Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Spectacular In The Winter
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is spectacular in the winter. If you are not visiting national parks in the winter, why not? The beauty that you will find in America’s National Parks shines all year long, and winter is exceptional.
Badlands National Park In Winter
It won’t take you long to see what you are missing out on, as you see what the park looks like in winter. Here’s my experience in visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the winter. I visited the South Unit on this visit and need to make a return trip to see the North Unit in the winter.
Medora – Entrance To South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Medora, North Dakota, is where you will find the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Much of the town is closed during the winter, but the parts of the town that are open are welcoming. Little Missouri Saloon & Dining will be open during your visit. Grab a taco salad, fried pickles, or a burger along with a beer.
Book a night of lodging at the AmericInn & Suites for a cozy night in Medora.
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View The Wildhorses
The wildhorses offer an incredible viewing experience all year long. The horses were all around in the winter, as like any other month.
It did not take long to find a couple of horses in Theodore Roosevelt National park. Sunrise and sunset are the perfect time of day for spectacular wildlife viewing in winter in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
View The Bison
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is know for its bison. It won’t take you long to find a loner or a herd while driving through the national park.
Look high, low, and drive down a road that appears to be a road to nowhere.
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View The Wildlife
White-tail and mule deer are common. One of our best finds on this trip was seeing a porcupine up in a tree. Who knew? I had no idea that porcupines were tree climbers, but know I know.
It was not uncommon to see a rabbit, as they did pop up in a lot of places.
The Road
Here are some views of the roadway. I’d highly recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the roads were snow covered. It was also not uncommon to experience a few icy spots.
Peaceful Valley Ranch
Peaceful Valley Ranch is where the only original ranch house remains in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
We did not see any bison hanging in the area, but we did observe rabbits hopping around. Imagine a quiet place in time and what life was like several years back.
Play In The Snow
Hiking in a national park in the winter is more like playing in the snow. Each trail is a new adventure. As with anytime of year, you truly never know what will be around the next corner.
Entrance into the park was on the honor system, as there was nobody in the building at the park entrance. The visitor center was open shorter hours during the winter season, and you could go in there to ask questions about your visit. We have an annual park pass to the national parks. If you don’t have one, I’d highly encourage you to purchase one. Tip: Purchase your park pass at a park that you want to support, as part of your purchase goes towards the park the purchase was made.
My challenge to you is to visit a national park in the winter. I am so glad we were able to make this trip happen. I would plan two full days of exploring in the winter, and dress for the weather. The national park was truly as beautiful as I had hoped it would be.
My only regret is that we did not have time to make the short drive to the North Unit of the park. But, there’s always next year and I’m always game for a trip to Medora.
SaraB
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