Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesNorth USANorth DakotaTheodore Roosevelt NP South
theodore-roosevelt-national-park-6683230_1920.jpg

Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive

Medora - Wind Canyon - Badlands Overlook

Expect on your itinerary

Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km56 h/stage0.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive in North Dakota?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 355EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 445EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 140EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 365EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Theodore Roosevelt NP South Itinerary

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Scenic Drive is a 56km route that takes you through the beautiful and rugged Badlands of North Dakota. Starting in Medora, the drive takes you through Wind Canyon and Badlands Overlook, offering spectacular views of the Badlands and the surrounding area. The best time to take this drive is in the summer or fall, when the roads are in excellent condition and the scenery is at its best. The route has some curves and narrow roads in some parts, but it is suitable for all drivers. Taking this drive is an experience that will provide you with lasting memories and can be done on a moderate budget. It is definitely worth taking the time to explore the beauty of North Dakota.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 56 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Medora

Distance 56 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: slow 12.9 kWh Airports DIK
[detailsContainer]
Medora, North Dakota is a small town located in the northwest corner of the state that serves as the gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It is a great starting point for the Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive, a beautiful drive that takes you through the heart of the park. The town of Medora is filled with attractions to explore and activities to experience. The Medora Musical, an outdoor musical show held at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, is a must-see. The nearby Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, a former cattle ranch owned by the Marquis de Mores in the late 19th century, is another popular attraction. In addition, the town's Old Town Hall Museum will take you back in time to the days of the early town settlers. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is a great place to hike, bike, and horseback ride. The closest international airport to Medora is the Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), located approximately 90 miles away. Car rentals are available at this airport for those wishing to take the Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive. Medora is the perfect starting point for the Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy for days. So pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable journey!

1 Medora - Wind Canyon

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: slow 3.8 kWh View map Itinerary
limited number of petrol stations scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Medora to Wind Canyon, just 10 miles away! This drive will take less than an hour, and you'll be treated to some of the most stunning scenery along the way. Keep an eye out for the winding roads and narrow sections. Don't forget to fill up your tank, as gas stations may be few and far between. As you make your way to Wind Canyon, you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting sites there. Make sure to check out the historic Medora Musical, the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Wind Canyon - Badlands Overlook

Distance 22 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: slow 5.0 kWh View map Itinerary
limited number of petrol stations scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an epic road trip adventure starting in Wind Canyon, United States and ending in Badlands Overlook. This 13mi journey takes less than 1 hour, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you'll pass through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Here, you can explore the iconic Painted Canyon and its breathtaking views. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the area's diverse wildlife. As you continue your journey, you'll be surrounded by the rolling hills of the North Dakota Badlands. Make sure to take the time to appreciate the stunning scenery. Be aware that the road can be winding in some sections and narrow in others, so take your time and drive safely. Also, keep in mind that there may be a lack of gas stations on this route. Finally, you'll reach the Badlands Overlook, where you can soak in the majestic views one last time. If you're looking for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage.

3 Badlands Overlook - Medora

Distance 18 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: slow 4.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a delightful road trip from Badlands Overlook to Medora! This 11mi journey will take you less than an hour and will provide you with a unique experience. As you drive, you will be able to admire the picturesque landscapes and historical sites. The road is winding in some sections and narrow in others, so be sure to drive with caution. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit some of the most interesting places, such as the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site. Be sure to take lots of pictures! When you arrive in Medora, you will find more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information about each of these places, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

  Medora

[detailsContainer]
Medora is the perfect destination to end your journey along the Theodore Roosevelt NP South Scenic Drive. Located in the state of North Dakota, this small town is a gateway to the North Dakota Badlands, and there are plenty of amazing sights to see. Visit the Medora Musical, a spectacular outdoor show that runs nightly in the summer, or explore the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, a natural outdoor amphitheatre. If you're looking for something a bit more educational, take a guided tour of the Chateau de Mores, the former home of the Marquis de Mores, a French nobleman and entrepreneur. For outdoor enthusiasts, Medora is a great place to explore. Take a hike in the Badlands and enjoy the stunning rock formations, or head to the nearby Little Missouri River for some fishing. If you're looking for a unique experience, take a scenic drive along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a 144-mile unpaved trail through the badlands of North Dakota. No matter what you're looking for, Medora has something for everyone. To get there, the closest international airport is the Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), located approximately two hours away from Medora. So, if you're looking to end your road trip on a high note, head to Medora and explore all the beauty and adventure the town has to offer.

Theodore Roosevelt NP South at a glance

The Scenic Loop in the southern part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is behind you. Hopefully you were able to find a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery. If not, especially during the summer months, we recommend the northern part of the park. Only 60 miles separate you from a completely different park experience. If you have the time, don't miss it. Otherwise, have a safe trip on I-94 through beautiful Montana and on to Bismarck.

Facts for safer driving in North Dakota

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

North USA Road Trip North USA Road Trip
North USA Road Trip
8,468 km 86 km/h 25 days roadtrip
North Dakota Road Trip North Dakota Road Trip
North Dakota Road Trip
2,212 km 91 km/h 12 days roadtrip
Great Northern US 2 Road Trip Great Northern US 2 Road Trip
Great Northern US 2 Road Trip
5,209 km 70 km/h 21 days roadtrip
Native American Road Trip Native American Road Trip
Native American Road Trip
600 km 76 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Theodore Roosevelt NP North Scenic Drive Theodore Roosevelt NP North Scenic Drive
Theodore Roosevelt NP North Scenic Drive
22 km 37 km/h 1 days scenic
Dakotas Classic Road Trip Dakotas Classic Road Trip
Dakotas Classic Road Trip
599 km 66 km/h 3 days roadtrip