blue-black clay layers formed from volcanic ash cap the plateau below. This unique stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit adds a scientific touch to your scenic adventure.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Once near extinction, bison are back in the Badlands! These majestic creatures, also called buffalo, roam the grasslands in herds. The park’s reintroduction program has created a haven for bison, allowing visitors to witness a vital part of the Great Plains ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for these impressive animals while exploring Badlands National Park.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

North Dakota transformed from a quiet agricultural state to a booming oil producer thanks to the Bakken Formation discovery in 2006. Horizontal drilling and fracking unlocked vast reserves, bringing a surge in jobs and revenue. The boom peaked around 2012, leaving an undeniable mark on North Dakota’s economy and landscape.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Stand in awe at the dramatic Oxbow Overlook, the final stop on the North Unit Scenic Drive. Witness the Little Missouri River bend into a perfect 180-degree curve, carving a path through the rugged badlands. Informative signs explain the river’s ever-changing course, while the vast panorama leaves you breathless. It’s a quintessential Theodore Roosevelt National Park experience.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hike the accessible 0.7-mile Elkhorn Ranch Site Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to see the foundation of President Roosevelt’s ranch cabin. Download a GPS map beforehand – the service is spotty!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included