2 Days · Active Retirees
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Light: A Gentle Two-Day Journey Through Theodore Roosevelt's South Unit
4 stops
3 Days · Solo
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Solitude: 3 Days Alone Among the Buttes
9 stops
2 Days · Active Retirees
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Light: Two Days of Buttes, Bison, and Roosevelt's Cabin
4 stops
3 Days · Solo
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Solitude: 3 Days Alone with the Buttes of Theodore Roosevelt NP
7 stops
2 Days · Young Families
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands and Buttes: Two Easy Days with Little Ones at Theodore Roosevelt South Unit
4 stops
2 Days · Couples
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Light: Two Days of Buttes and Quiet Devotion in Theodore Roosevelt Country
6 stops
3 Days · Active Retirees
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Light: Three Gentle Days in Theodore Roosevelt Country
6 stops
2 Days · Young Families
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Wonder: Two Easy Days in Theodore Roosevelt's South Unit
5 stops
3 Days · Couples
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands & Quiet Light: 3 Days in Theodore Roosevelt South Unit
7 stops
3 Days · Couples
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Light: A Couple's Escape to Theodore Roosevelt's Dakota
9 stops
2 Days · Solo
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Solitude: Two Days Beneath the Rimrock
7 stops
3 Days · Teen Families
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands & Buttes: Three Days of Wild Light in Roosevelt's South Unit
9 stops
2 Days · Couples
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands and Golden Light: Two Days in the South Unit
6 stops
3 Days · Teen Families
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands Gold: 3 Days of Buttes, Bison & Roosevelt's Frontier
8 stops
3 Days · Young Families
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands & Buttes: A Family Journey Through Roosevelt's Dakota
6 stops
3 Days · Active Retirees
Theodore Roosevelt NP (South Unit), North Dakota
Badlands at First Light: A Gentle Three Days in Theodore Roosevelt's South Unit
8 stops
Top Attractions
Buck Hill Trail
A short but rewarding 1-mile round-trip climb to the highest point in the South Unit, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the badlands and prairie. Perfect for sunset photography and comprehensive landscape appreciation.
Photo by Mike Lensing on Pexels
Cottonwood Trail
A moderate 4-mile round-trip hike following a shaded creek bed through cottonwood groves to scenic vistas of the Little Missouri River. This trail offers respite from the exposed badlands and excellent chances for wildlife spotting.
Photo by dksecord on Pixabay
Maltese Cross Cabin
Antranias / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Medora Doll House
A quirky museum in Medora showcasing an impressive collection of handmade dolls and miniature period scenes depicting North Dakota frontier life. This unique attraction captures the creativity and heritage of the region's early settlers.
Photo by Travis_brown on Pixabay
Painted Canyon
Cooley's Gardens Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection / wikimedia (Public domain)
Scenic Loop Drive
A 36-mile loop road showcasing the park's most dramatic badlands vistas, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic ranching sites. This self-guided drive is essential for experiencing the full grandeur of Theodore Roosevelt's preserved landscape.
Photo by dksecord on Pixabay
Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit showcases the dramatic badlands landscape that captured the imagination of the nation's 26th president. This page offers travelers a comprehensive guide to exploring one of North Dakota's most striking natural destinations. Visitors will find three distinct itineraries ranging from immersive multi-day adventures to gentler explorations, each designed to reveal the park's unique character. Six key attractions—including the scenic Painted Canyon, historic Maltese Cross Cabin, and accessible trails like Buck Hill and Cottonwood—provide entry points for discovering Roosevelt's Dakota frontier. Whether planning a family journey or a more solitary retreat, this hub connects travelers with the experiences that define the South Unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What itineraries are available for visiting Theodore Roosevelt NP South Unit?
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Three itineraries are offered: Badlands Gold: 3 Days of Buttes, Bison & Roosevelt's Frontier, Badlands & Buttes: A Family Journey Through Roosevelt's Dakota, and Badlands at First Light: A Gentle Three Days in Theodore Roosevelt's South Unit. All are 3-day experiences designed for different travel styles and interests.
What are the main attractions to visit in the South Unit?
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Key attractions include the Scenic Loop Drive, Painted Canyon, Maltese Cross Cabin, Medora Doll House, Buck Hill Trail, and Cottonwood Trail. These sites showcase the park's geological features, historic structures, and hiking opportunities.
Are there hiking trails available in the South Unit?
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Yes. Buck Hill Trail and Cottonwood Trail are among the attractions available for visitors exploring the park on foot.
What historic sites can visitors explore?
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The Maltese Cross Cabin and Medora Doll House offer visitors a glimpse into the area's historic heritage and the era connected to Theodore Roosevelt's time in Dakota.