Theodore Roosevelt National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Ditch the fancy car and park it by Juniper Campground for the Little Mo Nature Trail. This easy loop is a great way to stretch your legs and get your bearings in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Note: The tour is over 29 miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  River Bend Overlook

  Soak in breathtaking vistas at the River Bend Overlook Trail. This short, easy path leads to a historic stone structure perched on a butte. From this vantage point, marvel at the Little Missouri River winding through the rugged badlands landscape below. It's a quintessential Theodore Roosevelt National Park experience.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Cannonball Concretions Pullout (Pass by)

  Marvel at nature's oddities at the Cannonball Concretions Pullout. These large, spherical stones are geological wonders from the badlands landscape. Formed by mineral-rich water cementing sediment, they offer a glimpse into the forces that shaped this dramatic terrain. Easily accessible and a short walk from the parking area, the Cannonball Concretions Pullout is a quick stop that leaves a lasting impression.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  The North Unit Visitor Center is your first stop for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park's rugged northern section. Staffed by park rangers, the center offers trip planning advice, backcountry permits, and a bookstore with souvenirs. Here you can also watch a film about the park's history and natural wonders.

  Admission ticket free
• Caprock-Coulee Trail (Pass by)

  Hike the Caprock Coulee Loop for stunning views! This moderate 4.4-mile trail traverses badlands and grassy buttes, revealing the Little Missouri River Valley. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for this classic North Dakota trek.

  Admission ticket free
• Buckhorn Trail (Pass by)

  Buckle up for a scenic adventure on the Buckhorn Trail! This moderately challenging 10.8-mile loop winds through North Dakota's grasslands, offering stunning views of the Little Missouri River and unique rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for bison roaming the area, but maintain a safe distance. The Buckhorn Trail provides a memorable North Dakota hiking experience with its varied terrain and potential for wildlife sightings.

  Admission ticket free
• 3

  Unveiling the park's geologic past, Bentonitic Clay Overlook offers a fascinating glimpse into the earth. Gaze out at the sprawling landscape where blue-black clay layers formed from volcanic ash cap the plateau below. This unique stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit adds a scientific touch to your scenic adventure.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  Once near extinction, bison are back in the Badlands! These majestic creatures, also called buffalo, roam the grasslands in herds. The park's reintroduction program has created a haven for bison, allowing visitors to witness a vital part of the Great Plains ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for these impressive animals while exploring Badlands National Park.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Elkhorn Ranch Site (Pass by)

  Hike the accessible 0.7-mile Elkhorn Ranch Site Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to see the foundation of President Roosevelt's ranch cabin. Download a GPS map beforehand - the service is spotty!

  Admission ticket free
• Oxbow Overlook (Pass by)

  Stand in awe at the dramatic Oxbow Overlook, the final stop on the North Unit Scenic Drive. Witness the Little Missouri River bend into a perfect 180-degree curve, carving a path through the rugged badlands. Informative signs explain the river's ever-changing course, while the vast panorama leaves you breathless. It's a quintessential Theodore Roosevelt National Park experience.

  Admission ticket free
• 5

  North Dakota transformed from a quiet agricultural state to a booming oil producer thanks to the Bakken Formation discovery in 2006. Horizontal drilling and fracking unlocked vast reserves, bringing a surge in jobs and revenue. The boom peaked around 2012, leaving an undeniable mark on North Dakota's economy and landscape.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note that an entrance pass is required to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and it is not included with this tour.
• Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will only accept credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
• Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
• Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.

Tags

Rating