National Park · ND
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt is quietest in January and February and busiest in August.
When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.
737K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Theodore Roosevelt
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 60°F | 37°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Partly cloudy | 62°F | 36°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 70°F | 44°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Overcast | 65°F | 44°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Overcast | 76°F | 50°F | 0% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 76°F | 43°F | 38% |
| Sat 24 | Light drizzle | 43°F | 33°F | 38% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F | 6°F | — |
| February | 28°F | 9°F | — |
| March | 40°F | 20°F | — |
| April | 53°F | 31°F | — |
| May | 64°F | 42°F | — |
| June | 74°F | 52°F | — |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | — |
| August | 82°F | 56°F | — |
| September | 71°F | 46°F | — |
| October | 54°F | 33°F | — |
| November | 39°F | 20°F | — |
| December | 28°F | 10°F | — |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, FAIRFIELD, ND US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
- Hours
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Petrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route
Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries. For precise directions, use the link provided.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
South Unit Address for Mobile Maps – Theodore Roosevelt NP
On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Station 201 East River Road N. Medora, ND 58645
- Information
Theodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection
Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Theodore Roosevelt questions
When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt?
Theodore Roosevelt is least crowded in January, February, and March. August is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Theodore Roosevelt?
Entrance to Theodore Roosevelt costs $30 (Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.).
When is Theodore Roosevelt busiest?
Theodore Roosevelt is busiest in August, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Theodore Roosevelt during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Theodore Roosevelt. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.