Gas prices are up, but plane tickets are even pricier, which is why if you live in the Midwest United States you'll want to make plans at one of the many Midwest vacation destinations this year. Midwest family vacations mean you'll save your hard earned cash for the really important stuff - like food and very cold beverages! Make plans to visit Roosevelt National Park this year.

Roosevelt National Park is Full of Wonder

Roosevelt National Park is on of the best places to visit in the Midwest. You'll be met with whipping wind, incessant heat, and unrelenting sunshine. But if you can handle all that, you'll be treated to towering buttes over the plateau, bison roaming, and antelope bounding. Above are Red-tailed Hawks scooping out the prairie dogs below. Where else can you see all that?

Location & Fees

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota and consists of three units: South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch, and North Unit. The great thing about places to visit in the Midwest is that you can spend all your time in one spot (because there really is that much to explore) or you can make a tour of Midwest destinations.

For a $10 a vehicle or $5 a person entrance fee, you can go to all three parks for seven days. If you plan to go more than once in a season, you might want to consider an annual pass for $20.

History

Theodore Roosevelt National Park was given national park status November 10^th, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter. It was created as a Memorial Park in 1947 to honor Theodore Roosevelt for his enduring contributions to the conservation of our nation's resources. The park's total acreage is over 70,000. The busiest months are June, July and August, but as more people realize the value of this great park, visitation is increasing during May and September as well.

Kids Will Love the Junior Ranger Program

Kids aged 6-12 are eligible to become junior rangers in order to learn about Theodore Roosevelt National Park, its plants, animals, geology and history. After completing activities in a booklet available from any ranger, attending a guided program, and hiking a trail children get a junior ranger badge and certificate.

Every Saturday, starting in mid-June, the ranger staff provide children's activities from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Activities vary each week and include nature walks, snake education, prairie dog town visits, Junior ranger programs and lot of other exciting projects. Your vacation has never been so educational (shhh - don't tell the kids!).