Exploring the National Parks

149: Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Best Tips + Activities


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We don’t like to rank national parks because we firmly believe that each one speaks to us all differently. However, there are some parks that end up being unexpected surprises, and quickly turn into lifelong favorites. Because of that, we’re crowning Theodore Roosevelt National Park as one of ours. 

Each time we visit, it just gets better and better. And in this episode, we're walking you through all three units of the park, all located in North Dakota, plus our favorite things to see, where to stop, and how we like to experience this hidden gem.

In this episode, we cover:
  • How to add Theodore Roosevelt National Park to your South Dakota road trip
  • The South Unit scenic loop drive and the best places to pull off for wildlife
  • Why Wind Canyon Trail is a must-see at sunset
  • Why the Elkhorn Ranch Unit is 100% worth the hour-and-a-half dirt road drive
  • The North Unit and its 14-mile scenic drive
  • The best overlooks in the park, including River Bend and Oxbow Overlook
  • The Medora Musical and why it's the thing to do in the gateway town
  • How long to spend here, and why rushing this park takes away the magic
  • Your task for today: Which wildlife are you most excited to see in Theodore Roosevelt National Park: the wild horses, the rough-and-tumble bison, the very vocal prairie dogs, or something else? Tell us over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page!

    Don't miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-theodore-roosevelt-national-park-best-tips-activities/


    Planning your own Theodore Roosevelt National Park adventure?

    • 8 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Theodore Roosevelt: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/8-things-cant-miss-first-visit-theodore-roosevelt-national-park/ 
    • Episode 141:  Best Scenic Drives in the National Parks: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/best-scenic-drives-in-the-national-parks/ 
    • Episode 37: Funny National Park Stories (Vol. 2): https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/funny-stories-vol-2-hiking/ 
    • Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/ 
    • National Parks Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
    • Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
    • ...more
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