Black Hills, Badlands & Roosevelt
Badlands spires, a cave under bison prairie and wild horses in North Dakota.
Best time to visit · North Dakota
Best Time to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Wild horses, bison and badlands where a young Teddy Roosevelt became a conservationist.
The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is June–September. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for June and September. It's busiest in July and August.
Month by month
Jan FairFeb FairMar FairApr FairMay GoodJun PrimeJul PrimeAug PrimeSep PrimeOct GoodNov FairDec Fair
Best monthsJun–Sep
Best valueJun and Sep
BusiestJul and Aug
Established1978
Theodore Roosevelt by season
Winter Fair
Very cold, but serene. Wildlife is visible against the snow.
Spring Fair
The badlands green up in May, wildflowers bloom and foals are born.
Summer Prime
The main season. The historic Medora town is lively and the park is fully open.
Fall Good
Quiet and golden in September. Cottonwoods along the Little Missouri River turn yellow.
What to do
- Find wild horses in the South Unit
- Drive the North Unit Scenic Drive
- See Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin
- Look out from Painted Canyon Overlook
- Hike the Caprock Coulee Trail
Local tip
The North and South units are about 70 miles apart. The North Unit is quieter and more dramatic.
Good to know
Theodore Roosevelt is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see wild horses roaming in a national park.
Before you go: Parts of the South Unit loop road have been closed long-term due to road slumping; check current status. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Bismarck (BIS), about 2 hours.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Theodore Roosevelt month-by-month ratings
Road trips with Theodore Roosevelt
Questions about visiting Theodore Roosevelt
When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is June–September. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for June and September. It's busiest in July and August.
What is the worst time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
November through April are the weakest time, when conditions are at their worst.
When is Theodore Roosevelt National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in July and August. June and September offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Theodore Roosevelt National Park worth visiting in winter?
Very cold, but serene. Wildlife is visible against the snow.
Do you need a reservation for Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Parts of the South Unit loop road have been closed long-term due to road slumping; check current status. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The most convenient airport is Bismarck (BIS), about 2 hours.
How many days do you need at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Most road trips spend 2 to 3 days here.
More in Rocky Mountains & Plains · National parks in North Dakota · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.