The Elkhorn Ranch Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a remote and serene 218 acre section of land once used by Theodore Roosevelt near the Little Missouri River. It was one of two ranches established by Roosevelt in western North Dakota. The foundation of the cabin that stood at the site remains as well as the water well. Other than the dismantled ranch, much of the countryside remains the same as it did during the late 19th Century when enjoyed by Roosevelt.
From the parking area, there is a .7 mile mowed path to the cabin’s foundations. The cabin has been dismantled but exhibits on the way feature passages of Theodore Roosevelt about his time at Elkhorn Ranch. There are no visitor centers or facilities in this section of the park.
Elkhorn Ranch History
Theodore Roosevelt expanded his cattle business after his wife and mother died on the same day in 1884. He decided to move west and purchase a second ranch in the area. Elkhorn Ranch, 35 miles north of Medora, was bought from its previous occupant for $400. Roosevelt built a home there and declared it his home ranch. It was much larger than the Maltese Cross Ranch originally located seven miles south of Medora, which he had bought in 1883.
Roosevelt remarried in December 1886 and moved back to New York full time. There was a disasterous winter for the cattle, and Roosevelt eventually abandoned Elkhorn in 1890. The ranch was sold in 1898 and stripped of everything except the foundation over the next few years.
As part of the effort to build the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, there have been discussions about rebuilding the 30×60 cabin on the site of the Library. It appears they are currently in the process of raising funds for the library as well as designing the building.
Directions to Elkhorn Ranch from the South Unit
From Medora and the South Unit, head west on I-94 and exit the highway at Exit 10. Elkhorn Ranch is reached from Exit 10 of I-94. Follow the gravel County Road 11 to Westerheim Road and turn right. In 6.5 miles, turn left on Bell Lake Road. Follow Bell Lake for 11.7 miles and then turn right on FH2. Follow FH2 for three miles and head past the Elkhorn campground and MDHT trailhead until you reach the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area.
Directions to Elkhorn Ranch from the North Unit
Take US-85 North toward Watford City. Turn left to stay on US-85 and go 16.5 miles. Turn left on ND-68 West and then left on ND-16 South. After 31 miles on ND-16, turn left on Black Tail Road / FH2. Follow FH2 until you turn left to Elkhorn Campground. Then continue past the campground and trailhead until the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area.
Note: The last three miles of the trip to Elkhorn Ranch sometimes require a four wheel drive or high clearance vehicle. The road can be difficult after/during rain and in winter. Check at the North Unit or South Unit visitor center for information about road conditions before attempting the drive to Elkhorn Ranch.
Elkhorn Campground
There is a small campground with 9 camp spurs and a handicap vault toilet a few miles before the Elkhorn Ranch parking area. It is run by the Forest Service – not the National Park Service. In addition to the foundation and the Little Missouri River, there is a scenic canyon 2.5 miles west of the Elkhorn Ranch site.