The North Dakota Badlands are a massive, 200-mile-long geological region, of rugged, semi-arid expanse of deep canyons, hoodoos, and eroded rock formations spanning western North Dakota along the Little Missouri River.

The Lakota people called this region “mako sica,” or “bad lands,” long ago because of its difficult terrain, lack of water and extreme temperatures which made it very difficult to traverse.
Today, the Badlands are an awesome place for hiking, fossil hunting, and spotting wildlife.

Culture & History
The North Dakota Badlands are one of America’s most rugged and inspiring landscapes. Millions of years of erosion created dramatic buttes, colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and sweeping prairie. The region became famous through Theodore Roosevelt, who ranchered here after personal tragedy and later credited the Badlands with shaping his conservation philosophy.

The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum tells and shows the state’s rich history from its earliest geologic formation 600 million years ago to today. 

The in 2026 opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library honors the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of the 26th US president: “We hope every visit will inspire bold action and fearless participation In the Arena—and challenge all of us to dare greatly, think boldly, live passionately, and care deeply. Just like TR.”
The Cultural Loop will connect visitors to the land that shaped Roosevelt’s character. This trail offers interpretive stops highlighting conservation, history, and ecology — inviting guests to walk where TR once rode.