Theodore Roosevelt National Park Celebrates Major Milestone with the Reopening of Its Scenic Loop, Offering Uninterrupted Access to Majestic Landscapes and Historic Overlooks

Published on November 25, 2025

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is set to celebrate a major milestone this week, as a key section of its scenic road loop, which has been closed for more than six years, finally reopens to the public on Tuesday. This 21-mile stretch of road, winding through the park’s iconic Badlands, has long been a favorite for visitors seeking sweeping vistas and wildlife encounters. Now, after extensive repairs and reconstruction, the scenic loop will once again offer travelers access to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the United States.

The reopening of this section of the road provides visitors with a renewed opportunity to experience the very terrain that inspired President Theodore Roosevelt during his time as a rancher in the late 1800s. Roosevelt’s love for the land, and his experience in the area, played a significant role in shaping his conservationist efforts later in life, including his establishment of national parks.

A Long-Awaited Return to Iconic Views

The road’s route winds through a dramatic landscape that includes vibrant rock formations, sweeping hills, and ancient petrified trees. It offers breathtaking views and is a key passage for those looking to encounter the wildlife that populates the park, including bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. It also provides access to some of the most celebrated overlooks in the park, such as Scoria Point, where visitors can take in stunning vistas of red rock and expansive rolling hills.

Before the road closure, these overlooks were popular destinations for photographers, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. However, a combination of weather damage, erosion, and aging infrastructure led to a section of the road collapsing in 2019. The resulting damage left many visitors unable to access these key viewpoints, including the scenic Scoria Point Overlook and the expansive Badlands Overlook, which offers a vast panoramic view of the park’s rugged terrain.

Why the Road Was Closed

The closure began after a 150-foot portion of the road started to sink in the spring of 2019. The area’s erosive landscape, combined with intense storms and an aging infrastructure, led to the road becoming unstable. Over time, sinkholes and cracks formed, making the road impassable.

This damaged section of the road not only made it difficult for visitors to continue their journey through the park, but it also blocked access to several major overlooks, forcing visitors to turn around earlier than planned. The closure of the road posed a significant inconvenience, but it also highlighted the park’s need for extensive infrastructure upgrades to safeguard its long-term accessibility.

Reconstruction and Engineering Feats

In 2021, work began on a massive project to rebuild the damaged road section. The task was no small feat, as the park is known for its steep, eroded hills and challenging weather conditions. To address the issues, engineers implemented advanced techniques to stabilize the road, including stone riprap, wire suspension systems, and reinforced concrete designed to blend seamlessly with the park’s natural landscape. The goal was not only to restore the road but to protect it from future damage caused by erosion and shifting soil.

The roadwork took longer than initially anticipated due to the difficult conditions, including short construction seasons, extreme weather, and an ongoing erosion problem beneath the road. Despite these challenges, the $51 million reconstruction project, largely funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, is now complete, and the scenic loop is ready for reopening.

Reopening Marks a New Era for the Park

With the road now fully reconstructed, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is poised to offer an enhanced experience to visitors. The reopening of the scenic loop not only restores access to the park’s stunning vistas but also enhances the overall accessibility of the park’s unique wilderness. Visitors can once again drive through the heart of the Badlands, taking in views of rolling hills, deep canyons, and striking rock formations that stretch for miles.

The timing of the reopening is particularly significant as the nearby Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library prepares for its grand opening on July 4. The library, which will celebrate Roosevelt’s life and legacy, is expected to attract large numbers of visitors, many of whom will likely make a trip to the park as part of their visit. With the road now open, guests will be able to experience the full beauty and historical significance of the park, enhancing their trip and offering a deeper connection to Roosevelt’s legacy.

Boosting Local Economies

For the communities surrounding Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the road’s reopening is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. The park draws more than 700,000 visitors annually, and the full reopening of the scenic loop will allow tourists to experience the entirety of the park. With more access to popular areas like Scoria Point and Badlands Overlook, visitors will be encouraged to spend more time in the park, contributing to local tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Local business owners and residents are excited about the road’s reopening, anticipating a rise in tourism and a resurgence in interest from visitors who had previously been unable to reach the park’s more remote spots. As tourism continues to grow in the area, the road’s reopening will likely play a pivotal role in sustaining the local economy.

Conclusion

The reopening of Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s scenic road loop is a major victory for the park, its visitors, and the surrounding communities. After years of closure, the road has been fully restored, offering access to the park’s most iconic views and diverse wildlife. Visitors will now have the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the park in their entirety, making it an even more appealing destination for tourists from around the world.

With its combination of rugged beauty, historical significance, and abundant wildlife, Theodore Roosevelt National Park remains one of North Dakota’s premier attractions. The reopening of the scenic loop marks a new chapter for the park, one that promises to provide an unforgettable experience for years to come.