North Unit Visitor Center — Attraction in Watford City

I visited both the North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You must realize that the two units are about 80-miles apart and each is unique in its own right. It took me about an hour and a half to make the drive up to the north unit from my hotel in Dickinson, arriving at the North Unit Visitors Center about mid-morning. After picking up a map and talking to one of the very helpful rangers I began my drive along the scenic drive out to the Oxbow Overlook. Along the way I managed to stop at most of the pullout and over looks which afford you some wonderful views of the North Dakota Badlands and the grass Prairie. I even took a short hike at the Cannonball Concretions Pull out. This is definitely worth a stop even if you don’t venture far from the parking area. If you do be careful, as I saw two rattlesnake along the way. The River Bend Overlook is perhaps the most popular spot in the North Unit. It affords you a grand view of the Little Missouri River which was almost dry during my visit. I also encountered my first buffalo at the River Bend Overlook. A lone buffalo was grazing just off the path and a family failed to heed the rangers’ warnings that buffalo are wild and dangerous and should be view from a distance. A lady and on of her kids got a little too close and the big shaggy beast shook its head and started charging at them. Thankful they were able to escape to the safety of their car. As I drove through the park, I saw several small herds of Buffalo grazing on the prairie grass near the road. A could of times I had to stop and wait for them to cross the road. I visited the North Unit in Mid-June and there was only a handful of tourist in the park. I must say that I enjoyed the North Unit just as much if not more than the more crowded South Unit. I highly recommend making the drive up to the North Unit, it is well worth the...

Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is awesome and not a national park to miss, offering a perfect mix of stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. From the moment you enter the park, you're greeted by sweeping vistas of rugged badlands, winding rivers, and endless skies.

The wildlife is one of the park's highlights. We encountered bison grazing peacefully, deer darting through the brush, and even spotted bighorn sheep on the rocky ridges. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the wild horses that roam the park, adding to the untamed feel of the area.

For hikers like us, the North Unit offers a range of trails that cater to any type of hike and level you're looking for. Whether you're looking for an easy walk or a more challenging trek, there’s something for everyone. One of our favorite hikes was down to the river from Oxbow Overlook, a more strenuous route that included rock scrambles and stunning views. The park also has trails ranging from mild strolls to more intense routes, perfect for exploring the unique terrain.

Camping here is a great experience, too. The campground is quiet, well-maintained, and surprisingly affordable at $10 or less per night in 2024. We were impressed by how clean the facilities were, and the best part is that the campground rarely fills up, even during busier times. This makes it an ideal place to relax and reconnect with nature after a day out exploring.

Overall, the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a peaceful yet exciting experience for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and campers alike. Whether you stay for a day or a week, the park’s vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor opportunities make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a real escape...

The north unit definitely not as crowded as the south unit and had very similar views. Although my family had mentioned multiple times that the buttes and rock formation seem to be much more colorful and had a more distinct pattern in them. The scenic drive also had a stop where the cannonball like rock formations were protruding out of the buttes! We got to see bison walk right next to our truck when they decided to cross the road. I liked how clean from litter the park was and how natural everything looked. The scenic drive at times had some rough spots and was not paved at some points but all in all good. We ended up taking the Caprock Coulee Loop trail which got pretty difficult for the little ones but it did have great scenery. If anyone is looking to take this trail I would recommend that you be prepared for steep sections and narrow trails on some high ledges. Once we finished that trail we got back on the scenic road and continued on to the end of the route which had us at a pretty amazing view especially at sunset. The sunset looked so amazing it...