Theodore Roosevelt made his first visit to the Dakota Territory in 1883 and joined two other men to form the Maltese Cross Ranch. On his return the following year, Roosevelt established his own Elkhorn Ranch as well, making it his principle residence. Today, the ranch site is found north of Medora, North Dakota.
   Time spent in the Dakotas brought about a change in Roosevelt as he began to witness the destruction of land and wildlife. Consequently during his 1901 presidency, conservation was a major priority. His interests lead to the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service, the 1906 Antiquities Act, the creation of 18 national monuments, five national parks and 51 wildlife refuges. Today, the National Park Service looks after 423 park units, upholding the Roosevelt dream.
   The Roosevelt name lives on in the North Dakota Badlands, where the park's north and south units take in some of the most scenic areas in the state. Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit features a 14 mile paved drive into the park and almost 40 miles of trails. The South Unit, with its entrance in Medora, features a 36 mile paved scenic loop, pullouts and overlooks, and a rugged access route to the Elkhorn Ranch site. Pictured here is an early morning view along the South Unit's Wind Canyon looking toward the Little Missouri River.

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