Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [389]
The wealth of wildlife that first attracted Theodore Roosevelt and thousands of other avid sports enthusiasts to this area still exists. Bands of wild horses roam in the park's South Unit, just as they did when Roosevelt rode over this land and tended his cattle a century ago.
Avoiding the Crowds. The park has 70,000 acres, three spread-out units, and less than a half million visitors per year, so avoiding crowds at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is not difficult. In general, you'll see fewer visitors in early morning and evening hours, particularly during the high-visitation months of June, July, and August. Early fall is especially appealing to those seeking a more contemplative experience. But even during the height of the summer season, those enjoying backcountry
treks and scenic drives are not likely to encounter throngs of camera-wielding vacationers.
Just the Facts
GETTING THERE & GATEWAYS
The park's South Unit is 130 miles west of Bismarck and just north of Medora (Exit 24 or 27 on I-94). The North Unit is near Watford City. From I-94, take Exit 42 (Belfield) and continue north on U.S. 85 another 50 miles to the North Unit Entrance. The park also includes Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch, between the North and South units; visitors should ask rangers about road conditions before attempting to visit.
The Nearest Airports. About 130 miles east of the park is Bismarck Municipal Airport (☎ 800/453-4244 or 701/222-6502), served by Allegiant Air, Northwest, and United Express airlines, with service to Denver, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas, plus Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise car rentals. Dickinson–Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (☎ 701/483-1062) is 35 miles from Medora and is served by Great Lakes Airlines, with service to Denver, and Budget Car Rental. The toll-free numbers for airlines and car-rental agencies appear in the appendix (p. 660).
INFORMATION
Contact Theodore Roosevelt National Park, P.O. Box 7, Medora, ND 58645 (☎ 701/623-4466 for the South Unit, the main number, or 701/842-2333 for the North Unit; www.nps.gov/thro). The National Park Service has a variety of brochures that explore the park's cultural and natural resources, including a very useful road log guide, sold in the visitor center. Information and a variety of publications are available from the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association, P.O. Box 167, Medora, ND 58645 (☎ 701/623-4884; www.nps. gov/thro/tr_shop.htm), which produces Frontier Fragments, an excellent park newspaper. It's updated annually and filled with relevant stories on the park's history, wildlife, interpretive offerings, and visitor services.
For information about the area, contact the Medora Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 186, Medora, ND 58645 (☎ 701/623-4910).
VISITOR CENTERS
The park has three visitor centers. The Medora Visitor Center (for the South Unit) is just inside the park entrance at Medora and is open daily year-round. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center, about 7 miles east of Medora, is open daily from April to mid-November. The North Unit Visitor Center, at the eastern end of the North Unit, just off U.S. 85, is open daily from Memorial Day through September, and weekends and most weekdays the rest of the year.
FEES & PERMITS
Entry to the park for up to 7 days costs $5 per person, or a maximum of $10 per vehicle. Campsites cost $10 per night, plus $1 per horse if you use the group horse-camping site in the South Unit. Campsites are $5 per night with Golden Age and Golden Access passes. Group camps cost $2 per person, with a minimum of $20 (reservations required). Backcountry permits are free.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS & WARNINGS
The animals in the park are wild and should be viewed from a safe distance. (Even the prairie dogs can bite.) Watch out for ticks in late spring and early