Pronghorns and prairie dogs graze on the grass. American bison wander the plains and wallow in the dust. A wild stallion and his mares populate the hills and valleys, fighting off challengers that might steal his harem. Each winning stud controls a band of females, fathering colts and fillies during the breeding season.
Western coyotes scavenge and hunt. Bighorn sheep navigate a rock face, while whitetails and mule deer browse near the river. Cougars and badgers hunt for a meal – and nearly two hundred bird species call it home. Golden eagles and prairie falcons float on a breeze above sharp-tail grouse and wild turkeys.
Discover the wonders of the only memorial park in the USA named for a single individual. One of our most dedicated conservation advocates, Roosevelt earned that distinction thru his life-long conservation and wilderness protection efforts
Three separate units comprise the park and protect a wealth of natural resources. Elkhorn Ranch, the North and South units combined cover more than seventy thousand acres. Paved highways connect the North and South units, and circulate thru the park interiors. Elkhorn Ranch requires a higher clearance vehicle and navigates gravel roads thru less accommodating terrain. A hundred miles of hiking and horse trails access the more remote areas of the park. Little Missouri River runs thru the park and supplies an abundant water source.
Both a hunter and conservationist, Teddy Roosevelt fell in love with this badlands area and developed several ranches over the years. Serving as our president from 1901-1909, Roosevelt eventually dedicated this untamed wilderness – and spurred many conservation efforts that protect our natural resources.
