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Badlands
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Explore North Dakota’s Badlands for Theodore Roosevelt history, wildlife, coloured buttes, prairie roads and wide-open western landscapes.

North Dakota’s Badlands form a rugged belt of eroded clay, sandstone and lignite in the state’s west, cut by the Little Missouri River and shaped by wind, rain and occasional flooding. The landscape is especially accessible around Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where steep-sided buttes, open grasslands and winding river valleys create a marked contrast with the flatter prairie farther east. The colours change with the light, from muted tan and grey to rust, red and purple, while cottonwoods trace the river and hardy plants occupy the exposed slopes.
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The region is commonly approached through Medora, the historic gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, or through Watford City for the park’s more remote North Unit. Medora is a small western town with a strong connection to the cattle frontier and to Theodore Roosevelt, who ranched in the Little Missouri country during the 1880s. Its museums, historic buildings and seasonal performances provide cultural context before visitors head into the surrounding public lands. Dickinson, outside the immediate badlands landscape to the east, is a practical service centre and gateway for longer road itineraries.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the region’s defining protected landscape. Its roads and trails pass through grazing country inhabited by bison, wild horses, pronghorn, mule deer and a wide range of birds. The South Unit is convenient for visitors based in Medora, while the North Unit offers a quieter, more expansive impression of the Little Missouri badlands. The park is not a theme-park version of the West: distances, exposure, heat and rapidly changing weather remain important parts of the experience.
Beyond the national park, the Badlands reward travellers who slow down on scenic roads, visit working ranch communities and observe how ranching, geology and wildlife management continue to shape the area. The Little Missouri National Grassland extends across a large part of western North Dakota, offering opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, camping and wildlife watching, although facilities are widely dispersed. Local food tends towards hearty prairie cooking, beef, bison and baked goods, while Medora’s small-town hospitality and summer cultural programme give the region its main concentration of evening activity. A Badlands journey is best understood as a combination of open-country driving, geological observation, wildlife viewing and North Dakota history.

Getting to and around Badlands

How to get there

The Badlands are primarily a road-trip destination. US Highway 85 provides access towards the North Unit near Watford City, while Interstate 94 serves Medora and the South Unit from the east and west. Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport to Medora, though flight availability is limited; Bismarck Airport, outside the region to the east, offers a broader gateway for a longer drive. Minot International Airport and Williston Basin International Airport may also be practical depending on the itinerary, but both require substantial onward travel. Most international visitors reach the area through larger national gateways before taking a domestic flight or driving.

Transportation

A private or hired car is the most practical way to connect Medora, the two units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, grassland viewpoints and widely separated rural services. Inside the park, visitors generally explore by road, on foot or on horseback where permitted; there is no comprehensive regional public-transport network linking the main sights. Medora is walkable, but rural attractions and trailheads are dispersed. Cyclists and motorcyclists should plan carefully for long distances, strong winds, limited shade and changing weather. Download maps in advance because mobile coverage can be inconsistent away from towns and major roads.

Top city travel guides in Badlands

The cities of Badlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Badlands

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Badlands

The Badlands’ principal attraction is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whose South Unit near Medora and North Unit near Watford City offer contrasting ways to experience the Little Missouri landscape. Scenic drives, overlooks and short walks reveal layered buttes, grass-covered plateaux, cottonwood bottoms and changing views of the river valley, while longer trails lead into quieter country. Wildlife watching is central, with bison, pronghorn, mule deer, elk, wild horses and many prairie birds commonly associated with the park, although sightings are never guaranteed. Medora adds museums, historic buildings and seasonal cultural entertainment, including the town’s long-established musical theatre tradition. Outside the park, the Little Missouri National Grassland provides a much larger setting for hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting where authorised and dispersed observation of prairie scenery. Geological interests include exposed sedimentary formations, coal beds and the erosion processes that continue to reshape the slopes. The region is best explored through a mixture of planned park visits and unhurried driving, with enough time for weather, wildlife and road conditions to alter the day’s schedule.

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Best landmarks in Badlands

Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s layered badland formations are the region’s defining natural landmarks, especially the sharply eroded buttes and valley walls visible along the South Unit’s scenic road near Medora. The Little Missouri River provides the geographical thread connecting the park’s broken terrain, cottonwood groves and grassland plateaux. Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin, preserved in Medora, is a small but important historic landmark associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s first Dakota ranching period; the nearby town’s heritage buildings and museums develop that story further. In the North Unit, River Bend Overlook is recognised for its broad view across the Little Missouri valley and surrounding formations. The Painted Canyon viewpoint, reached from Interstate 94 east of Medora, presents a particularly accessible panorama of the region’s coloured strata, although it is outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park itself. Together these places show the Badlands as both a geological landscape and a setting shaped by ranching, conservation and presidential history.

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Explore Badlands on the map

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Best restaurants in Badlands

Dining in the Badlands reflects the hearty food culture of the northern Great Plains, with beef, bison, burgers, chilli, sandwiches and substantial breakfasts widely represented in cafés, grills and western-style restaurants. Medora has the region’s most concentrated visitor dining scene, ranging from casual meals and ice cream to establishments geared towards summer tourism, while Dickinson and Watford City provide broader choices outside the immediate park gateways. Local menus may feature bison or other prairie influences, but visitors should distinguish regional ingredients from dishes that are simply common across the American West. Ranch-country breakfasts, baked goods and coffee are useful staples for early starts, and picnic supplies are important for long drives and park outings. Seasonal restaurants and event-linked dining are more prominent in summer, whereas quieter periods can bring reduced choice in smaller communities. Farmers’ markets and local food outlets, where operating, offer a more direct connection to regional producers than souvenir-focused dining venues.

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Best bars in Badlands

Nightlife in the Badlands is modest and town-centred rather than club-oriented. Medora’s evening activity is strongest during the main visitor season, when theatre, live entertainment, restaurants and western-themed venues keep the town active after sunset. Traditional bars and grills in Medora, Dickinson and Watford City serve as social spaces for residents, workers and visitors, while some dining venues offer locally brewed beer or familiar American drinks. Dickinson and Watford City have the broadest selection of late-evening establishments, but neither should be treated as a major national nightlife destination. In rural areas, evenings are more likely to involve a meal, conversation, a community event or stargazing than a nightclub. Travellers should check current seasonal arrangements locally, arrange a safe return to accommodation and avoid driving after drinking, particularly on dark roads where distances and wildlife create additional hazards.

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Best nightclubs in Badlands

Nightlife in the Badlands is modest and town-centred rather than club-oriented. Medora’s evening activity is strongest during the main visitor season, when theatre, live entertainment, restaurants and western-themed venues keep the town active after sunset. Traditional bars and grills in Medora, Dickinson and Watford City serve as social spaces for residents, workers and visitors, while some dining venues offer locally brewed beer or familiar American drinks. Dickinson and Watford City have the broadest selection of late-evening establishments, but neither should be treated as a major national nightlife destination. In rural areas, evenings are more likely to involve a meal, conversation, a community event or stargazing than a nightclub. Travellers should check current seasonal arrangements locally, arrange a safe return to accommodation and avoid driving after drinking, particularly on dark roads where distances and wildlife create additional hazards.

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Best shops in Badlands

Shopping is concentrated in Medora, Dickinson and Watford City rather than spread through a network of large retail districts. Medora’s seasonal shops focus on books about Theodore Roosevelt and the Badlands, western clothing, Native-inspired and regional craft items, artwork, souvenirs and locally themed food products; visitors should buy respectfully and ask about provenance where cultural designs are involved. Dickinson offers more everyday retail, galleries, antiques and supplies for road travel, while Watford City serves as a practical northern service centre with a mixture of local businesses and general shops. Regional purchases can include North Dakota food products, prairie-themed art, leather goods, pottery, books and small ranch or wildlife souvenirs. Farmers’ markets and community markets may be available seasonally, but dates and locations vary. Because remote routes have few commercial stops, purchase fuel, water and basic provisions before leaving the larger towns, particularly when exploring the national grassland or the North Unit.

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Badlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD), as elsewhere in the United States. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, larger shops, visitor facilities and established restaurants, but rural businesses, campgrounds or temporary services may have limited connectivity. Carry some cash for small purchases and as a reserve when travelling through remote parts of the Badlands. Automated cash machines are concentrated in towns such as Medora, Dickinson and Watford City rather than along every scenic route. Tipping in restaurants and for customary personal services follows US practice.
Safety
The main risks are environmental rather than urban: heat, dehydration, sun exposure, sudden storms, slippery clay after rain, steep or uneven ground and long distances between services. Keep well away from bison, wild horses and other wildlife, and never block roads while watching animals. Drivers should watch for livestock, wildlife, cyclists and changing road conditions. Tell someone about longer hikes, carry water and check weather and fire information before entering grassland or backcountry areas. Winter travel can bring ice, snow, strong winds and rapidly changing conditions.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies throughout North Dakota, including the Badlands. Give a clear location, road name, trail or park unit and any nearby landmark, since distances can be considerable and mobile reception may be weak. In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, contact park staff or rangers for assistance when possible; serious incidents may require a lengthy response. For a non-immediate mental-health crisis in the United States, call or text 988. Do not rely solely on a mobile phone when hiking or driving remote routes: carry water, navigation tools and a charged backup power source.
Do's and Don'ts
Do stay on marked trails where requested, respect private ranch land, close gates, keep dogs controlled and leave fossils, plants, rocks and historic objects in place. Do follow posted wildlife distances and never feed animals. Do slow down for other road users and give way courteously on narrow park roads. Do not climb unstable slopes after rain or approach the edge of unguarded overlooks. Photography is welcome, but avoid entering private property or disrupting ranching and Indigenous cultural sites. Tipping, queuing and general public etiquette follow wider US customs rather than a separate Badlands code.
Local Tips
Base yourself in Medora for easy access to the South Unit, but consider Watford City or another northern base when prioritising the North Unit. Early morning and late afternoon usually offer softer light and more comfortable conditions for walking, while wildlife may be active at either time. Treat the Little Missouri National Grassland as a large, lightly serviced landscape rather than a single visitor attraction. Ask locally about road conditions and fuel before taking remote routes, and remember that summer events in Medora can make accommodation and dining more competitive than the quiet appearance of the town suggests.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[How-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya later[See ya lay-ter]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[Please/No prob-lem]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thanks a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry[Par-don me/Sor-ree]
How are you?How's it going?[How's it go-ing?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[Good. And you?]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[You speak-in' English?]
I don't understandI ain't gettin' it[I ain't get-tin' it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[Can I see the men-u, please?]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[I don't do meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI'd like to settle up, please[I'd like to set-tle up, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![Get a doc!]
I'm lostI’m turned around[I’m turned a-round]
I'm illI ain't feelin' good[I ain't feel-in' good]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to buy...[I'm look-in' to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[Just brow-zin']
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's way too high[That's way too high]
Can you lower the price?Can ya cut the price?[Can ya cut the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Morn-in']
AfternoonAfternoon[Af-ter-noon]
EveningEvenin'[Eve-nin']
YesterdayYest'day[Yest'-day]
TodayToday[To-day]
TomorrowTomorrah[To-mor-rah]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a...?[Where's a...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?[Can ya point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A tick-et to...]

History of Badlands

Indigenous Homelands and River Corridors

The Badlands lie within the long-used homelands and travel networks of Indigenous peoples, including communities associated with the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota and Dakota histories of the northern Great Plains. The Little Missouri River and its tributary valleys provided routes through otherwise open country, while the surrounding grasslands supported hunting and seasonal movement. Indigenous knowledge of water, weather, plants and animals remains an essential part of understanding the landscape. The region’s later ranching and tourism narratives should therefore be viewed alongside, not in place of, its much older Indigenous history.

Fur Trade, Exploration and the Little Missouri

During the nineteenth century, traders, military expeditions and surveyors travelled through the Little Missouri country as the United States expanded across the northern plains. The river valleys were difficult to cross but served as corridors through the broken terrain. Maps, military reports and commercial travel gradually made the area better known to outsiders, while treaty-making and federal expansion profoundly disrupted Indigenous political control and land use. The period established many of the routes and place associations later used by ranchers, settlers and visitors.

Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands, 1883–1887

The future US president Theodore Roosevelt first came to the Badlands in 1883 to hunt bison and later invested in cattle ranches in the Little Missouri region. His time there followed personal bereavement and helped shape his public image as a strenuous outdoorsman. The ranching venture was not permanently successful, particularly after severe winters and the difficult economics of open-range cattle raising, but Roosevelt retained a lasting attachment to the landscape. His experiences later influenced his conservation policies and helped give the region national significance.

Open-Range Ranching and Settlement

Late nineteenth-century settlement brought cattle operations, homesteads, rail connections and small commercial communities to western North Dakota. Ranching adapted to the Badlands’ broken topography and limited water, with the Little Missouri River and scattered springs especially important. Harsh winters, drought and fluctuating markets repeatedly tested the industry, while fencing and changing land laws altered the open range. Working ranches remain part of the region’s identity, although modern operations and land use are very different from the short-lived cattle boom associated with Roosevelt’s era.

Medora and the Growth of Heritage Tourism

Medora developed as a service and ranching settlement and later became the principal visitor gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The town’s historic associations, museums and summer entertainment helped transform a small western community into a heritage-tourism centre. The Medora Musical, introduced in the twentieth century, built a seasonal cultural economy around regional history and patriotic western spectacle. Today, tourism operates alongside ranching and public-land management, with the town serving visitors exploring both the national park and the wider Little Missouri landscape.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Conservation

The protected landscape began as Roosevelt Recreation Demonstration Area in 1947 and was redesignated Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park in 1949; it became Theodore Roosevelt National Park in 1978. The park preserves badlands scenery, mixed-grass prairie and wildlife habitat associated with the Little Missouri River. Its establishment reflected the growing American conservation movement and the symbolic importance of Roosevelt’s connection with the area. The park also illustrates the continuing challenges of managing bison, wild horses, fire, invasive plants, drought and visitor access in an arid, changing environment.

Badlands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate App-Based Travel Guide to Badlands, North Dakota

Discover the wonders of Badlands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide offering comprehensive insights into attractions, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
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  • Rich visuals and local tips for a deeper understanding of Badlands
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Evendo is your perfect travel companion for exploring Badlands, North Dakota. With detailed guides on attractions, restaurants, and activities, this free app ensures you don’t miss a thing.

  • "Near me" feature for easy navigation
  • Historical insights and travel essentials
  • Curated local advice for an authentic experience

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Badlands, North Dakota with Evendo, your ultimate app-based travel guide. From the rugged landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the iconic beauty of the Painted Canyon, Evendo offers detailed information on every landmark and attraction. Discover the local charm of Medora, visit the historical Chateau de Mores, or explore the fascinating geology of the Little Missouri River.

Evendo not only guides you through must-see attractions but also introduces you to the best dining experiences in Badlands. Savor local cuisine at Pitchfork Steak Fondue or indulge in a rustic meal at the Cowboy Café. With Evendo, uncover hidden gems and local favorites that will enrich your travel experience.

The app's intuitive interface provides users with rich content, including images, descriptions, and local tips to enhance your visit. Easily book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app, ensuring a seamless travel planning process. The "Near me" feature allows you to find nearby attractions, bars, and shops, making it easier to navigate the city and discover new experiences.

With Evendo, you have an all-in-one travel guide at your fingertips, making your journey through Badlands not only memorable but also effortless.

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