Last updated: April 11, 2021
Thing to Do
Wildlife Viewing - North Unit
NPS Photo/ J. Zylland
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park not only offers incredible vistas, but some amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Staying in your vehicle on the scenic drive, you wind through the broken Little Missouri badlands, where bison and bighorn sheep graze the prairies and cliff edges. Hiking the wilderness trails can lead to unique birding spots, or offer the chance to catch a glimpse of one of the rarer North Unit residents, like moose or mountain lions. With more than 80% of the North Unit designated as wilderness, there is no shortage of places to explore.
Be bison aware - respect the wildlife and view them from a distance. Stay at least 75 feet from large animals like bison, elk, and bighorn sheep, and twice this distance from any predators.
It is illegal to harass or feed any wildlife.
The park is home to one species of venomous snake, the prairie rattlesnake. These snakes will avoid or ignore humans unless surprised or provoked. Do not attempt to capture or kill snakes. It is illegal to harm any wildlife in a national park.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Be bison aware - respect the wildlife and view them from a distance. Stay at least 75 feet from large animals like bison, elk, and bighorn sheep, and twice this distance from any predators.
It is illegal to harass or feed any wildlife.
The park is home to one species of venomous snake, the prairie rattlesnake. These snakes will avoid or ignore humans unless surprised or provoked. Do not attempt to capture or kill snakes. It is illegal to harm any wildlife in a national park.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a 24,070.32 acre area of badlands located in western North Dakota. The unit is home to a variety of wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, black-tailed prairie dogs, coyotes, moose, mountain lions, and more. Wildlife can be found throughout the park, including along, or in, the road, and on trails. Use caution around wildlife, and know your own abilities with regard to hiking.
Learn more about the wildlife of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It is illegal to harm, harass, or feed any wildlife in a national park.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Learn more about the wildlife of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It is illegal to harm, harass, or feed any wildlife in a national park.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are welcome in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, they are only allowed in certain areas.
Leashed pets may be walked along roads and road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas.
More information: Visiting with Pets.
Leashed pets may be walked along roads and road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas.
More information: Visiting with Pets.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The Entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is off of Highway 85, just North of the Long-X Bridge.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Accessible parking is available at most paved parking lots and pullouts. There is one accessible trail available: Little Mo Nature Trail. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
More information: Accessibility in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
More information: Accessibility in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.