Theodore Rooseveltwildlife
National parkThe bison rut, their mating season, typically peaks in July, per the National Park Service: usually July. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Sources for this timing ↓About Theodore Roosevelt
- What it is
- A national park in North Dakota
- A little history
- In 1956, 29 bison from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska were released in the South Unit.
- What you'll see
- Bison rut · usual peak July
- Before you go
- How close can I get to the bison, and what should I bring? Stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife, and bring binoculars, a spotting scope or a telephoto lens to watch without disturbing them.
Your guide to the area
- Theodore RooseveltUsually: JulyThis page
Where to watch
- South Unit scenic driveA drive through the Little Missouri Badlands that starts in Medora. Bison roam the South Unit, and most visitors see them from the park road; ask at the visitor center about recent sightings
- North Unit scenic driveAn out-and-back road across the badlands, up to River Bend Overlook and along the prairie rim to Oxbow Overlook. Bison roam the North Unit too; watch for golden eagles at River Bend
Worth the drive
- Rydell RefugeWildlife refuge352 mifrom June to JulySatPartly Sunny
- Sherburne RefugeWildlife refuge480 miJune – AugustSatMostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
- Rice Lake RefugeWildlife refuge485 miJune through AugustSatPartly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
- Upper Mississippi River RefugeWildlife refuge608 mifrom April to AugustSatMostly Sunny
- Loess Bluffs RefugeWildlife refuge629 miJune - August are good timesSatSunny
- Necedah RefugeWildlife refuge675 milate MaySatMostly Sunny
The year at Theodore Roosevelt
- Apr: Bison calving season usually begins in April (calves can be born any time of year)usually begins in April
- Jun: Elk calves are usually born in early Juneearly June
- Jul: Bison rut, typically peaking in JulyJul
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The bison rut, their mating season, typically peaks in July, per the National Park Service: July. That's the usual peak in the source's own words, not a forecast.
Is it the season at Theodore Roosevelt National Park right now?
Not now: its usual wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: July, usually.
Where can I see elk in the South Unit?
One of the easiest places is Wind Canyon Overlook: scan the butte tops to the west around sunrise or sunset.Source: National Park Service, Elk - Theodore Roosevelt National Park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How close can I get to the bison, and what should I bring?
Stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife, and bring binoculars, a spotting scope or a telephoto lens to watch without disturbing them.Source: National Park Service, Wildlife Viewing - Theodore Roosevelt National Park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is it better to look from the car?
Usually, yes: the park says its scenic drives give the best wildlife viewing, since you cover more ground than on foot and a closed vehicle allows safe, close encounters.Source: National Park Service, Things To Do - Theodore Roosevelt National Park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where did the park's bison come from?
In 1956, 29 bison from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska were released in the South Unit.Source: National Park Service, Bison / Buffalo - Theodore Roosevelt National Park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When did it become a national park?
On November 10, 1978, when President Carter signed Public Law 95-625, which changed the memorial park into Theodore Roosevelt National Park.Source: National Park Service, Park History - Theodore Roosevelt National Park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
South Unit scenic drive: a drive through the Little Missouri Badlands that starts in Medora. Bison roam the South Unit, and most visitors see them from the park road; ask at the visitor center about recent sightings; North Unit scenic drive: an out-and-back road across the badlands, up to River Bend Overlook and along the prairie rim to Oxbow Overlook. Bison roam the North Unit too; watch for golden eagles at River Bend.
What is Theodore Roosevelt National Park like through the year?
Bison rut, typically peaking in July (Jul), Bison calving season usually begins in April (calves can be born any time of year) (Apr) and Elk calves are usually born in early June (Jun).
How we know · Sources (5)
How we know
National Park Service, Bison / Buffalo - Theodore Roosevelt National Park (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · National Park Service, Elk - Theodore Roosevelt National Park (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · National Park Service, Wildlife Viewing - Theodore Roosevelt National Park (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · National Park Service, Things To Do - Theodore Roosevelt National Park (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · National Park Service, Park History - Theodore Roosevelt National Park (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.