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Rough Rider State Park, Medora, ND
Sports & Outdoors

Rough Rider State Park

A badlands state park near Medora, known for horse facilities, campsites, and trail access.

1465 36th St, Medora ND 58645 · Medora, ND

About Rough Rider State Park

Rough Rider State Park sits in the North Dakota Badlands, a short drive from Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and offers a quieter alternative to those busy spots. It is one of the state's designated horse parks, with corrals and equestrian amenities. Visitors also use the park for hiking, biking, and paddling, and it provides access to the long Maah Daah Hey Trail. The park is on the east bank of the Little Missouri River, about two miles south of Medora in Billings County. Its name was changed in 2024 from Sully Creek.

  • #badlands
  • #horse-riding
  • #camping
  • #hiking
  • #mountain-biking

What's around here?

The closest stops to Rough Rider State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theater & Events
    Family Favorite

    Medora Musical

    $50+

    Summer western music show with live horses and fireworks in a Badlands amphitheatre. The next season opens in June 2027.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Theater & Events

  • Museums

    North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

    Under $25

    A heritage center in Medora that covers the history of the northern plains, including Native American, homesteading, ranching, and rodeo stories.

    1.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

    $25–$50

    The presidential library for Theodore Roosevelt, on a butte above Medora near the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    1.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    $25–$50

    Drive and hike through North Dakota badlands where bison and prairie dogs roam and Theodore Roosevelt once ranched.

    6.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Enchanted Highway

    No admission fee

    Drive 32 miles of prairie road past seven giant scrap metal sculptures, from Geese in Flight at I-94 to the town of Regent.

    46 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Little Missouri State Park

    Check prices

    A western North Dakota state park with badlands scenery, long trail systems, and camping plus horse facilities.

    60 mi awayMore like this

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