It’s no secret that one of the top summer destinations in North Dakota is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Every year, thousands upon thousands of visitors from all over the country – and even the world – stop by our state’s stunning badlands to have a look. They see the colorfully-painted canyons, the roaming bison herds, and the rugged prairie landscapes. Then, once winter comes around, they leave. The seasonal shops and attractions close. Still, some people know that there is still beauty to be found at the TRNP in the winter, and you can enjoy it from the warmth of your car. Check out this scenic winter drive in North Dakota for yourself.
If you enjoy visiting the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the summer, don’t discard the idea of visiting it in winter. It can be just as beautiful in whole new ways.
Jenny W/Flickr
This park, consisting of two main units in western North Dakota, is open all year long. In the winter, it’s much quieter here with fewer tourists, making it an ideal place to go for a drive or winter hike.
Skeney57/Tripadvisor
The bison and wild horses still roam here after the snow has fallen. You may even spot other wildlife such as bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and various birds of prey.
Skeney57/Tripadvisor
They all look magnificent with a snow-covered butte scene behind them.
AbbeyReynolds/Tripadvisor
The iconic views of the park, such as this of the Chateau des Mores, also look enchanting during this season.
Skeney57/Tripadvisor
The Little Missouri River becomes covered in ice, adding another view you can’t get in the summer.
Mark0076/Tripadvisor
The park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails if you’re interested in getting out of your car and embracing the cold. It’s a great way to explore the landscape in ways most visitors never even consider and are missing out on.
Don W/Tripadvisor
Before you head out, be sure to check this website for conditions and road closures. It isn’t uncommon for a few particular roads to close in the winter, but most remain open between both the North and South Unit.
Kristina B/Tripadvisor
Have you ever visited the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the winter? Seriously consider it if you haven’t already. Here are more great winter destinations in North Dakota to check out this season!
Jenny W/Flickr
Skeney57/Tripadvisor
AbbeyReynolds/Tripadvisor
Mark0076/Tripadvisor
Don W/Tripadvisor
Kristina B/Tripadvisor
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Address: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks to Visit in North Dakota February 03, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best state parks in North Dakota? North Dakota is host to a handful of delightful state (and National) parks – 13, to be exact. The most famous park in the entire state isn’t a state park at all, but a National Park; it’s the legendary Theodore Roosevelt National Park, so named after the President himself, who once fell in love with North Dakota’s wildlands long ago. It’s among the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, with incredible hiking, geological features, historic areas and ruins, and so much more to explore. Watch the wild buffalo roam or check out the petrified forests of the area (seriously). Then, there’s the beautiful Icelandic State Park, where you can go back in time to the old days and learn about life at the beginning of it all at the Pioneer Heritage Center. Lake Sakakawea State Park is a park situation on 739 acres of the lake’s southernmost shoreline; it’s named after the young woman who teamed up with Lewis and Clark on their expeditions and helped guide the way. If there’s anyone deserving of a state park named for them, it was her. Then, history buffs will also love Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where even MORE history comes alive and you’re sure to learn amazingly interesting things about our nation’s early days (and the early days of one of its earliest Presidents). For more ideas and info, take a look at this list of ten of our favorite state parks in North Dakota. What are the most popular hiking trails in North Dakota? North Dakota is, believe it or not, a paradise for those who love a good hike. There are 176 trails all over the state for your enjoyment, and each comes with its own special details, history, and more. Some of our favorites (and the top picks of our friends at AllTrails.com) include awesome hikes like the 4.4-mile Caprock Coulee Loop, located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s rated as moderate, and it offers some truly amazing views of a truly amazing park. The next two are located within TRNP as well; there’s the Wind Canyon Trail, a half-mile easy trek, and Painted Canyon Nature Trail, which is an easy one-mile hike. Of course, there are well over 100 more… which one will you choose first?
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks to Visit in North Dakota
February 03, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best state parks in North Dakota? North Dakota is host to a handful of delightful state (and National) parks – 13, to be exact. The most famous park in the entire state isn’t a state park at all, but a National Park; it’s the legendary Theodore Roosevelt National Park, so named after the President himself, who once fell in love with North Dakota’s wildlands long ago. It’s among the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, with incredible hiking, geological features, historic areas and ruins, and so much more to explore. Watch the wild buffalo roam or check out the petrified forests of the area (seriously). Then, there’s the beautiful Icelandic State Park, where you can go back in time to the old days and learn about life at the beginning of it all at the Pioneer Heritage Center. Lake Sakakawea State Park is a park situation on 739 acres of the lake’s southernmost shoreline; it’s named after the young woman who teamed up with Lewis and Clark on their expeditions and helped guide the way. If there’s anyone deserving of a state park named for them, it was her. Then, history buffs will also love Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where even MORE history comes alive and you’re sure to learn amazingly interesting things about our nation’s early days (and the early days of one of its earliest Presidents). For more ideas and info, take a look at this list of ten of our favorite state parks in North Dakota. What are the most popular hiking trails in North Dakota? North Dakota is, believe it or not, a paradise for those who love a good hike. There are 176 trails all over the state for your enjoyment, and each comes with its own special details, history, and more. Some of our favorites (and the top picks of our friends at AllTrails.com) include awesome hikes like the 4.4-mile Caprock Coulee Loop, located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s rated as moderate, and it offers some truly amazing views of a truly amazing park. The next two are located within TRNP as well; there’s the Wind Canyon Trail, a half-mile easy trek, and Painted Canyon Nature Trail, which is an easy one-mile hike. Of course, there are well over 100 more… which one will you choose first?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Dakota is host to a handful of delightful state (and National) parks – 13, to be exact. The most famous park in the entire state isn’t a state park at all, but a National Park; it’s the legendary Theodore Roosevelt National Park, so named after the President himself, who once fell in love with North Dakota’s wildlands long ago. It’s among the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, with incredible hiking, geological features, historic areas and ruins, and so much more to explore. Watch the wild buffalo roam or check out the petrified forests of the area (seriously). Then, there’s the beautiful Icelandic State Park, where you can go back in time to the old days and learn about life at the beginning of it all at the Pioneer Heritage Center. Lake Sakakawea State Park is a park situation on 739 acres of the lake’s southernmost shoreline; it’s named after the young woman who teamed up with Lewis and Clark on their expeditions and helped guide the way. If there’s anyone deserving of a state park named for them, it was her. Then, history buffs will also love Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where even MORE history comes alive and you’re sure to learn amazingly interesting things about our nation’s early days (and the early days of one of its earliest Presidents). For more ideas and info, take a look at this list of ten of our favorite state parks in North Dakota.
What are the most popular hiking trails in North Dakota?
North Dakota is, believe it or not, a paradise for those who love a good hike. There are 176 trails all over the state for your enjoyment, and each comes with its own special details, history, and more. Some of our favorites (and the top picks of our friends at AllTrails.com) include awesome hikes like the 4.4-mile Caprock Coulee Loop, located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s rated as moderate, and it offers some truly amazing views of a truly amazing park. The next two are located within TRNP as well; there’s the Wind Canyon Trail, a half-mile easy trek, and Painted Canyon Nature Trail, which is an easy one-mile hike. Of course, there are well over 100 more… which one will you choose first?
