You’ve probably seen the beautiful, colorful hills and buttes of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Looking closer, however, you might see some truly fascinating things. The huge, expansive park is loaded with unique geological formations hidden among the valleys and on the sides of the canyons. Feeling adventurous? Explore the park to find some of them! These unique rock formations in North Dakota are a part of one of the best hikes in the state.
The badlands of North Dakota are a truly magnificent place to see. The colorful layers of the canyons are just one part of the many unique, interesting geological formations that are within the 70,000 acres of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
In both the North Unit and the South Unit, you’ll find unusual rocks in all sorts of places. There are tons of trails you can take, so grab your hiking boots and explore these formations yourself.
Eric Fredericks/Flickr
One type of formation you’ll see is caprocks, also called hoodoos, where erosion has worn away pillars with rocks perched on top, creating mushroom-like formations.
bryonia2015/Tripadvisor
Another odd yet intriguing formation is the cannonball concretions. These spheres are entirely natural and were formed over thousands of years deep below the ground. Now, erosion has exposed many of them fully and partially.
Jasperdo/Flickr
It’s hard not to be wowed by these - you’d think spheres so smooth could only be manmade, and yet they are entirely natural. If you don’t feel like hiking, these can be found on a pullout where you can drive right up and see them.
Jasperdo/Flickr
You’ll also find lots of petrified wood in the park. These massive tree stumps, now mineralized, were once huge trees from many thousands of years ago when this area was a swampy bog covered in sequoia-like trees.
GreenLight Designs (Jordan Green)/Flickr
There is beauty around every corner in this park in ways that almost seem otherworldly. Even the park’s namesake, former President Theodore Roosevelt who absolutely loved this area, commented on how bizarre and not-of-this-earth these formations seemed.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Even if you’ve seen the pictures of the vast landscape, you’ll definitely want to check out the many geological wonders at this park in person to really be able to admire them fully.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Which of these formations have you seen yourself? The National Park Service website has a page with more information about them, and how to visit.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Eric Fredericks/Flickr
bryonia2015/Tripadvisor
Jasperdo/Flickr
GreenLight Designs (Jordan Green)/Flickr
Too cold to hike the badlands? You should check out an amazing, rare collection of rocks and minerals at this quirky rock museum in North Dakota.
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Address: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks to Visit in North Dakota February 25, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best hiking trails in North Dakota? With more than 170 amazing hikes all over the state to choose from, it’s hard to know where to even begin! If we can recommend a few, we suggest the amazing Caprock Coulee Loop Trail, which is located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s 4.4 miles long, and rated as moderate. It’s one of the most popular trails in the state – as are many trails within the same park. Other Theodore Roosevelt National Park trails we strongly suggest hikers embark upon are the awesome Wind Canyon Trail, which is short – just a half-mile long – and easy enough even for little kids to do. Other great trails include the 8.3-mile but only moderately challenging Harmon Lake Trail, in Mandan, and the Bison Plant Trail, which can be found at the Minot Park District and is an easy 2.3 miles. Want more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park and its awe-inspiring trails? Check this article out! What are some of the best parks in North Dakota? North Dakota is an awesome state for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Our state is home to 13 state parks, all of which are wonderful and awe-inspiring in their own ways. There are three National Parks/National Park Services in North Dakota as well. However, if you’re looking for great city and/or local parks to bring the kids to, we have plenty of suggestions for those, too! Head to Fargo; it’s home to numerous awesome little parks. Our favorite Fargo-area parks include Forest River Park, which is great for folks who enjoy watching wildlife. If you have little ones, take them to Lindenwood Park while in Fargo. Or you can head to Minot and check out Oak Park, which is home to a gigantic playground that kids of most ages love.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks to Visit in North Dakota
February 25, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best hiking trails in North Dakota? With more than 170 amazing hikes all over the state to choose from, it’s hard to know where to even begin! If we can recommend a few, we suggest the amazing Caprock Coulee Loop Trail, which is located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s 4.4 miles long, and rated as moderate. It’s one of the most popular trails in the state – as are many trails within the same park. Other Theodore Roosevelt National Park trails we strongly suggest hikers embark upon are the awesome Wind Canyon Trail, which is short – just a half-mile long – and easy enough even for little kids to do. Other great trails include the 8.3-mile but only moderately challenging Harmon Lake Trail, in Mandan, and the Bison Plant Trail, which can be found at the Minot Park District and is an easy 2.3 miles. Want more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park and its awe-inspiring trails? Check this article out! What are some of the best parks in North Dakota? North Dakota is an awesome state for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Our state is home to 13 state parks, all of which are wonderful and awe-inspiring in their own ways. There are three National Parks/National Park Services in North Dakota as well. However, if you’re looking for great city and/or local parks to bring the kids to, we have plenty of suggestions for those, too! Head to Fargo; it’s home to numerous awesome little parks. Our favorite Fargo-area parks include Forest River Park, which is great for folks who enjoy watching wildlife. If you have little ones, take them to Lindenwood Park while in Fargo. Or you can head to Minot and check out Oak Park, which is home to a gigantic playground that kids of most ages love.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With more than 170 amazing hikes all over the state to choose from, it’s hard to know where to even begin! If we can recommend a few, we suggest the amazing Caprock Coulee Loop Trail, which is located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s 4.4 miles long, and rated as moderate. It’s one of the most popular trails in the state – as are many trails within the same park. Other Theodore Roosevelt National Park trails we strongly suggest hikers embark upon are the awesome Wind Canyon Trail, which is short – just a half-mile long – and easy enough even for little kids to do. Other great trails include the 8.3-mile but only moderately challenging Harmon Lake Trail, in Mandan, and the Bison Plant Trail, which can be found at the Minot Park District and is an easy 2.3 miles. Want more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park and its awe-inspiring trails? Check this article out!
What are some of the best parks in North Dakota?
North Dakota is an awesome state for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Our state is home to 13 state parks, all of which are wonderful and awe-inspiring in their own ways. There are three National Parks/National Park Services in North Dakota as well. However, if you’re looking for great city and/or local parks to bring the kids to, we have plenty of suggestions for those, too! Head to Fargo; it’s home to numerous awesome little parks. Our favorite Fargo-area parks include Forest River Park, which is great for folks who enjoy watching wildlife. If you have little ones, take them to Lindenwood Park while in Fargo. Or you can head to Minot and check out Oak Park, which is home to a gigantic playground that kids of most ages love.
