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    Painted Canyon Rest Area

    4.7 (22 reviews)
    InexpensiveRest Stops

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    Mary A.

    A great place to start your journey into TRNP. Incredible views and really nice rangers. Clean bathrooms and a nice gift shop.

    Entrance & Parking Lot for Painted Canyon
    Marty P.

    Make sure that you stop at Painted Canyon Rest Area. Pay attention to signs on the highway (I-94) as you get closer to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I feel that it's a must stop on your way to TRNP. The views are stunning and there is a wonderful visitor's center. Also, they have a small gift shop for purchasing of souvenir's for TRNP. I had some questions for staff here. They answered my questions professionally, absent sarcasm or curtness. These two staff members had good attitudes and seemed to enjoy being at work. There is a decent sized parking lot here with plenty of paved trails to walk on to take in those stunning views. See the pictures I attached to my review. Take time to savor the views and snap plenty of pics. Also, there is no fee to park or visit here. It's FREE. They also have public restrooms on site. I enjoyed the panoramic views that the rest area offers. Overall, it was an unexpected but very pleasant visit here. I didn't plan on stopping here. I just noticed the signage on I-94 and decided to stop. One never knows who they will meet or what they will experience when a detour is made. I recommend stopping here. It's truly a pleasant rest stop. Stretch those legs along the walking trails and breathe in that fresh air. I hope your visit is as pleasant as mine was. Enjoy and be safe!

    Amanda B.

    If you're taking 94W, you will come to the Painted Canyon Rest Area right before you come to the exit for Teddy Roosevelt National Park. Highly recommend you stop if you need a clean restroom, or want to see some buffalo, definitely stop! When we pulled in, the bison were standing about 20 ft from the driveway, when we came out of the bathroom they were about 30 ft from us. Pretty cool!

    Painted canyon
    Michelle A.

    Stopped here after Medora on Friday. There is a rest stop and gift shop. It is part of the park but free. Masks required in gift shop. Nice place to take pictures.

    Jacqueline T.

    We stopped at Theodore Roosevelt National Park on our drive through North Dakota. This was my first time in the state and it's definitely a good stop. This visitors center is part of the south unit of the park. There's really not much to do here other than the overlook just outside the center. The overlook is gorgeous. There are vast sweeping views of the canyon and badlands. You'll find bathrooms and souvenirs. The rangers were very friendly and helpful in making recommendations about what to do. I definitely think it's worth stopping by here before you get to Medora.

    National park geek sticker
    Anthony T.

    The view of the painted canyon is spectacular. If you are nearby, you definitely want to check it out. If you have any questions, the park rangers are delighted to share their opinions and guide you in the right direction.

    Feier L.

    Easy spot to stop off the highway for beautiful views! There are also restrooms and water fountain which looked pretty clean.

    Visitors Center entrance
    Ward D.

    Good place to Start your tour of the park This is right off the interstate and is easy-on, easy-off. There is plenty of parking for cars and trailers/trucks. There are restrooms and a small store. The staff was very friendly and helpful and provided us with information and maps. Right behind the building there is a beautiful vista that you should definitely check out.

    The gate gate you can simply walk through
    Mimi N.

    Ahhhh, this place equals gorgeousssssss. Honestly, pictures and videos cannot do justice for what the eye can see in this vast piece of land. :) If you decide to make a quick detour here, don't be deterred by the closed gate! :) Simply park your car near the gate, walk to the rest / viewing area and take in the beautiful scenery. Overall, it's a pretty relaxing walk to the viewing area (everything is cemented and smooth to walk on). Once you're at the viewing area, make sure to walk around and take pictures of the pretty painted canyons. If you have time, there is a sign that shows a short mile hike you can do nearby the area. ;[ Unfortunately, I was running low on time and didn't get a chance to do the hike. In total, this is a good stop for around 10-30min (depending on how long you want to stay) and it's worth it for the awesome views.

    Painted Canyon Rest Area on I-94 in North Dakota
    Bruce K.

    Big props to Vic at the North Dakota Heritage Center who told me about the Painted Canyon Rest Area. Five stars for the most amazing rest area that I have ever stopped at. And hey, I've stopped at a few. The rest area is actually inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The view of the canyon is absolutely AH-MAYZE-ING. There is a proper vistor's center staffed by Park Rangers. And even though TRNP is only a few bucks, I love this place because it's completely free. If you're zipping by Medora on I-94 and don't have time for the full TRNP, stop here for a quick taste.

    The canyon and badlands go for miles
    Mark D.

    Well, holy cow, this is not just a rest stop! It's the gateway or, more accurately, a bonus to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park's south unit. (The main entrance is a different exit on the highway.) Yep, you can poo and pee here and buy sugary drinks from a machine, like at a regular rest stop, but there's also a seemingly endless expanse of scenic badlands behind it. That's why you're here, hopefully. There's also a lovely trail loop, which takes about an hour or so to hike, if you have the time, and I'd recommend doing that, since it's quite scenic, walking down into the canyon of badlands and back up. The bonus is that you don't need to buy a(n expensive) National Parks pass to stop here. And there's a gift shop, yay. Buy something with a bison or TR on it, because you need that. Plus, there's the whole myth and magic of the place being associated with and named after Theodore Roosevelt and all that. Thus quoth the president, "I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota." So, if you wanna be like Theodore Roosevelt, maybe you should spend some time in some less densely populated places, such as this place, or even if you don't wanna be like him or don't have any aspirations to the presidency.

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    2 years ago

    Best views and amazing colors especially at sunrise! Don't miss this stop with wonderful views.

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    Review Highlights - Painted Canyon Rest Area

    It's the gateway or, more accurately, a bonus to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park's south unit.

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    AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

    AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

    (29 reviews)

    $$

    The place is just a big plain motel. Decor is all brown so nothing looks new or attractive. Room…read moreis small and looks tired. However it's clean enough, the brownish everything notwithstanding. I'd consider it a more acceptable hotel if they didn't charge a premium price for no quality at all. For almost $300 night it's a rip off. Only reason it can charge this kind of price is its location which is 1/4 miles from Roosevelt park's south unit. At least everything in the room worked, fridge and microwave oven, ok shower and aircon. Wifi slow and difficult to connect. Breakfast standard, hot include powdered eggs and sausages. Some mini muffins. There are some other motels in town but not a lot of options if you want to stay in Medora. But I guess you can't beat location although if you don't mind driving a bit there are much better and less costly hotels to stay in Dickinson.

    While the hotel appears to have a few years on it, it was well-maintained, clean, and staffed with…read morea friendly and helpful crew. From the moment we arrived, the staff treated us with courtesy and competence. The front desk staff was attentive, and quickly navigated our check-in (we are required by the company to book through a travel agency which pays directly, and that's often confusing for untrained check-in folks). This was a great relief. The room, while not the ultra-cool look of some places I've been lately, was certainly functional, clean, and comfortable. The towels were nice and clean, and everything in the room worked. The included breakfast was served hot and cold where appropriate. Eggs, meat, biscuits and gravy, pastries, cereal, and juices adorned the counter and seemed fresh and very edible. I really liked the gravy! The hotel is also within walking distance to restaurants and shops (and the historic buildings in Medora), and offers easy access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit) and I-94. Again, not the newest place you'll ever stay, but the AmericInn will be one of the most comfortable.

    Rough Riders Hotel And Convention Center - Fitness room

    Rough Riders Hotel And Convention Center

    (40 reviews)

    $$$

    We checked into room 307 for 2 nights. Our room had a king bed, walk in shower refrigerator &…read moretelevision. Our room came with a book about the park and a Teddy bear that resembles Roosevelt. Checking out was quick & easy.. The hotel is in Medora North Dakota in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Theodore is the restaurant on premises. The hotel & our room have a rustic charm. In the lobby is an immense hearth reaching to the tin-tiled ceiling, with walls housing a large, private & accessible library of books on, and by, Theodore. We were able to walk around the shops & restaurants in Medora & we were in the park in minutes. We were told animals run wild here. There was a 12 car parking lot & we never got a spot so we parked around the corner on the street. Sarah and the volunteers from Thailand were helpful and friendly. I was surprised that there wasn't housekeeping services, I went down to the desk for clean towels, a laundry bag & took out our garbage. Went down again, for tissues & toilet paper. There was no breakfast served here. There were soda and candy vending machines. I was surprised that there was carpeting in our room and all over the hotel. I was a little grossed out coming inside with my muddy dirty shoes. At home, I would've left them at the door; here I just don't want to touch the carpeting. The fitness room is not a priority, the elliptical worked poorly.

    Town of Medora is very small but quite lovely. We stayed at the Rough Riders Hotel which is an…read morehistoric hotel. Rooms were clean and large. The hotel was in the middle of town and convenient to shops and restaurants. We were with a tour group, so had group meals at the hotel. Would love to go back when the Theodore Roosevelt Library opens in 2026.

    Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch & Trail Head - Good morning from the Buffalo Gap Ranch!

    Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch & Trail Head

    (15 reviews)

    $$

    On a road trip and needed a place to stay in Medora. What a diamond in the rough. Sure it is not…read morethe Ritz, but we weren't looking for that. We found the room rustic, but at the same time, clean , quiet and comfortable. ( Mattresses very comfortable). Staff very personable and friendly , fire pit out back a nice place to connect with fellow travellers to share stories of the day. The Ranch it about 6 miles out of town, about a mile of which is on a dirt road Being remote as it is lends to the serenity, view of the Badlands and night stargazing! Oh and the sunrises from our room ... breathtaking! (See pic) If ever back in the area will definitely be making a return trip to "the Ranch"!!! In the area?? Make sure to take in the Medora Musical!!!

    I'm writing this on behalf of both my mom and myself…read more My mom booked the room under the wedding event rate, and since I arrived early on Friday, I paid for it -- nearly $300. I had no idea what the rate was supposed to be, but my mom had received verbal confirmation that it was a flat fee of $99 per night for the wedding, totaling about $198 + tax. What they don't tell you is that they charge per person in the room -- which is absolutely ridiculous, especially since the room sleeps six! When I brought this up, I was told, "No, that's right. We charge per head." I replied, "The room sleeps six. It should just be a flat rate across the board." The employee insisted that "all the rooms here and in Medora do it that way." I told her that was nonsense -- because no hotel or Airbnb charges hidden per-person fees like that -- and she got upset that I said "horseshit." Apparently, that was enough for her to tell me to leave and nearly take my receipt. This charge will be disputed, because you can't advertise a flat event rate and then secretly tack on extra "per head" charges after the fact. The food itself was decent, but even that experience wasn't great -- I was snapped at during the wedding dinner because my tray wasn't on the "bottom" of the conveyor when going through the line. There's no reason to yell at paying guests over something that small. As for the room, we were located near the campers. That wasn't the problem -- but waiting 30 minutes for hot water to reach the shower definitely was. The sink got hot instantly, so that made zero sense. Then we found a live worm in the bed my mom was sleeping in, and the door didn't seal properly, which probably explains the centipede we found inside too. Overall, the food was the only halfway decent part of the stay -- but between the surprise "per head" charges, rude staff, and bugs in the room, I would absolutely not recommend staying here.

    Buckboard Inn

    Buckboard Inn

    (3 reviews)

    Without question The Buckboard is not a 5 star hotel. But in rural, middle of nowhere North Dakota…read morewhat more do you really expect? It's an older motel with small rooms and incredibly dated furnishings. I imagine that some hipster someplace would love the western decor and the bronze pull string lights hanging from the ceiling. Maybe. I don't know... Despite appearances, our room was quiet and we slept pretty well. The queen bed felt pretty small and I don't remember it being all that comfortable. But again, we slept all right. When we checked in the lady at the front desk was not very friendly. She seemed very surprised we'd even be visiting North Dakota. But did she get us checked in effectively and got us a room. I believe we paid about $70 or $75 for the night. It was certainly more expensive than it was worth. But without other options we didn't have much choice. If you have to stay in the area then you don't have much choice than to stay here. I know there is one other motel in town, but it didn't look much better from the outside. If you do have the option of staying elsewhere, I'd recommend you do.

    Checked in late by a lady in her nighty. She said about 5 words total…read more The room was old and outdated. The fridge stunk like rotten meat. BUT- there was some toast and coffee in the morning. The gold fish and sucker fish in the lobby were cute, & we didn't have to pay $170 -which was the price an hour prior in Dickinson ND.

    Beaver Creek Inn and Suites - Bathroom

    Beaver Creek Inn and Suites

    (8 reviews)

    This is no longer called Beaver Creek Inn but it is a Rodeway Inn. If you are looking for hotel in…read morethe area (I know there are limited options) pass this one up. We booked it based on reviews and when we showed up at 9 pm we were too tired to notice exactly how bad it was. Although the check in process was a hint. The man wouldn't make eye contact and barely spoke to me. It took him an extraordinary long time to check me in. Another couple happened to walk in behind me and they also noticed how awkward it was. He Didn't explain anything. So let me mention a few details about the room. The curtains including the curtain rod did not even extend to cover the window fully. There was used soap in the shower and there was only 1 towel for 2 people. According to my reservation confirmation and their website a continental breakfast is included but the only food in breakfast room was stale bread and cereal. After we checked in we never saw anyone that worked there again. Did run into a young couple who told me that they had to sleep outside in vehicle bc despite paying for a room online. They couldn't not raise anyone by shouting or using the phone at desk. My husband walked by the front desk several times in the morning and saw no body. He did see however that the laundry room was completely nonfunctional. Not that we needed it but others often wash clothes on an extended trip. There appeared to be several, like almost all the rooms on 2 nd floor unoccupied. In that case why not put us in a room that didn't face highway and hear all the highway noise? Bottom line- sleep elsewhere!

    This is a very vacant, funny-friendly with lots of parking and hunting pictures and signs type of…read moreplace. The front guy was great and the place was clean and cozy and perfect for the night!

    Painted Canyon Rest Area - reststops - Updated May 2026

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