5 Reasons You Should Visit Medora, North Dakota

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Best Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota

The Best Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota

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.

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Beat Inflation & Travel Congestion at this National Park Paradise

Beat Inflation & Travel Congestion at this National Park Paradise

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:

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Two-Day Getaway in Medora, North Dakota

Two-Day Getaway in Medora, North Dakota

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.

A group of women walk on a paved path towards the Chateau de Mores a popular historic attraction in Medora, North Dakota

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.

A woman takes a photo as a child runs between two giant metal bird sculptures along the Enchanted Highway, a popular roadtrip destination in North Dakota

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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

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