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Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Checklist

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Checklist

Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Dakota, USA Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning Timeline

Follow these steps to prepare for your adventure, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

1

+ Months Before

Flights & Car Rental

Secure your flights to Dickinson (DIK) or other regional airports. Reserve a rental car as soon as flights are confirmed, as this is a must-have for the park.

Accommodations & Campgrounds

If staying in Medora, book your hotel or cabin several months in advance. Make park campground reservations on Recreation.gov if applicable.

Passes & Visas

International visitors should apply for their U.S. Visa or ESTA well in advance. Purchase your America the Beautiful Pass if visiting multiple national parks.

2

Month Before

Park Conditions

Check the official NPS website (www.nps.gov/thro) for any alerts, current road conditions, or seasonal closures. This ensures a smooth visit.

Attraction Reservations

Confirm your tickets for popular Medora attractions like the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Fondue to secure your spot.

Itinerary & Weather

Outline your desired hikes, scenic drives, and activities for each day. Begin monitoring weather forecasts to refine your packing list.

3

Week Before

Packing

Pack clothing and gear using your guide. Include appropriate layers for varied weather conditions you might encounter.

Offline Access & Confirmation

Download NPS app content, Google Maps, and any other mapping apps for offline use. Double-check all flight, car rental, and accommodation bookings.

Documents & Supplies

Print physical copies of passports, visas, insurance, and reservations. Buy any groceries, snacks, or specific dietary items you plan to use for park visits.

Required Advance Bookings

Reservations List

  • Flights
  • Rental car
  • Medora lodging (hotels, cabins)
  • Park campgrounds (if applicable)

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Gain appreciation by reviewing these topics.

Research Topics for Your Visit

  • Read about Theodore Roosevelt's life in the Badlands to grasp the park's historical significance.
  • Familiarize yourself with park safety guidelines regarding wildlife encounters, weather hazards, and backcountry travel.
  • Review trail maps and descriptions to select hikes appropriate for your fitness level and interests.
  • Explore local culture and history for a richer and more informed visit.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Complete these essential steps at home before you leave for your journey.

Arrangements

  • Arrange mail/pet care.
  • Secure your home by locking doors and windows.
  • Set alarms and inform a trusted neighbor of your absence.
  • Empty trash and tidy up perishable items.

Inform Others

  • Share your itinerary and emergency contact information with family or friends.
  • Let your workplace know your travel dates and availability.
  • Set up an out-of-office email reply if needed.
  • Inform relevant service providers of your absence.

Financials

  • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.
  • Pay any upcoming bills in advance to avoid late fees.
  • Organize local currency or cash for small purchases.
  • Set up direct deposits or automated payments if needed.

Travel Smart Tip

Always carry extra water and snacks, especially when exploring the scenic drives or hiking. Dehydration is a significant risk in the dry Badlands climate.

Arrival Checklist

Follow these steps upon arrival to ensure a smooth transition and quick start to your Theodore Roosevelt National Park adventure.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Pick Up Rental Car

    Proceed to the car rental counter at the airport to pick up your reserved vehicle.

  • 2
    Drive to Medora/Accommodation

    Navigate to your pre-booked accommodation in Medora or a nearby town.

  • 3
    Check into Lodging

    Complete your check-in process and settle into your room or campsite.

Orientation Strategies

  • Visit Park Visitor Center

    Make your first stop a park visitor center (South Unit or North Unit). Obtain current conditions, up-to-date maps, and the schedule for ranger programs.

  • Attend a Ranger Talk

    These talks present an excellent introduction to the park's features, wildlife, and history from an expert.

  • Scenic Loops Drive

    Drive the park's scenic loops to get a general overview of the landscape and identify areas you want to explore in more detail.

Initial Purchases & Local Insights

Currency & Supplies

Use an ATM in Dickinson, Watford City, or Medora (seasonal) for cash. Credit cards are widely accepted for most transactions.

Purchase any last-minute supplies like extra water, snacks, or forgotten toiletries in Medora or Dickinson.

Transportation from Entry

Use your pre-booked rental car, which has the most efficient and direct transportation from the airport to your accommodation.

This also serves as your main vehicle for exploring the vastness of the park and region.

Wildlife Viewing Ethics

Remember to maintain safe distances from all animals. Never feed or provoke them. This is for your safety and the animals' well-being.

Observe wildlife from a distance using binoculars or zoom lenses, minimizing disturbance.

Transportation Tip

A rental car is essential for navigating Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding region. Public transportation options are not available within the park.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure from Theodore Roosevelt National Park with these practical steps, contributing to a smooth end to your trip.

Souvenirs & Shipping Considerations

  • Purchase Souvenirs: Buy any desired souvenirs before leaving the Medora area, as options become limited once you depart.
  • Shipping Items: If you purchase larger items or too many souvenirs to carry, arrange for shipping well in advance at a post office or shipping center in Dickinson.
  • Check luggage limits: Be aware of airline baggage restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Preserve memories: Consider a photo album or digital scrapbook to remember your trip.

Return Trip Planning

  • Refuel Rental Car: Ensure you refuel your rental car before returning it to avoid additional charges.
  • Pack Last-Minute Items: Double-check your room or campsite for any forgotten items.
  • Essential Documents: Confirm you have all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass, ID) readily accessible for your journey home.
  • Allow Ample Time: Factor in potential wildlife on roads and limited services between towns when driving to distant airports.

VAT Refund Procedures

United States Tax Policy

  • The United States does not have a national VAT (Value Added Tax) refund program for tourists.No Refund
  • Sales tax is paid at the point of purchase.Point of Purchase
  • This sales tax is not refundable upon departure.Not Refundable
  • Individual states may have different sales tax rates.Varies by State

Departure Timing Recommendations

  • Allow ample time to return your rental car and get to the airport.
  • This is notably important if driving from the park to a more distant airport like Bismarck or Fargo.
  • These drives can take several hours, so plan accordingly to avoid any rush.
  • Factor in potential wildlife on roads and limited services between towns.

Final Check

Before leaving your lodging, do a final sweep for forgotten items.

Confirm all travel documents are easily accessible for your journey home.