Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers free access to natural beauty

Nov. 6—MEDORA, N.D. — Mark your weekend calendars and plan a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora this weekend — free of charge. This rare opportunity to experience the park's wonders without any admission fees is the last of the year. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the badlands are sure to leave most awestruck with their rugged beauty and historical significance.

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) is set to open its gates to all visitors with a special treat on Saturday, Nov. 11. For 24 hours on that day, the breathtaking beauty of the badlands can be explored without any admission fees. This presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the scenic wonders and rugged landscapes of this national treasure.

TRNP is a place that never sleeps, remaining open 365 days a year, including all of its units — the North Unit, South Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself welcomes explorers, allowing the experience of its natural splendor at any time.

It's important to check current conditions for any weather-related closures.

This special occasion is part of the U.S. National Park Service's initiative, offering free entry to all of its more than 400 sites a few times each year. As the year 2022 comes to a close, this is the last opportunity to enjoy free access to these iconic national treasures.

The park, located in southwestern North Dakota, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It preserves three areas of rugged and stunning badlands, each with its unique charm. The park was established in honor of the landscape's profound influence on the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who as a young man hunted and ranched in the Little Missouri Badlands. It was in these same lands that he found the inspiration to become a great advocate for conservation and the preservation of America's natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the park's South Unit, which offers a 48-mile scenic drive that begins and ends in Medora. The drive, taking around 2 hours to complete, winds through the enchanting Little Missouri Badlands. The North Unit boasts a 28-mile scenic drive, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete without stops. It offers sweeping vistas of the badlands and historic landmarks, including the River Bend Overlook and Oxbow Overlook. Along these drives, scenic overlooks with exhibits highlighting the landscape's features, history and habitats can be found, as well as hiking trails of varying lengths departing from trailheads. Additionally, the drives provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, as more ground can be covered by road and safe, up-close encounters with the park's diverse wildlife can be had.

For more information about the park, its attractions, and current conditions, the official website or local visitor centers can be visited. Don't forget to bring a camera, as the park offers numerous opportunities for capturing the beauty of North Dakota's wild and untamed landscapes.