Last updated: January 14, 2022
Article
Plan Like A Park Ranger: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Left image
Winter wonderland in the Badlands of North Dakota.
Credit: NPS Photo/L. Thomas
Right image
Lush green Spring greets adventurers to TRNP.
Credit: NPS Photo/M. Lindberg
Know Before You Go!
It takes a little bit of research before arriving to a National Park Service site in order to Plan Like a Park Ranger. When Park Rangers join the NPS, the following are just some of the things we learn in order to work effectively and safely at a park site. Expand each of the listed items to start planning your visit at Theodore Roosevelt National Park; each drop-down will link you to a NPS webpage for more detail on each subject.
Every NPS site is different and this includes entrance fees; some have them, some don't! Entrance fees apply at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We also offer the America the Beautiful Interagnecy Passes: read more to see if one of these passes best suits your travel plans.
Visitor Centers are excellent sources of information; staffed with Park Rangers trained on giving recreational and safety information, we are here to answer your questions! In fact, call or email us ahead of time for any park informational needs; we can even send you maps/brochures before your trip. Or visit us in person when you arrive, just know the hours of operation before you get here.
Although there are no prevelent large predators at the park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to one large animal we encourage visitors to be extra safe around...Bison! Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour.
The general rule of thumb is to allow a bison 25 yards for safe viewing; if using the actual "rule of thumb," stick your arm straight out with thumb up - if you can cover the bison with your thumb you are double the safe distance. Click here for more more tips on wildife viewing at this park.
The general rule of thumb is to allow a bison 25 yards for safe viewing; if using the actual "rule of thumb," stick your arm straight out with thumb up - if you can cover the bison with your thumb you are double the safe distance. Click here for more more tips on wildife viewing at this park.
Intersted in staying in your National Park? Make sure you know which campround to look for depending on which unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park you are visiting.
Looking for a backpacking experience? Read through our rules and regulations before you arrive!
Looking for a backpacking experience? Read through our rules and regulations before you arrive!
Whether you are simply getting off at pull-outs/scenic views along the park road or you are deep in the backcountry camping, remember to Leave No Trace of your visit to your National Park. In this way, future generations will be able to experience that very same enjoyment of their NPS sites!
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in the southwestern corner of North Dakota; a somewhat rural area of the state. Knowing what amentities are available near either units of the park will be helpful when planning your trip out here. Keep in mind things like, gas, lodging, groceries, etc.
Want to learn more in depth different aspects at a park? Always check to see what Ranger Programs are being offered, especially if you are visiting during the peak-season which, for this park, is summer.
Most parks still offer certain educational amenities year-round that can enhance your experience: watching the park film, walking through a museum, and becoming, no matter your age, a Junior Ranger!
Most parks still offer certain educational amenities year-round that can enhance your experience: watching the park film, walking through a museum, and becoming, no matter your age, a Junior Ranger!
Always, always, always check the current conditions at a NPS site before you visit. From road conditions to weather conditions, things can change dramatically depending on what time of year you are vistiing a park site. Here at Theodore Roosevelt Naitonal Park, summers can reach over 100(F) and winters can reach well below zero.
No matter short trail or long trail, always remember the ten essentials for being outdoors; you never want to underestimate the hike you're on!
Another park specific essential to know at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is that if you go to the top of a butte you are usually guaranteed cell service. In a rut - lost or out of an essential - call the park site (in this case, 701-623-4466) to speak to a Park Ranger. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Another park specific essential to know at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is that if you go to the top of a butte you are usually guaranteed cell service. In a rut - lost or out of an essential - call the park site (in this case, 701-623-4466) to speak to a Park Ranger. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Each NPS site varies, but here at Theodore Roosevelt National Park we do not have a gate that closes. In fact, we encourage visitors to experience their park after dark. The night sky is still incredibly dark out here in the North Dakota Badlands so much so that we have an annual astronomy festival: Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival!