5 Reasons You Should Visit Medora, North Dakota
Have you visited the charming town of Medora? It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, small-town seekers, and family fun. Here are 5 reasons to visit Medora, North Dakota, and explore this picturesque destination.
1. Check Off Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Medora is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, one of the most accessible parks where you can get up close and personal with incredible animals, such as bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
During my visit to TRNP, I saw over 250 bison and thousands of prairie dogs. In 35 National Park visits, never have I ever had this much access to being around and photographing wildlife.
And that’s not all – TRNP offers breathtaking views of North Dakota’s stunning landscapes from the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the wild horses that draw many visitors to this national park.
Make sure to visit TRNP in the morning and evening to experience the changing landscape and animal activity. And while you’re out and about, keep an eye out for the adorable prairie dogs who are known to dart across the road. They sing of the evenings.
2. Medora is a Walkable Town
Discover the charm of Medora’s downtown, where you’ll find shops, coffee houses, and wine bars. Make sure to stop by the Old Town Hall Theater to see the Teddy Roosevelt statue and learn about his influence on the community.
Shop for unique gifts at the Buffalo Gap Gift Shop and Medora Boot and Western Wear, enjoy a glass of wine at Medora Uncork’d, or savor a specialty coffee at Hatlee & Brae.
Explore the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, a well-curated museum with photo-ops, exhibits, and artifacts.
And did you know that the founder of Mr. Bubble, Harold Schafer, left a foundation to keep Medora thriving? This foundation supports local businesses, including the Medora Musical, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, Gospel Brunch, and Roughrider Hotel & Dining.
Learn about this iconic North Dakota entrepreneur’s fascinating connection to Medora, which employs and supports the community.
3. The Medora Musical: A Long-Running American Performance
Discover the incredible Medora Musical, a long-standing tradition that showcases the best of America-forward acts. Join the Burning Hills Singers on an unforgettable journey filled with music, dance, and amazing costumes, all while paying tribute to the Great American West and Teddy Roosevelt himself.
And don’t forget the breathtaking fireworks that complete this stunning performance!
One of the highlights of the show is the famous reenactment of Teddy’s charge at the battle of San Juan Hill. Experience history come alive and transport yourself to the heart of Cuba.
To make the most of your experience, consider adding the Pitchford Steak Fondue dinner option. This delicious meal features skewered meats and fondued in boiling oil and includes a mouth-watering array of sides (fruit, salad, baked beans, potatoes, coleslaw) and desserts (donut and brownies). Lemonade and coffee are included.
And all of this while enjoying the stunning Badlands views from the top of Tjaden Terrace bluff!
This option is available for an additional fee, and it’s the perfect way to complete your Medora Musical experience.
4. Experience Magical Family Fun
Another reason you should visit Medora is that it is perfect for families. The Medora Children’s Park is a themed playground that everyone will love.
Treat yourself to a delicious cone of ice cream or fudge from Medora Fudge and Ice Cream Depot.
For those seeking adventure, try zip-lining at New Manitou, the Point to Point Zipline, or mini-golf at Medora Mini Golf. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking North Dakota Badlands while playing a round of golf at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course.
Beginners can even ride horses at the Medora Riding Stables and Trail Rides. Come explore Medora’s endless entertainment opportunities!
5. Indulge in the Great Food
Explore Medora’s culinary scene and be pleasantly surprised by the trendy dishes and fresh ingredients found in this rural town.
Badlands Pizza Parlor offers delicious pizzas perfect for a picnic with buffalo herds as your backdrop, creating a magical experience.
For heavy appetizers and drink combinations, head to Little Missouri Saloon . With its outdoor deck seating, you can enjoy your meal with beautiful outdoor heaters. Don’t miss out on their freshly-made-to-order pizzas and tasty appetizers like Avocado Bites and Deep Fried Pickles.
For gourmet sandwiches, salads, and sides, Boots Bar and Grill is the place to be. Their Black and Bleu Brussels sprouts and Buffalo Cauliflower are amazing, alongside their Boots Quesadilla and satisfying burgers.
With their extra-large outdoor patio and live music, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss out on trying Medora’s culinary gems!
Need Lodging in Medora?
Sara and I stayed at the AmericInn by Wyndham Medora, a clean and comfy property with affordable rates, a fantastic indoor pool, hot tub, spacious rooms, and comfortable beds. Rooms feature mini-fridge, microwaves, and coffee makers.
The AmericInn is located within walking distance to the downtown and restaurants and offers complimentary WiFi and a tasty breakfast. I loved the warm and inviting lobby, which is perfect for enjoying a good read or catching up on your social media.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
13 AWESOME Things to Do in Medora, North Dakota with Kids
13 AWESOME Things to Do in Medora, North Dakota with Kids
Medora, North Dakota is a teeny tiny town with massive charm. Located in the southwestern part of the state, there are roughly 100 residents in the town. But as the gateway to the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there are so many fun things to do in Medora, North Dakota despite its small size.
This list of fun things to do in Medora, North Dakota includes the most popular attractions in Medora and the best activities for visitors to the small town. Plus, our Medora, North Dakota travel guide includes recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and when to visit for the best experience.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
Five National Parks in North Dakota to Explore
Five National Parks in North Dakota to Explore
When planning a visit to some of the national parks in the United States, few people consider heading to the North Dakota national parks. And that’s both a shame and a blessing.
It’s a shame because there are a few downright magnificent national parks in North Dakota. On the other hand, it’s a blessing because those parks are generally much quieter than the top parks in the national park system, such as Zion, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Acadia and Olympic.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Spectacular In The Winter
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Spectacular In The Winter
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is spectacular in the winter. If you are not visiting national parks in the winter, why not? The beauty that you will find in America’s National Parks shines all year long, and winter is exceptional.
It won’t take you long to see what you are missing out on, as you see what the park looks like in winter. Here’s my experience in visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the winter. I visited the South Unit on this visit and need to make a return trip to see the North Unit in the winter.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
The Best Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota
The Best Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota
Originally published by Sara on travelwithsara.com | September 29, 2022
It’s no secret that I love the small town of Medora, North Dakota. If you have not visited Medora, place it at the top of your list of places to visit. This charming, authentic small western town will win you over as soon as you step foot on the ground. You can begin to plan your visit now, as I’m going to give you tips on how to get the most out of your visit. With many choices of things to do, you will find that Medora offers more than you ever imagined.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
Beat Inflation & Travel Congestion at this National Park Paradise
Beat Inflation & Travel Congestion at this National Park Paradise
Originally published by Mikah Meyer on mikahmeyer.com | August 6, 2022
Looking for an affordable, low-traffic vacation this summer 2022? With inflation at record levels, and revenge travel causing congestion at seemingly every layover, that might sound like a tall tale.
But, with nearly 2/3 of summer left (the meteorological season ending on September 23), there’s still plenty of time to experience someplace wonderful. And one place where avoiding the above struggles is possible:
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
Two-Day Getaway in Medora, North Dakota
Two-Day Getaway in Medora, North Dakota
Originally published by midwestliving.com | Updated June 25, 2025
Cowboy-themed, family-oriented Medora makes a great base for a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt referred to his time in North Dakota saying, “Here the romance of my life began.” One visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park explains his love affair. Some 70,000 acres of painted canyons and grassy trails embrace the Little Missouri River on the western edge of the state. Cowboy town Medora’s lineup of amenities make it a pleasant base to explore the badlands Teddy loved.
Day 1
Head straight for the main attraction: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which has two main units. A good first stop is the South Unit Visitor Center, with a museum, theater with 17-minute park film, and Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin. Rangers can help you plan your hikes and drives.
Along the South Unit’s loop road, you’ll find scenic vistas, short hikes (no longer than 1 mile), bison and hoodoos to climb among.
Big views and greenery characterize the more isolated North Unit (50 miles away), where you might see bighorn sheep, bison and longhorn steer. The most unique geological feature: cannonball concretions, perfectly round boulders that you can climb among.
If you’ve still got time when you return to Medora, head to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to Native Americans, ranchers and rodeo riders.
Fine dining meets Western chic at Theodore’s Dining Room inside Rough Riders Hotel. The ribeye is prelude to a sweet stay in rooms with Victorian oak armoires, red velvet furniture and pillow-top beds.
Day 2
The Farmhouse Cafe wins raves for its brunch—hearty omelets, North Dakota sausage and chocolate-drizzled, deep-fried Croissant French Toast.
Even beginners can get on the Maah Daah Hey Trail on trips with Dakota Cyclery Mountain Bike Adventures. The trail leads bikers and hikers over rolling prairie and rough badlands, from the North Unit of the national park to Medora.
Or take in a challenging 18 holes at Bully Pulpit Golf Course a few miles south of town. Rugged badlands provide a spectacular backdrop.
Tours of the 1880s Chateau de Mores State Historic Site cover the history of the aristocratic French couple who settled the town.
Teddy comes to life-as president, family man, soldier, hunter and rancher-in the rousing performance by an expert impersonator in Brunch with President Roosevelt.
Wrap up your Medora stay with a combo of a Pitchfork Steak Fondue dinner and a showing of the Medora Musical. “Cowboy cooks” at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue impale steaks 10 at a time and plunge them into 400-degree oil. Load your plate with all the fixings and eat as you watch the sun dropping over the badlands.
The Medora Musical is the essential experience in western North Dakota, celebrating Teddy Roosevelt and America with song-and-dance routines. The Burning Hills Amphitheatre overlooks a badlands landscape that produces a spotlighted horseman in the closing act.
Road Trip Stop
Seven regionally inspired sculptures tower along the Enchanted Highway, a 30-mile stretch between Interstate 94 and Regent, off Exit 72 (40 miles east of Theodore Roosevelt National Park). Figures crafted from scrap metal, oil-well pipes and tanks include grasshoppers, people, and fish; most stand over 40 feet tall.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.
Madly in Love With the Maah Daah Hey
Madly in Love With the Maah Daah Hey
Have you ever loved something so much that you would walk 200 miles for it? Through heavy brush? With a push mower? Nick Ybarra has.
“It was here that the romance of my life began.” —Theodore Roosevelt
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.