Bison graze the river bottoms. Wild horses stand watch on the ridgelines. In September, bull elk bugle at first light. Theodore Roosevelt National Park begins at the edge of Medora, a few minutes from the Library, and it is one of the best places in the country to see the animals of the northern plains.
When T.R. arrived in the Dakota Badlands in September 1883, he came to hunt bison while a few still remained. Within his lifetime the herds were gone, along with the region’s elk and bighorn sheep. All three roam here again because people decided they should.
Horses ran these badlands before there was a park. Ranchers of Roosevelt’s day turned them out on the open range, and when the park was fenced in the 1950s, a few bands slipped every roundup. Since 1970 the park has kept them as part of the historic scene. About 200 roam the South Unit today in family bands, each led by a stallion.
Watch for them from the Scenic Loop Drive — the east side, from Boicourt Overlook to Buck Hill, is a favorite — and from Painted Canyon off I-94.
Wildlife keeps its own schedule. The first hours after sunrise and the last hour before dark are the best times to see bison, horses, elk and deer on the move. Drive slowly, pull fully off the road to watch, and stay at least 25 yards from every animal.
Pick a date below for sunrise and sunset times, what’s happening in the park that month and the best bets. Then start or end the day at the Library.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is managed by the National Park Service. Animals move constantly and park roads can close for weather or construction, so check current conditions and ask a ranger at any visitor center. Wildlife Watch is offered as a guide only.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to Stay
Check live availability at hotels, cabins and campgrounds near Medora.
Stargazing
Some of the darkest skies in America start where the wildlife drive ends.
Northern Lights
See when the aurora outlook is strongest over the Badlands.
