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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

North Dakota, USA

Air Travel

Nearest Airports

Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK) stands approximately 30 minutes from the South Unit. Bismarck Airport (BIS) offers a larger regional choice, about a 2-hour drive east.

Connections

  • DIK is mainly served by United Express (to Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul).
  • Delta Connection also provides service to Minneapolis/St. Paul from DIK.
  • BIS offers Delta, United, American (to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago), and Allegiant Air.

Larger Hubs & Routes

No direct international flights land at DIK, BIS, or Fargo (FAR). You will typically connect through major U.S. Hubs like Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, or Chicago. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Montana is also about a 4-hour drive.

Common Hubs

  • Denver (DEN), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Chicago (ORD).
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Salt Lake City (SLC).
  • Plan your international itinerary to include one of these large U.S. Airports.

Airport Facilities

All listed airports offer car rental services, ground transportation, basic dining, and Wi-Fi access. DIK is smaller; BIS, FAR, BIL offer more amenities.

Flight Prices

Flight frequency may decrease during off-peak seasons. Summer generally sees higher demand and correspondingly higher flight prices. Booking flights well in advance for peak season travel is advisable.

Airport Transfers

Rental cars are the main and most recommended transfer option from all regional airports to the park. Major car rental agencies operate at all listed airports.

Flight Dynamics & Transfers

Seasonal Availability

  • Flight frequency may decrease during off-peak seasons.
  • Prices fluctuate seasonally.
  • Summer generally sees higher demand and higher flight prices.
  • Book flights well in advance for peak season travel.

Transfer Options

  • Rental cars are the main transfer option from regional airports.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are very limited and expensive for direct park transfers.
  • No dedicated public shuttle service from airports directly to the park.
  • Some Dickinson hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to/from DIK for guests.

Driving Considerations

Vehicle for Exploration

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is best accessed and explored by private vehicle. There is no public transportation within or directly to the park units.

Road Conditions

Major highways like Interstate 94 are well-maintained. Park scenic drives are paved but can be narrow. Unpaved backcountry roads may become impassable when wet.

Fuel & Services

Fill your gas tank in larger towns like Dickinson or Medora. Services are limited near park entrances. Do not assume fuel stations directly outside park gates.

Road and Rail Travel

Driving Safety

Wildlife frequently crosses park roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop suddenly. Some areas outside the park are open range, where livestock may be present on roads.

Concerns

  • Wildlife on roads (bison, deer, wild horses).
  • Open range areas mean livestock like cattle may appear on roads.
  • Limited services outside main towns. Carry water, snacks, and maintain a full tank of gas.

Winter Driving

Winter driving calls for extreme caution. Snow, ice, and potential blizzards render roads hazardous. Park roads may close, and outdoor activities become dangerous. Check weather forecasts often.

Winter Precautions

  • Roads can become impassable due to heavy snow and ice.
  • Consider vehicles with winter tires or four-wheel drive (4WD) for colder months.
  • Park roads may have partial or full closures during winter conditions.

Train Connections

The nearest Amtrak station is in Fargo, approximately a 4-hour drive east. Fargo is served by the "Empire Builder" route. Using Amtrak as a direct option to reach the park is not practical.

Amtrak Route

  • The "Empire Builder" runs between Chicago and Seattle/Portland.
  • Fargo is the closest station to the park along this route.
  • Significant additional land travel is still needed from Fargo to the park.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Jefferson Lines provides service to cities like Dickinson, the nearest major stop to the park. Other stops include Bismarck and Fargo. From Dickinson, ground transportation (like a rental car) is still necessary.

Bus Travel

  • Jefferson Lines connects to Dickinson, about a 30-minute drive from the park.
  • Bus travel can be a more budget-friendly option for long distances.
  • Additional planning for the final leg of your journey is still needed.

Unavailable Transport Options

  • No direct sea or river arrivals for commercial transportation.
  • The Little Missouri River is not navigable for commercial transport or public ferries.
  • No ferry services or cruise ports serve Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
  • No international border crossing information is relevant for park access.
  • The park is entirely within the United States.
  • No immigration procedures at seaports apply to this destination.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing the United States or Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Standard airline taxes are included in your ticket price when flying from U.S. Airports.

Airport Timing

  • Dickinson (DIK): Arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.
  • Bismarck (BIS), Fargo (FAR), or Billings (BIL): Allow 2 to 3 hours.
  • Allow more time for peak travel times or holidays.

Road Departure & Facilities

Factor in generous travel time from the park to your next destination. Consider potential wildlife crossing roads, especially during dawn or dusk. Services are limited between towns.

Airport Amenities

  • Dickinson (DIK) offers basic amenities for departing travelers.
  • Larger airports (BIS, FAR, BIL) provide more dining and retail options.
  • Comfortable waiting areas or airline lounges at larger airports.

Departure Planning

Consider potential wildlife on roads and limited services when planning your departure time. Book flights with Dollar Flight Club or search on Skyscanner for good deals.