We enjoyed our visit to North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The badlands seemed much friendlier in North Dakota than the badlands in South Dakota with the addition of grasslands, trees and the Little Missouri River. We visited both the North and South Units of the park with far fewer visitors in the North Unit. Great scenic vistas in both. Good number of short, easy trails with nice views.
The town of Medora, ND near the main entrance to Theodore Roosevelt, National Park has some nice shops, restaurants, mountain bike rental and an outstanding outdoor musical in a badland amphitheater.
We stayed at the Spirit of the Badlands Lodge, a privately owned piece of the badlands just minutes from the National Park but seemed a million miles from anywhere. Very scenic and quiet. Full kitchen, woodsy decor and friendly host.
Going east on I-94 for 40 minutes from Medora, you’ll come across Exit 72 to the Enchanted Highway to see huge metal sculptures every few miles going south. You’ll spend an enjoyable hour driving to Regent, ND and back, with additional time for stopping to take photos.
Further east on I-94 in Jamestown, ND is the World’s Largest Buffalo in a free touristy park.
