Restoration of the Wildlife Route in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• A section of the road in the National Park will reopen after six years of closure
• The reconstruction of the road lasted two and a half years at a cost of 51 million dollars
• The park plans to attract more visitors with the new opening of the library

In Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, on November 28, 2025, a portion of the wildlife route, which had been closed for more than six years, will reopen. The restoration of this 21-mile (34-kilometer) scenic route will allow visitors to once again enjoy the panoramic views of the Badlands and encounter the wild nature.

The route passes through bright cliffs, showcasing the eerie formations and ancient coal-stained stumps of trees. In recent years, visitors have not been able to see such iconic places as the scenic overlook of Scoria, where red cliffs and waves of the badlands are located.

The closure of the route was caused by serious infrastructure damage that occurred due to storms and aging roads. In the winter of 2019, a 150-foot (45-meter) section of the road collapsed due to the formation of a sinkhole.

Construction work lasted nearly two and a half years and included complete reconstruction of the road, improved drainage, reconstruction of slopes, and installation of new pavement. The total cost of the project amounted to approximately 51 million dollars, most of which was funded in accordance with the National Park Service Act.

This route had been closed since the Great Depression when civil defense corps began operating in the area. The full reopening of the route coincides with the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which will take place on July 4.

The national park annually welcomes more than 700 thousand visitors, making it the most popular tourist attraction in North Dakota.

Tags: USA