Theodore Roosevelt itinerary

Here is how to spend one to three days in Theodore Roosevelt, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 4.5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Start at North Unit Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

• Hike Skyline Vista Trail (5 to 15 minutes). Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Afternoon

• Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (time not listed). The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds.
• Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit (3 to 6 hours). Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.

Day 2

About 1 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

• Hike Coal Vein Trail (30 to 45 minutes). Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Afternoon

• Wildlife Viewing - South Unit (time not listed). Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
• Hike Wind Canyon Trail (5 to 30 minutes). Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands.
• Wildlife Viewing - North Unit (time not listed). Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.

Day 3

About 1 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

• Hike Boicourt Trail (15 to 30 minutes). This short hike, with its elevated perspective and accessible trail, offers a unique view of the Little Missouri Badlands that the whole family can enjoy.

Afternoon

• Visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin (5 to 20 minutes). The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first home in Dakota territory.
• Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail (30 to 45 minutes). Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
• Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive (time not listed). Hop on your mountain bike and experience the South Unit Scenic Drive in a whole new way.

Make it work

• When to go: May, June and September. See the best time to visit.
• Where to stay: 3 campgrounds in the park; see camping and lodging.
• Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Sources

• National Park Service: things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.