“I never would have been President if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota.”
That’s what Teddy Roosevelt said about this place. And once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Back in the 1880s, a young Roosevelt came here seeking solitude after a personal tragedy. Instead, he found a rugged, untamed landscape that sparked a lifelong passion for conservation. Bison roamed freely. Sunsets painted the sky in impossible colors. And deep, silent canyons carved through ancient rock. This wasn’t just the West. This was the West: raw, real, unforgettable.
Today, the same wild beauty still thrives. That’s what makes Theodore Roosevelt National Park such a rare gem. It’s a place where history, geology, wildlife, and memory all coexist side by side.
With this self-guided audio tour, you’ll explore the South Unit of the park at your own pace. As you drive, stories unfold- of Roosevelt’s time here, of boat thieves and badlands, prairie dogs and bison, and the dream that helped create the National Park system.
Along the way, you’ll stop at the humble Maltese Cross Cabin, once Roosevelt’s home on the frontier. Watch prairie dogs pop up and chirp across the aptly named Prairie Dog Metropolis. Snap photos at Skyline Vista and Boicourt Overlook, where the badlands stretch as far as the eye can see. Hike through scorched earth at the Coal Vein Trail. And if you’re lucky, spot bighorn sheep near the river bends.
There’s history at every turn. Even bonus stops in the North Unit for the intrepid traveler.
Disclaimer: This tour won’t turn you into a Rough Rider, but it might just turn you into a conservationist.
Download the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park Map
Know Before You Go
Note:
Effective May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, and digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and Cheque payments will no longer be accepted.
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You can begin the tour at the suggested starting location listed below:
208 Scenic Dr, Watford City, ND 58854, USA
Start near the North Unit Visitor Center at 208 Scenic Dr, Watford City, with the Visitor Center on your right as a reference.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Theodore Roosevelt Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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Maltese Cross Cabin
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Medora Overlook
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Teddy’s Birds
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Prairie Dog Metropolis
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Flora and Forests
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Gargantuan Glaciers
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Ancient Inhabitants
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Scoria Point Overlook
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Teddy Roosevelt's First Visit
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Badlands Overlook
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Sylvane Ferris & Bill Merrifield
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Old East Entrance Trail
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Healing in the Badlands
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Roosevelt's Bar Fight
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Coal Vein Nature Trail
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Marquis de Morès
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Buck Hill Trail
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The Boat Thieves
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The Trial of the Marquis
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Leaving the Badlands
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Bison of the Badland
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Roosevelt's Death
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Dinosaur Fossils
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Wild Canyon Trail
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Little Missouri River
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The North Dakota Oil Boom
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Peaceful Valley Ranch
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour offers a fascinating journey through the life and legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, showcasing his impact on conservation and American history.
The duration of the tour varies from 2 to 3 Hours
depending on the number of stops and attractions visited along the way.
No, there is no entrance fee or cost to access the tour route, as it is a self-guided experience open to all visitors.
Some must-see attractions include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin, and the Elkhorn Ranch Site.
Yes, the tour route is pet-friendly, allowing travelers to bring their furry companions along for the journey.
Late spring to early fall is ideal for the best weather and wildlife viewing opportunities, but the park is open year-round for visitors to explore.
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at various stops within Theodore Roosevelt National Park for visitors’ convenience.
While there are limited dining options within the park, nearby towns like Medora offer restaurants and cafes for travelers to enjoy.
Visitors may encounter bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and a variety of bird species while exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Check the park’s event calendar for ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and special events happening during your visit to enhance your experience.
Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits, visitor centers, and historic sites within Theodore Roosevelt National Park to gain insights into the life and achievements of the 26th President of the United States.
Visitors should bring essentials such as water, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and any snacks or picnic supplies they may need.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
