• Painted Canyon Visitor Center - Begin your Theodore Roosevelt National Park journey at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center in Medora, North Dakota. Park rangers are available to answer questions and assist in selecting the ideal hike. Discover the park’s marvels through exhibits and pick up a keepsake at the gift shop. Before setting off on the trails, enjoy the sweeping views of the South Unit’s Badlands formations. This visitor center serves as your gateway to exploring scenic drives and hikes, including the bison-filled Painted Canyon Nature Trail.
• Medora - Experience the blend of history and natural beauty in Medora, North Dakota. Visit the deMores Packing Plant ruins, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, and more! Traverse the bison-filled trails or take on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Enjoy the renowned Medora Musical, a vibrant tribute to Roosevelt’s legacy. Engage in horseback riding or embark on a scenic bus tour for breathtaking Badlands views. In the evening, relax at a delightful restaurant or explore the shops on Medora’s historic main street. This charming town offers a taste of Western hospitality alongside stunning natural wonders.
• Maltese Cross Cabin - Travel back in time at the Maltese Cross Cabin in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This historic log cabin was once a temporary residence for the young Theodore Roosevelt, before his presidency. Explore the restored cabin and envision Roosevelt’s life as a cowboy rancher. Exhibits display his personal belongings, providing insight into his early days spent ranching in the rugged Badlands. It’s a captivating look into the life of the conservationist-turned-president who shaped American history.
• South Unit Visitor Center - The Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit Visitor Center in Medora, North Dakota, is your comprehensive resource for park adventures. Consult with park rangers for the latest trail conditions, animal migration patterns, and weather updates. Browse the gift shop for souvenirs from this epic journey through the North Dakota Badlands. Learn more about President Theodore Roosevelt himself.
• Prairie Dog Metropolis - Picture a vast grassland dotted with hundreds of burrows – that’s your cue! These social creatures, also known as black-tailed prairie dogs, emerge to greet you with barks and chirps. Ensure you stay on designated trails and observe from a distance – these playful animals are wild! It’s a fun and unique opportunity to witness a bustling prairie dog community in their natural habitat.
• Peaceful Valley Ranch - This historic dude ranch, once a lively center of ranch life, offers a glimpse into the past. Explore the restored ranch house and stables, remnants of a bygone era. While horseback riding is no longer available, scenic trails wind through the ranch, allowing you to experience the park’s beauty on foot. You may also catch a glimpse of the famous Wild Horses, who often frequent this area.
• Boicourt Overlook Trail - This short, paved path is ideal for all ages. Walk alongside a valley filled with the park’s colorful Badlands formations. Reach the end of the paved trail for a scenic overlook. Feeling adventurous? Continue on a short, unpaved section for an even more dramatic view of the Badlands stretching out before you. Keep an eye out for grazing bison and soaring birds of prey as you soak in the park’s beauty.
• Buck Hill Trail - This short, yet steep path is an out-and-back trek. Imagine a winding path ascending a butte, with stunning views of the surrounding Badlands unfolding with every step. Reach the top for panoramic vistas of the entire South Unit, from Painted Canyon to beyond. Spot wild horses or bison grazing in the distance. Remember, proper footwear is essential, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment at the summit!
• Coal Vein Nature Trail - This short loop winds past remnants of a once-burning coal seam. Imagine the ground beneath your feet smoldering for decades! Informative signs tell the story of this geological oddity. Climb wooden stairs for views of the Badlands landscape, keeping an eye out for prairie dogs and other wildlife. The trail offers a unique glimpse into the park’s geologic past alongside scenic vistas.
• Scoria Point Overlook - This easily accessible stop offers panoramic views unlike any other. Imagine a landscape painted in hues of red, yellow, and gray – evidence of volcanic activity that baked the surrounding earth long ago. Spot the coal seams that once caught fire, adding another layer to the park’s geologic story. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep grazing on the cliffs, adding a touch of life to the dramatic scene. It’s a perfect spot to capture the essence of the Badlands in a single breathtaking vista.
• Buckhorn Trail - This challenging, 11-mile loop winds through vast prairies and dramatic ravines. Be prepared for sections that can be difficult to follow, especially after rain. Hike alongside wildflower meadows and spot bison grazing in the distance. While some sections follow the park’s scenic drive, offering glimpses of fellow explorers, much of the trail allows you to immerse yourself in the park’s quiet beauty. Remember, this is for experienced hikers with proper navigation skills and plenty of water for a remote adventure.
• Cannonball Concretions Pullout - Cannonball Concretions pullout surprises you with geological oddities. Imagine giant, spherical boulders scattered across the landscape – these aren’t errant cannonballs, but ancient mysteries! Stop and explore these fascinating sandstone concretions, formed millions of years ago when minerals cemented sand particles around a core. Informative signs explain their formation as you marvel at these natural wonders contrasting with the rugged Badlands backdrop. It’s a quick stop with a big impact, perfect for a photo opportunity or a break on your scenic drive.
• Long X Divide - This moderate, 5.8-mile path was once a cattle drive route used by ranchers, including a young Theodore Roosevelt himself! Imagine cowboys herding longhorns across these very plains. The trail winds through rolling prairies and dips into colorful canyons, offering diverse scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and soak in the vastness of the Badlands landscape. The Long X Trail is a perfect way to experience a slice of ranching history while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.
• Caprock-Coulee Trail - This 0.8-mile nature walk turns into a moderate 4.3-mile loop that offers something for everyone. Start by following a scenic trail through a narrow canyon, teeming with plant and animal life. Ascend for breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River Valley. The trail winds along grassy buttes and dramatic bluffs, showcasing the park’s geologic wonders. Keep your eyes peeled for bison and other wildlife roaming the plains below. Remember, choose the clockwise direction for a more gradual climb, and enjoy this classic Badlands adventure.
• Oxbow Overlook - Stand in awe at Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit’s crown jewel, Oxbow Overlook. This easily accessible viewpoint offers a panoramic vista unlike any other. Gaze upon the Little Missouri River curving dramatically in a perfect oxbow, a classic geologic wonder. Interpretive signs explain the river’s story. For a closer look, embark on the easy, 0.2-mile Sperati Point Trail that leads to a higher viewpoint for even more stunning river and Badlands views. Oxbow Overlook is a must-see, offering a glimpse of the park’s beauty and the power of natural forces.

• Tours never expire, take the tour when you want
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Offline map, no wifi or data needed
• Customizable tour start
• Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips, and music
• Audio narration plays automatically as you drive

• Meals and refreshment
• Private Transportation

Experience the rugged charm of Theodore Roosevelt National Park with our immersive audio tour! Explore breathtaking landscapes, including badlands, prairies, and rivers, as our guides share intriguing stories and interesting facts about the park’s history, wildlife, and its namesake president. Learn about the adventures of Theodore Roosevelt, who found peace and inspiration in these untamed lands. Ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and nature admirers, our tour offers an enriching and enjoyable experience. Just download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse and scenic terrains of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!

• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• Park open 24/7 year-round — visitor centers generally open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (hours vary by season); check NPS website
• Best visited May–September — full facilities open, ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing; fall offers fewer crowds and fall foliage; winter may see facility closures
• Do not approach or feed wildlife
• Pack layers — temperatures change quickly in the badlands

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.