There is nothing so American as our national parks…. The fundamental idea behind the parks…is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.
— Franklin D Roosevelt
Date Created: Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established on November 10, 1978. There are three units of the park, each established at different times.
The South Unit was designated a national park on November 10, 1978.
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit was added later.
The North Unit was designated a national park on April 25, 1947.
Location: Badlands of western North Dakota, USA.
Size: The park consists of three units: the South Unit, the North Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The combined size of the three units is approximately 70,448 acres (28,518 hectares).
President Theodore Roosevelt is my hero! This park was named in honor of our “conservationist president” who used his authority to protect approximately 230 million acres of public land. By enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act he established 150 national forests, 5 national parks, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves and 18 national monuments. The park is known for the scenery and solitude. Wildlife such as bison, elk and wild horses are still to be found in this wilderness. There are many hiking opportunities along the South Unit 24 mile loop. The Wind Canyon Trail with views of the Little Missouri River was breathtaking. If rustic, quiet, open range hikes past prairie dog “villages” appeal to you this park should be a destination.
