The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with its most iconic residents being the free-roaming bison herds. Other large mammals include elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn antelope. Prairie dog towns are common throughout the park, supporting various associated species including burrowing owls and black-footed ferrets. The park hosts over 186 species of birds, including golden eagles, wild turkeys, and sharp-tailed grouse. Coyotes, bobcats, and badgers represent the park's predator species. Reptiles such as prairie rattlesnakes and bull snakes are also present.
The park's vegetation is primarily mixed-grass prairie, featuring both short and tall grass species such as little bluestem, western wheatgrass, and needle-and-thread grass. The river bottomlands support cottonwood trees and other riparian vegetation, while the upland areas feature juniper woodlands. Wildflowers are abundant during spring and summer, including prairie cone flowers, black-eyed susans, and wild bergamot. The park also contains several rare plant species adapted to the unique badlands environment. Seasonal changes dramatically affect the landscape, with spring bringing green grass and wildflowers, while fall features golden prairie grasses.
The park's distinctive landscape was formed through millions of years of erosion and deposition. The colorful layers of rock visible in the Badlands represent different geological periods, with the oldest exposed layers dating back about 65 million years. The terrain was shaped by the Little Missouri River and its tributaries, which carved through soft sedimentary rocks, creating the characteristic buttes, peaks, and valleys. The park's rocks contain abundant fossils from the Paleocene epoch, including ancient plants, crocodiles, and mammals. The ongoing erosion continues to expose new fossil material and reshape the landscape, with the soft bentonite clay soils particularly susceptible to weathering.
The park is named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who first came to the North Dakota Badlands in 1883 to hunt bison. Following the deaths of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884, Roosevelt returned to the area and established the Maltese Cross and Elkhorn ranches. His time here significantly influenced his conservation ethics and later policies as President. The area was initially established as Roosevelt Recreation Demonstration Area in 1935, and was designated as Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park in 1947. In 1978, it was officially established as a National Park, preserving both the natural and cultural history of the region, including Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin.
The park is divided into three units: North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Key attractions include the 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit, offering views of colorful badlands formations and wildlife. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center provides spectacular overlooks of the badlands landscape. Historic structures include Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin and the Peaceful Valley Ranch. The park offers over 100 miles of hiking trails, including the Petrified Forest Loop and Buck Hill trails. The Little Missouri River winds through the park, providing opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The park is also recognized for its dark night skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations. Summers (June-August) are warm to hot with average highs around 85°F (29°C), while winters (December-February) are cold with temperatures often dropping below 0°F (-18°C). Spring and fall are mild but can be unpredictable. The park receives approximately 15 inches of annual precipitation, with most rainfall occurring during late spring and early summer. Strong winds are common throughout the year, and sudden weather changes can occur. Summer thunderstorms are frequent, and winter brings occasional heavy snowfall, making some roads temporarily impassable.
USA
46.9790°, -103.5380°
November 10, 1978
285.08
Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the rugged landscape of North Dakota's badlands. The park is divided into three units featuring colorful buttes, deep canyons, and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. The landscape inspired President Theodore Roosevelt's conservation efforts during his time ranching in the area.