A photograph of the Elkhorn Ranch taken by Theodore Roosevelt in 1886.

Are there any buildings left at the Elkhorn Ranch?

No. Theodore Roosevelt's "home ranch" known as the Elkhorn, was built by Wilmot Dow and Bill Sewall. They began construction during the fall of 1884 and by spring of 1885, the ranch house was complete. This 30' x 60' structure is no longer standing. As was customary at the time (1890s) some of the lumber was recycled and used to help construct other nearby buildings. A fire may have also played a roll in its disappearance. By 1901 every scrap of the Elkhorn buildings had disappeared with the exception of a couple of half rotted foundations.

Champsosaurus and other fossils on display at the South Unit Visitor Center

Can fossils be found in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes. Swamps and lush forests once dominated the landscape. The park has one of the largest petrified forests in the U.S. and extensive paleontological deposits from the Paleocene era.  In addition to several plants and freshwater snails species, vertebrate fossils include crocodile-like creatures called champsosaurs, crocodiles and alligators, turtles and fish.    

A total of 42% of the park is legislative wilderness

How much of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is wilderness?

A total of 29,920 acres, or 42%, of this 70.447-acre national park is legislative wilderness. The smaller 24,070-acre North Unit has 19,410 acres in wilderness while the 46,159-acre South Unit has 10,510 acres in wilderness.

Are there hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

There are almost 100 miles of trails in the park. Some are short walks less than one mile while others are several miles and can take two days to complete. Hikers and horseback parties who wish to camp overnight in the backcountry must register at either the South or North Unit visitor centers and obtain a free backcountry use permit. A free backcountry guide is also available. In addition to the established trail system, visitors have the opportunity to travel crosscountry in the park.