Practical Information: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Mobile Connectivity

Major mobile providers in the U.S. Are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Verizon generally has the best coverage in rural North Dakota, including parts of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Coverage can be spotty or absent within much of the park's scenic drives and backcountry areas.

SIM Cards & eSIMs

Purchase a prepaid SIM card from provider stores or authorized retailers in larger towns like Dickinson or Bismarck.
Some providers Airalo offer eSIM options for compatible phones, a convenient alternative.
For consistent internet, consider a portable Wi-Fi device from providers like Solis Wi-Fi.

Internet & Postal Services

Cell service is limited to non-existent within much of the park. Wi-Fi is generally available at park visitor centers during operating hours. Medora hotels and some restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Hotels, cafes, and public libraries in Dickinson and Watford City also provide Wi-Fi.

Sending Mail

U.S. Post Offices are in Medora, Belfield, Dickinson, and Watford City for mail or packages.
English is the official language; language barriers are unlikely.
For language learning, consider Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours

Park Visitor Centers are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with extended summer hours. Medora businesses are highly seasonal, operating from May to October with extended summer hours, and limited to closed from November to April.

General Operating Times

Visitor Centers: Check official NPS website for exact seasonal hours.
Medora Shops: Confirm operations if visiting off-season.
Larger Towns: Standard U.S. retail hours (e.g., 10 AM-6 PM for most stores).

Banking & Holidays

Banks typically operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, some with Saturday morning hours. ATMs are available in Medora (seasonal), Belfield, Dickinson, and Watford City.

Impact on Services

ATMs: Use ATMs affiliated with major banks for security and lower fees.
Federal Holidays: Park visitor centers may have reduced hours or be closed.
Seasonal Closures: Park roads may close in winter due to snow. Medora businesses often close November-April.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

General Interactions

Greetings: Simple "Hello" or "How are you?" is appropriate. Handshakes are common for introductions.
Attire: Casual attire is acceptable almost everywhere. Functional outdoor clothing is best for the park.
Dining & Tipping: Tipping is standard practice for service staff. Refer to dining sections for details.
Photography: Generally permitted for personal use. Do not disturb wildlife or use drones within NPS lands. Ask permission for close-up photos of individuals.

Sensitive Topics & Respect

Taboos: Avoid discussions about politics, religion, or personal finances with strangers. Respect private property.
Gender & LGBTQ+: The U.S. generally accepts diverse identities. North Dakota is conservative, but tourist areas welcome diverse visitors.
Local Culture: Observe local customs and norms. A friendly wave may occur in rural settings.
Rural Hospitality: Experience the quiet charm and hospitality of farming communities.

Accessibility Information

Theodore Roosevelt National Park strives to make experiences open to all visitors. Park infrastructure includes accessible parking, restrooms, and some paved paths or boardwalks. Medora generally has sidewalks and ramps, though historic buildings may vary.

Accessible Attractions: Painted Canyon Overlook has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. Portions of the Peaceful Valley Trail are accessible. Both visitor centers are generally accessible, and many scenic drive overlooks a open views from designated parking areas.

Services: Service animals are permitted in all visitor areas. Check with park visitor centers for audio descriptions or large-print brochures. For general guidance, Mobility International USA (MIUSA) provides resources for travelers with disabilities. Contact the park directly for specific questions about accessibility.

Practical Information