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Badlands, Wild Horses, and Presidential History Await at This Underrated Park
8 Nov
Summary
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the Badlands that inspired the 26th president's passion for conservation
- Visitors can explore the park's scenic drives, Painted Canyon, and Maltese Cross Cabin, Roosevelt's former home
- The park is home to wild horses roaming the ridgelines and offers excellent stargazing opportunities
Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is a hidden gem that preserves the rugged Badlands that inspired the 26th president's passion for conservation. As of November 2025, the park offers visitors a chance to explore the same landscapes that helped shape Roosevelt's legacy as a pioneering conservationist.
Visitors can drive the park's scenic routes, including the 48-mile South Unit Scenic Drive, to take in sweeping vistas of the Badlands. They can also experience the vibrant colors of the Painted Canyon at sunset and visit Maltese Cross Cabin, which once served as Roosevelt's temporary home. Throughout the park, guests may spot wild horses roaming the rough ridgelines and can stargaze under the park's vast dark skies.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S., making it a refreshingly uncrowded destination. With no crowds and modern conveniences, the park provides an immersive experience that mirrors the one that transformed Roosevelt into a champion of conservation over a century ago.
