Writer Wallace Stegner once stated that National Parks were, “the best idea we ever had.” The creation of parks that preserve natural beauty has been landmarked as a “truly American idea.” These natural wonders have become the pride and joy of American Citizens. National Parks play a large role in American heritage, and their history stretches back to the progressive era.

Image by Hike and Draw

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt is considered to be a champion of the National Park System. During his presidency, Roosevelt preserved millions of acres of U.S. land for parks, monuments, bird sanctuaries, and national forests. In 1916, the National Park Service was created to ensure the protection of the parks. Currently, the National Park Service protects more than 400 National Park sites across the United States. One such site is named Theodore Roosevelt National Park and it is one of the most underrated parks in America.

Image by Hahn Nature Photography

The Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park was created in 1947 to honor President Roosevelt’s conservation of natural beauty. The site was not officially named a national park until 1978 when it was increased in size.

The park is located in North Dakota and encompasses much of the state’s badlands. Popular visitor attractions include the Petrified Forests, Painted Canyon, and Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin.

Image by Chuck Haney

The park’s wildlife also attracts thousands of visitors every year. Bison roam the park in large numbers. Elk, white-tailed deer, wild horses, bighorn sheep also inhabit the area.

Image by National Park Service

The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is from late spring to summer. The isolated location allows for a more private experience in the North Dakota Badlands. The park is about 130 miles east from Bismark, along Interstate 94. It is recommended to take multiple days to explore all the park has to offer. However, the Scenic Loop Drive is sufficient for a quick one-day trip.

There are over 100 miles of hiking trails available to visitors. One of the most popular is the Wind Canyon trial. The 0.4-mile hike takes about 20 minutes to complete and offers stunning views of the Little Missouri River.

Image by Trail Mob

Caprock Coulee is another popular option for experienced hikers. The trail is approximately 4.3 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The first three-quarters of the trail is relatively easy. The hike only becomes more strenuous as visitors climb up a ridge to capture amazing views.

Image by All Trails

Theodore Roosevelt National Park has so many other experiences to offer. Visit the park to explore the wild and appreciate America’s natural beauty.