After being shut for more than six years, a breathtaking six-mile stretch of road in one of America's most beloved national parks has finally reopened to the public.
A Long-Awaited Return
A significant six-mile section of the scenic loop in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park officially reopened to visitors on Tuesday 25 November 2025. The route had been closed since 2019 after severe storms, relentless erosion, and ageing infrastructure caused critical damage, including a substantial 150-foot section of the roadway to slump.
This closure had cut off public access to some of the park's most prized landscapes and wildlife viewing areas for over half a decade.
The Scale of the Restoration
The ambitious repair project was a monumental undertaking, lasting approximately two and a half years. Construction crews did not simply patch up the road; they performed a full reconstruction.
The comprehensive work included vital drainage improvements and extensive slope stabilisation to ensure the route's long-term resilience. The total cost for restoring this six-mile segment came in at around $51 million.
This substantial funding was made possible primarily through the Great American Outdoors Act, a landmark piece of US conservation legislation.
What Visitors Can Now Experience
The reopening restores the full experience of the park's iconic Badlands scenery. Visitors can once again drive through this section to witness panoramic views of the rugged terrain and spot abundant wildlife, including bison and wild horses.
The timing of the project's completion is particularly symbolic. It coincides with the upcoming grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, creating a renewed sense of celebration and focus on the park's historical and natural legacy.
For the first time in six years, the complete scenic loop is available, offering an uninterrupted journey through one of America's unique natural treasures.
