Elkhorn Ranch is a remote property with no cellphone service and access via gravel roads, including fording the Little Missouri River when approaching from the east. The South Unit of the park, accessed through Medora on Interstate 94, is the most popular. Visitors recommend following specific directions to reach the ranch and note that driving past the campground leads to a parking lot about a mile away from the ranch itself.
Why you should go
1
Experience a remote and secluded location with stunning untouched landscapes
2
Explore the historical significance of Theodore Roosevelt's cabin remains
3
Reflect on TR's time at Elkhorn Ranch to understand his connection to nature and conservation
I'll never travel to Dickinson without this trip planner again
Amazing place! While the actual site of Theodore Roosevelt's cabin is a little underwhelming, this was still my favorite part of my visit to this national park.
As everyone else is noting, this place is very remote and there's no cell phone signal. There are no signs indicating where it is until you reach the parking lot itself, so be sure you have directions to and from the site beforehand.
The short hike was nice, but honestly I think my favorite part was just the drive. Gorgeous untouched landscape. I got there late in the day and while I was a little anxious driving back on the unfamiliar dirt roads as it was getting dark, the sunset over the landscape made it well worth it.
Frankly, I'm jealous of Theodore Roosevelt for having such a perfect plot of land for a secluded cabin.
All that is left are the ruins but it’s a great hike in with lots of interpretative panels.
The short hike to the cabin site is beautiful and does have a benth half way there for anyone that would need to rest. The road has just been maintained so there were no ruts.
Amazing place! While the actual site of Theodore Roosevelt's cabin is a little underwhelming, this was still my favorite part of my visit to this national park.
As everyone else is noting, this place is very remote and there's no cell phone signal. There are no signs indicating where it is until you reach the parking lot itself, so be sure you have directions to and from the site beforehand.
The short hike was nice, but honestly I think my favorite part was just the drive. Gorgeous untouched landscape. I got there late in the day and while I was a little anxious driving back on the unfamiliar dirt roads as it was getting dark, the sunset over the landscape made it well worth it.
Frankly, I'm jealous of Theodore Roosevelt for having such a perfect plot of land for a secluded cabin.
All that is left are the ruins but it’s a great hike in with lots of interpretative panels.
The short hike to the cabin site is beautiful and does have a benth half way there for anyone that would need to rest. The road has just been maintained so there were no ruts.
Visit within an hour of sunrise or sunset for optimal lighting and fewer crowds
Be prepared for no cell phone signal once you're about 30 miles out from Elkhorn Ranch
Consider driving from the north unit as it involves less travel on dirt roads compared to other approaches
Bring a vehicle with good ground clearance as some parts of the road leading to the ranch can be challenging
Reviews
Elkhorn Ranch, located in the national park between the north and south units, offers a remote and serene experience. Visitors mention the challenging yet rewarding drive through untouched landscapes, the historical significance of Theodore Roosevelt's cabin remains, and the sense of isolation that allows for reflection on TR's time there. The site itself may be underwhelming with only foundation stones left, but it provides a glimpse into history amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Amazing place! While the actual site of Theodore Roosevelt's cabin is a little underwhelming, this was still my favorite part of my visit to this national park.
As everyone else is noting, this place is very remote and there's no cell phone signal. There are no signs indicating where it is until you reach the parking lot itself, so be sure you have directions to and from the site beforehand.
The short hike was nice, but honestly I think my favorite part was just the drive. Gorgeous untouched landscape. I got there late in the day and while I was a little anxious driving back on the unfamiliar dirt roads as it was getting dark, the sunset over the landscape made it well worth it.
Frankly, I'm jealous of Theodore Roosevelt for having such a perfect plot of land for a secluded cabin.
The short hike to the cabin site is beautiful and does have a benth half way there for anyone that would need to rest. The road has just been maintained so there were no ruts.
Great drive out to see Theodore Roosevelt's homestead cornerstone remains. Short hike, but we went in early May. It was really muddy. Needed 4WD to get thru last mile.
Drove here on a dry, sunny day, in a Prius. Took both the north and south approaches, and the approach from the north unit is easier, and involves less travel on dirt roads. The roads themselves are good, except for the final three miles up to the ranch site. Watch out for ruts, and drive carefully to avoid getting your tires stuck. If you've driven on country roads before, this isn't as bad. I personally found the road to Chaco Canyon to be far more challenging.
That being said, this place is absolutely magical. You can feel the stirrings of history here. Understanding Teddy Roosevelt almost requires a visit to this place. He came here to escape from the world, to heal from a great personal tragedy, and to rediscover his love of nature. There very likely would never have been a national park system like what we have without his time here. It's worth your time to come.
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Dickinson for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.