Beyond the Familiar!


If you have only visited the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you only know half of the story. To truly witness the rugged majesty of this landscape, you need to check out the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park—located just 13 miles south of Watford City.

As your Western North Dakota Vacation Hub, Watford City offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Our legendary Badlands are filled with good times!

Long X Visitor Center

Watford City’s Long X Visitor Center is your window into Western North Dakota! Featuring regional tourist information, an art gallery and a retail store selling locally made products, books, art, ice cream treats and more. It's a great place to start any adventure in McKenzie County.
Welcome to the Long X Visitor Center
Overlook of Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit
Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory in 1883. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. Visitors to Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit will find abundant watchable wildlife including bison, elk, prairie dogs, deer, and golden eagles, just to name a few. Hosting a 14-mile scenic byway drive, the park entrance is a short 14 miles south of Watford City.
Learn More About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile trail that weaves through the north and south units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Little Missouri National Grasslands. The name originated with the Mandan Tribes and translates to “land that will be around for a long time.” The trail varies from grassy flats and ridges to very rough, steep clay badlands buttes, including river bottoms and wooded draws to rolling prairie. Located just across the Little Missouri River from the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Learn More the Maah Daah Hey Trail
Overhead image of a bike on the Maah Daad Hey Trail
Girl on a blue tube at the lake.
Just 26 miles north of Watford City, nestled on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, are two destinations for the year-round-outdoor-explorer’s dream. Navigate the waters of Lake Sakakawea in a kayak. Or hike, ride, or bike the Burnt Hills Trail, and then enjoy the rugged comforts at the Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina. Set up camp, fish for your dinner, grab a bite at the full-service restaurant or stop in the well-stocked convenience store.
Learn More Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina
The Confluence, or the junction where two rivers meet, of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, was an important stop for the Native American tribes, traders and trappers, and also a strategic military point. The Confluence played an important role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. The Corps of Discovery traveled this section of the Missouri River corridor in 1804 and on their return journey in 1806. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Center, Fort Union Trading Post and Fort Buford State Historic Site, are a short 50 mile drive from Watford City.
Learn More About Fort Union National Historic Site
Overlook of Fort Union National Historic Site
MHA Nation Interpretive Center
The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, known collectively as the MHA Nation, brings you the MHA Interpretive Center located only 45 miles east of Watford City on the banks of Lake Sakakawea. This world-class museum takes you on a captivating journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of the MHA Nation. Explore the permanent exhibits, immerse yourself in living history programs and discover the remarkable story of the Great MHA Nation. Just outside, walk in the steps of indigenous peoples inside an earthlodge at the Earthlodge Village.
Learn More Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation

Watford City is centrally located in the heart of western North Dakota attractions! Perfect for a one or two night stay!

  1. Long X Visitor Center
  2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit
  3. Maah Daah Hey Trailhead
  4. Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina
  5. Fort Union National Historic Site
  6. Fort Buford & Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center
  7. Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation
Map of Watford City and Badlands