Last updated: April 11, 2021
Thing to Do
Wildlife Viewing - South Unit
NPS Photo/R. Honeyman
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience, and one of the big draws is the wildlife. Whether you stay in your vehicle, touring prairie dog towns looking for the grazers and predators that depend on these important rodents, or you plan a long hike, hoping to find a unique spot for birding or come across a herd of elk, the park offers many ways to experience its varied fauna.
Be bison aware - respect the wildlife and view them from a distance. Stay at least 75 feet from large animals like bison, elk, and feral horses.
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 feral horses.
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 South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a 46,158.57 acre area of badlands located in western North Dakota. The unit is home to a variety of wildlife including bison, elk, black-tailed prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, golden eagles, feral horses, 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
South Unit, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is accessed via East River Road, at the west end of the town of Medora, just outside the park visitor center.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Accessible parking is available at most paved parking lots and pullouts. There are two accessible trails available: Skyline Vista and Boicourt 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.