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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
Interview with Gary Arndt
Gary Arndt from Everything Everywhere (which was named one of the Top 25 blogs in the world by Time Magazine) has been to every state twice, and over 200 National Parks. When I asked him what was one of his favorite National Parks, he responded with Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Listen to the above podcast episode to get the full experience.
Why Go to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in Western North Dakota, and it’s not a place that lot of people have heard of or know about. Finding less crowded National Parks is a bonus, especially during a global pandemic. The park gets its name because it is where Theodore Roosevelt worked before he got into a career in politics.
If you are in the vanlife movement or are road-tripping across the US, it’s easy to get to because Theodore Roosevelt National Park is directly off of Interstate 94, which runs from Seattle to Boston.
The sunsets on the prairie are amazing because they go on forever. If you can catch a rainstorm while you’re on the prairie as well, they are amazing experiences you should have. While there are hiking and trails, you can see bison, mule deer, wild horses, and prairie dogs easily from your car. It’s the closest thing to a safari that Gary has seen in North America.
While there are hiking and trails, you can see bison, mule deer, wild horses and prairie dogs easily from your car. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the closest thing to a safari you can see in North America.
-Gary Arndt (Everything Everywhere Travel Blog)
When to Visit and Where to Stay when Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is summer or early fall. In the wintertime, there may be blizzard conditions, and there won’t be a whole lot to see.
You’ll find hotels, camping, and restaurants in Medora, North Dakota. Lower your expectations on accommodations, don’t expect luxury or 5-star hotels in the deep west. This area is full of steakhouses and similar fanfare.
Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park During the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
Currently, you do not need a reservation to visit the park, because the number of visitors there is very low. As of Fall 2020, the Visitor’s Center is closed, but you can do everything else you had planned to do in the park.
You still need to pay to get in, which is $20 per vehicle, and if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks, it may be worth it to spend $80 for a National park Passport that lasts a year. There are also multiple National Park pass programs for Veterans, Seniors, 4th Graders, and US residents with a permanent disability.
Is Theodore National Park Accessible?
You can easily drive through the park and there are a handful of wheelchair accessible trails. Because it’s in the plains, there is little to no vertical elevation. You can experience so much from your vehicle or just outside of it.
How Long Should You Spend at TR National Park?
You could easily spend up to 2 days here if you want to go visit both the North and South Unit. The middle unit, known as the Elkhorn Ranch Unit is a great place to visit with a 4×4, down a ravel road to visit the house where Theodore Roosevelt lived.
Want to know more?
Check out Gary’s blog post on Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Love podcasts? Subscribe to Experiences You Should Have Podcast and also check out Gary’s podcast, Everything Everywhere Daily.