WItraveler2000
Nice wayside type stop area. They had bathrooms and soda pop for sale. Gift shop sold national park items. Nice view from the overlooks and trails. The most popular trail went in back of the park for about 2 miles. Very dry climate. Almost a painted desert look. Worth the stop if driving by the area.
warrenville111
We arrived at the entrance to the park around 4:00 pm and drove to the visitor center before it closed. We also needed to get a campsite for the night - not a problem on a weekday in mid-September. I think there were maybe 10 campsites being used. After setting up the tent, we took our sandwiches and headed down the scenic drive. We first stopped at the River Bend Overlook - beautiful. We decided that we would come back to this location after a hike to eat dinner and watch the sunset. We kept going to the end of the road at the Oxbow Overlook and did the hike to Sperati Point. The hike was nice, but pants were needed with the grasses - and we didn't expect so many mosquitoes past mid-September! We did see two bison in the distance on the trail - someone earlier in the day wrote in the trail book that they didn't get to the point for they had to turn around because of a bison in the trail. In the end, we ended up seeing much more wildlife on the scenic drive in the south unit than the north unit - but I suppose that is just luck. The Juniper Campground was nice - very quiet. In the morning we got up and walked over to the Little Mo trail where we saw some deer. At night - the stars were amazing and we could here coyote in the distance. The bathrooms at the campground did have running cold water/flush toilets - but the hosts said that they were only volunteering there for four more days when I suspect that the water will be turned off and the pit toilets used.The drive to the north unit is on a two-lane Highway 85 which has a lot of traffic from the oil fields. Be prepared - not the sort of traffic you picture in remote North Dakota!
mini
When we arrived, we first saw long horn cattle in the fields. As we got close to the amazing cannonball concretions stop, we saw two large buffalo headed in our direction until they decided to make turn right. It was magnificent seeing them.The oxbow overlook was beautiful. We drove to the end of the road enjoying at times the river views.The sun shone in and out through the clouds. Teddy Roosevelt National Park to me feels like an artist's easel. The colors that show through as the sun shines differently on the formations is breathtaking.Although the road leading to/from the park is busy due to the boom in the energy industry, the north unit is definitely worthy of seeing and spending time there. It is a great national park if one gives it the attention it deserves.We have an annual national park pass so used that to enter the park. If one does not have an annual park pass, one pays a day use fee when they enter the park.There are camping opportunities in the park. We ourselves stayed in Medora - a cute town close to the South Unit of the park.
51DebbieB
North unit quiet and peaceful, saw some wildlife was on motorcycle and was beautiful left too late in day due to weather for South Park will do next time out. Park ranger very helpful wish we would have had more time
mafischl
Less developed than the south unit, but equally gorgeous. Our only disappointment was not seeing any Long Horn sheep.
ehousel
The north unit was very quiet, we probably saw 5 other cars driving around. The scenic drive divides vast green grasslands on one side and huge canyon views on the other side. The views at oxbow overlook were amazing and the geology at the cannonball concretions stop was fascinating. Well worth the drive up from the south unit!
670nancyr
Beautiful scenery, bison and birds. Can't ask for more beyond a flush toilet. The drive is on Hwy 85 which has a lot of the semi trucks from the Bankken Oil fields. Just be careful. A temporary visitor's center is near the Juniper Campgrounds. Watch the short movie, interesting. No restaurants inside so bring lunch. Easily spent 3 hours there when I had originally planned on just one hour.
50statetraveler2013
was very surprised by how pretty this park is. saw more buffalo than you can imagine. they were blocking the road most of the way around. you can camp in this park but I think I would prefer to stay on beaten path!
chakramchucker
Drove the scenic road at sunset and the views rivaled later ones we experienced in Glacier NP. The colors of the sediment layers and sky lit up strikingly against passing rain clouds. Stayed in Juniper campground and we were almost overrun by buffalo who mistook one of our party member's snoring for rival snorts and grunts. Only narrowly avoided an incident by slapping them awake several times and waiting for the buffalo to wander off. Shocked to find hoof prints 5 inches from our tents the next morning. Made for a great campfire story! The only downside of this part of the park is the heavy traffic just outside on the highway. We nearly got plowed into on multiple occasions entering and leaving the park by huge trucks returning to the oil fields. The drivers were reckless and rude, tailgating both of our cars and leaning on their horns despite the fact we were going over the speed limit in heavy fog.
TampaFLSuperbecky
My family and I went through the North and South Unit of the forest.The South Unit was by far our favorite. But the North Unit was nice! Lots of scenery, but we didn't see as many animals in the North Unit as we did in the South.If you plan to go in the trails and it has rained recently, the mud will be very slippery since it has clay with it. We expected it to be a little slippery since we were on a steep hill, but I was surprised on how slippery it really was. Use that restroom as you enter the park! The only bathrooms are in the camping area and the visiter center, and there are not many private bushes!
Cubsfan17
I visited the North Unit of Roosevelt National Park with family and was blown away by its rugged beauty and wildlife. The park offers a 14 mile stretch of paved roadway that takes you through the park. There are also many walking trails throughout the park. Definitely stop at the entrance before going in and pick up a map. Entrance fee is only 10$ per vehicle. The park has about 3-4 scenic overlooks where you can park and walk out to get great pictures and view wildlife. We were able to see several bison, a buffalo crossing the road, mule deer, and big-horned sheep. We drove about four hours from Minot to see the park. Definitely worth the long drive!
CindyB336
After visiting the south entrance we took a day and headed to the northern entrance...glad we did, it was beautiful. Stop at the Visitors Center and watch the 12 minute video before taking the drive. The scenic vistas provided views of the rugged badlands terrain and the Little Missouri River. There is a picnic spot next to the campground that has shade and restrooms. It is a 70 mile drive from the south to the north, but well worth the drive.
Camigz
We had been here once before years ago and thought we'd go thru the park again as it was on the way to our destination. It's a lovely quite park with great views! Saw many birds, butterflies, mosquitos and 2 bison but no other wildlife. The scenery is quite lovely with many wild flowers, I'd never seen before, in full bloom.
vicariouslythrulisa
The North Unit of TRNP is great half day trip. There are only about a half dozen scenic pullouts, but well worth the time. Be sure to get out and explore! Great places for photos and lots of bison. We only saw a handful of other cars while we were there in May.
Keystone_Traveler
The entire scenic route is now open. The route is out and back the same way, which is great to revisit your favorite vistas. The roundtrip mileage is approx. 28 miles. Currently, the North Unit visitor center is only open on the weekends. The auto route into the park starts near the Little Missouri River and winds its way up into the hills. There are some amazing views at the end of the route at the Oxbow Overlook and along the way at the Riverbend Overlook. Past the Riverbend Overlook area you are atop the broad hill and its expansive view. I personally enjoyed the views along the lower elevations. The Caprock Coulee trail is worth taking. Interesting formations at Cannonball Concretions. Drive slowly and watch for bison, many which graze alongside the road. It is not uncommon for bison to cross the road. They can be dangerous, so don't get too close and do not startle them. I can not compare the North with the South unit; each are unique and beautiful.