Park comparison
Theodore Roosevelt vs Badlands
The northern plains' two badlands parks.
Theodore Roosevelt is the North Dakota badlands: wild horses, bison, the Elkhorn Ranch, quiet. Badlands is the South Dakota badlands: sharper formations, the Loop Road, bighorn sheep, closer to the Black Hills. Pick Theodore Roosevelt for solitude, Badlands for the classic loop.
Side by side
| Theodore Roosevelt | Badlands | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time to go | Jun–Sep | May–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Crowds | Busiest in July and August | Busiest in June through August |
| Landscape | Prairie | Prairie |
| Established | 1978 | 1978 |
| Location | North Dakota | South Dakota |
Month by month
Questions
Which is better, Theodore Roosevelt or Badlands?
Neither is objectively better. Theodore Roosevelt is the North Dakota badlands: wild horses, bison, the Elkhorn Ranch, quiet. Badlands is the South Dakota badlands: sharper formations, the Loop Road, bighorn sheep, closer to the Black Hills. Pick Theodore Roosevelt for solitude, Badlands for the classic loop.
Can you visit Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands in one trip?
Yes, and you should. They're about 289 miles apart, an easy pairing.
When is the best time to visit both Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands?
Look for the overlap: Theodore Roosevelt is best Jun–Sep and Badlands is best May–Jun, Sep–Oct. The sweet spot for both is May through October.
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