The second stop of our National Park tour was Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Our travel style includes a self-imposed limit of a maximum of about six hours of driving time per day, so we had planned a stop-over in Jamestown ND between Voyageurs and TRNP.
It’s a good thing we stopped when we did, because upon arriving in Jamestown I discovered that the drivers side front tire on the travel trailer was worn down to the sidewall! I’m not a tire expert, but I think if we had put another hundred miles on it, it probably would have blown out. Luckily, we had already planned to stay at a hotel that night, and we were able to leverage our roadside assistance program to have the tire replaced the very next morning (Father’s day nonetheless).
The infamous tire
We made it to the TRNP gateway city of Medora, ND safely that Sunday. Although, we would later find out that somehow we had bent an axle on the trailer. The bent axle cost us a couple bucks to repair, but luckily we found a great repair shop nearby that incredibly had the work done the same day.
As for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we had a great time. We stayed in a small independent campground about seven miles from the city and park entrance. The campground was no frills, but the views of the surrounding terrain were fantastic. We were struck by the difference in geology and ecology from that of Voyageurs.
TRNP was established in honor of its namesake President, who was responsible for greatly expanding the National Park System and creating, among other things, the National Forest Service. Roosevelt spent a lot time in this area of North Dakota before becoming president, and his experiences here would shape his worldview.
Inside the park we were able to see several large herds of Bison, some quite close to the roads! These huge creatures are pretty impressive, especially seeing them just out grazing naturally. Owen also enjoyed looking for the prairie dogs at the various prairie dog towns around the park. We took in beautiful views of Wind Canyon carved out by the Little Missouri River. Although, the supposedly mild hike up to the top of the Wind Canyon trail was a little stressful with a toddler that likes to make sudden moves.
One of our favorite memories from this leg of the trip was outside the park, at the Medora Musical. This event was recommended to us by multiple friends who have been to the area, and it didn’t disappoint. Owen especially loved this spectacle. This musical retelling of the highlights of Theodore Roosevelt’s life is set in an outdoor amphitheater with the North Dakota terrain as a backdrop. We are glad we were able to experience the show, even if it was a masked up, socially distant, and COVID-safe version of it. This was the first in-person theatrical show Owen has seen, and he did a great job sitting (and dancing) through it.
Not how we’re used to seeing shows, but it was so fun!
Neither Kristy or I had been to North Dakota before, so we went in with no expectations. TRNP, Medora and the surrounding areas were not only scenic, but they took good care of us in our time of RV-repair need!
Our Picks
Medora Musical
Wind Canyon Trail
Painted Canyon Overlook and Trail