Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit

Scenic splendor in beautiful ND Badlands. Conveniently located along Interstate 94, the South Unit is the park's most visited area. Two visitor centers, a scenic drive, hiking trails, and plenty of watchable wildlife entice visitors to stay a while. The South Unit's small but bustling gateway town, Medora, is an attraction in its own right. A visitor center is located in the park at the entrance in Medora. Click here for a map of routes and trails in the South Unit.

Find scenic splendor in the North Dakota Badlands with picturesque drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping and ranger activities. A museum visitor’s center welcomes park guests with artifacts and displays telling the story of Roosevelt’s time in the badlands. The North Dakota Badlands provide the scenic backdrop to the park named for the 26th President. It memorializes his contribution to conservation. The North Dakota Badlands provides a scenic backdrop and the loop drive provides the chance to see buffalo, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, wild horses, mule deer and prairie dog towns. Trail ride or hike on the marked trails or mountain bike on the Maah Daah Hey Trail next to the park. Stop at the Visitors Center and Theodore Roosevelt’s cabin from the Maltese Cross Ranch.

Interior Announces NPS Free Fee Days 2026

The Department of the Interior announced the 2026 National Park Service free entrance days, providing opportunities for visitors to access national parks at no cost throughout the year. These designated days are intended to encourage visitation, promote public engagement with public lands, and highlight nationally significant holidays and milestones. 

The 2026 National Park Service free fee days are as follows:

• February 16 Presidents Day
• May 25 Memorial Day
• June 14 Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday
• July 3 to July 5 Independence Day weekend
• August 25 National Park Service 110th Anniversary
• September 17 Constitution Day
• October 27 Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
• November 11 Veterans Day

Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these dates will apply to United States citizens and residents only. Nonresident visitors will be required to pay the standard entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.