Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park

[subra1228]

Hi MOC'ers,
We are planning to head out to Theodore Roosevelt NP in the coming weeks and have begun researching. However, we continue to have one question and cannot find the answer, so hoping those of you who have been there, can help. What's the difference between the North & South Units? Does one offer more? Are they equally nice?

Thanks, as always!

[Rainer]

We were there in 2011.

The park is divided more or less by a highway. We spent all of our time in the "southern" part of the park, which we found to be gorgeous. Horses, buffalo, prairie dogs, trees, rock formations, the sky, everything was something we'd go back to see in a heartbeat.

We camped in Medora, the only campground in town; crowded and noisy, camping on grass, which, with rain, gets muddy fast. Medora is interesting. We enjoyed the pitchfork barbeque and the outdoor play - not to be missed.

I'm a big fan of Teddy Roosevelt, so seeing his cabin was a treat, especially after seeing his estate, Sagamore Hill, on Long Island, NY.

Sorry I can't give you a report on the "northern" part of the park.

[mail2us]

I believe there are 3 units, North, South and Elkhorn Ranch unit. We stayed at the Red Trail CG in Medora ND. It allowed walking to the heart of Medora which was a nice town with history to enjoy. Medora is the South Unit Visitor Center off I94. The North Unit Visitor Center is on Hwy 85. At night in Medora at the Burning Hills Outdoor Theater is a great show. You can find the theater website with a gsearch. Next to the theater is a restaurant Pitchfork Steak Fondue. While we did not go there the night of our show, the place was very busy. There is additional interesting museums to visit in Medora, again easy walking. Out in the badlands area there are plenty of bison, prairie dogs estates and sightings of elk. The Elkhorn Ranch was Teddy Roosevelt's ranch. The sight remains, but not the ranch. Finally your first exposure going West on I94 will be the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. There you will be able to avail yourself of further info to the area you are interested in. Attached is the NPS info on the NP. You will really enjoy this area.

http://www.nps.gov/thro/parknews/loa...&pageid=416286

[Tfthorp]

In 2008 or 9 we stayed in the north right in the park. Was rut season had bisson right in the CG it was great. The rangers had a hike that was excellent.

[Parts Ed]

Love, love, love TR Nat'l Park....

[adelmoll]

We have stayed at both several times.. The South side is at Medora where you have lots of things to do in town and a beautiful park just across the road. A lot of the activity in Medora closes after Labor Day though so keep that in mind... The North Park is just beautiful and we stayed right in the park... It was wonderful.. Lots of wildlife to see. There is not a lot of outside activity in that area like shops etc. but there is some great historic sites and a lot of Lewis and Clark History along the Missouri River.

Helen

[subra1228]

Thanks for all the feedback - hoping to get there next weekend sometime - as soon as their temperatures drop a bit (still predicted 90's this week....too hot for us!)

[stiles watson]

Ditto to all the above. If you like wildlife, there's elk, mule deer, buffalo, lots of prairie dogs, and wild horses. Great scenic photo opps!