Frequently Asked Questions | Medora, North Dakota
Medora, North Dakota Title

FAQs

Plan Your Medora Vacation

Looking to plan your next Medora vacation? Our team answers our most frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your western adventure. 

Overlook a view of town, Badlands, and the sunset on Point to Point Trails, a hiking trail in Medora, North Dakota

Tickets for the Medora Musical & Other Attractions:

Saddle up for shows, shopping, and scenic adventures! Medora is known for being the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a hot spot of live entertainment including the Medora Musical, a GREAT golf course and of course, shopping, food, and western spirit.  

Official Medora Musical tickets can be purchased from Medora.com.

Find showtimes and ticket links at medora.com/medoramusical, call the Medora Vacation Center at 1-800-MEDORA-1, or stop into Ticket Junction or the Medora Musical Welcome Center in Medora.

Tickets from third-party resellers are NOT guaranteed to get you into our show. To eliminate the risk of fraud and get the best prices, get tickets through our official ticketing locations at medora.com or physical ticketing locations in Medora.

Round up your posse for group discounts! Just rustle up 20 or more folks and connect with our group events team at medora.com/groups for tickets to the Medora Musical, Gospel Brunch and many other Medora shows, attractions, and lodging.  

Dress fancy or dress casual, just come as you are to enjoy the show! But, dress for the weather – our show is outside and North Dakota nights can be fickle.

Sorry, partner, no furry critters at the musical. They can roam free in other parts of Medora, though. Visit the Ruff Riders Dog Park to let your dog roam.

Many of our shows, events, and attractions, including the Medora Musical, typically have tickets available day-of. You can purchase tickets online or at the Ticket Junction or the Medora Musical Welcome Center. However, weekends may fill up fast, we recommend booking early to make sure your round up the best seats in the house.

We recommend booking lodging, Trail Rides and Medora Gospel Brunch tickets early. These popular spots may fill up fast!

Once you’ve roped ’em in, they’re yours to keep or pass on to a fellow traveler. If you need any support for your order, connect with our Vacation Center team at 1-800-MEDORA-1. See all of the Medora Musical terms and conditions here

We monitor major storms closely. We know that guests look forward to their visits to the Medora Musical and that many travel great distances to be here, so we do everything in our power to stay open in the event of adverse weather events. However, we prioritize guest and staff safety, so can require operational changes.

Any performance lasting one hour or less that must be stopped due to weather is considered “rained out.” Patrons attending a performance that is “rained out” can receive two free vouchers for every full-price ticket purchased, redeemable for any future performance for this season or next. Tickets purchased using a voucher or season pass are not considered full price.

Each attraction is a different ride, so grab a ticket for each one you want to wrangle. Book your tickets at medora.com/book.

Thanks for being a TRMF member! Here are the steps to book online:

1. Select the date you would like to attend the Medora Musical
2. Select the section you would like to sit in choose your seat
3. Set the ticket type to SEASON PASS HOLDER and add to your cart
4. Do that for the number of season passes you have to book with
5. Then, select the big great ADD TICKETS button
6. This will take you to your cart
7. In the MEMBERSHIP/SEASON PASS # column you will enter the digits found on the back of your season pass
8. Submit the code
9. Complete steps 7 & 8 for each season pass
10. Select your ticket printing method
11. YOU MUST SELECT A PAYMENT TYPE
12. Enter your information and complete the purchase!

 

Great to hear you have vouchers! These are quick and easy to book online, here are the steps:


1. Select the activity and date you would like to book for

2. Select the seats/times you would like to book

3. Set the ticket type to  “EVENT NAME” VOUCHER and add to your cart

4. Do that for the number of tickets you need

5. Then, select the big great ADD TICKETS button

6. This will take you to your cart

7. In the VOUCHER CODE column you will enter the REDEMPTION ID outlined on the voucher

8. Submit the code

9. Complete steps 7 & 8 for each voucher

10. Select your ticket printing method

11. YOU MUST SELECT A PAYMENT TYPE

12. Enter your information and complete the purchase!



Yes! Kids, seniors and active military personnel receive discounts at the Medora Musical and at many other attractions around town. Learn more at medora.com/deals.

Yes, accessible seating options are available at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, Old Town Hall Theater, Medora Gospel Brunch. Seats are subject to availability. We are happy to offer a sign language interpreter for our hearing impaired guests, upon your request. To request an interpreter, please call 1-800-MEDORA-1 or connect to our guest support chat.

We love celebrating with you at the Medora Musical! Please call us at 1-800-MEDORA-1, or talk to an employee at the Medora Musical Welcome Center to have your special day announced during the show. 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

The park is renowned for its stunning badlands landscapes, flora and fauna of the plains, and preservation of Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy as a conservationist and outdoorsman.

Interactive or downloadable maps of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are available on the National Park’s website. Or stop by the visitor centers or ranger stations for a physical copy.

Yes, there is an entrance fee to the park, which can be paid at the entrance stations or online in advance. Common fees include:
  – 7 Day Private Vehicle: $30
  – 7 Day Motorcycle: $25
  – Annual Park entrance: $55
  – Interagency America The Beautiful Pass: $80
More details about additional fee types, free entry days, and discounts can be found on the park’s website.

The entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is right in Medora! Guests can walk to the visitors center from many of Medora’s popular lodging locations or attractions. The popular Painted Canyon Visitors Center is located approximately 5 miles east of Medora on I-94. And the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located approximately 60 miles from Medora, via 1-94 and U.S. Highway 85 North.

Personal vehicles are recommended for exploring the park, the 30 mile scenic loop takes explorers up close to many of the park’s most popular features and trails.

Pets are allowed in certain areas of the park, but they must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on trails or in park buildings.

Yes, the park offers hiking trails ranging from wheelchair accessible scenic overlooks to moderately challenging hikes in the park’s wilderness area, accommodating all skill levels and providing opportunities to explore the park’s beauty.

Yes, the South Unit picnic area is located near the Cottonwood Campground. We recommend grabbing a quick bite to go from Medora, and enjoying it in this beautiful scenery.

Cell phone coverage is limited in some areas of the park due to its remote location, and Wi-Fi is generally not available in the park.

The Badlands in North Dakota and South Dakota share similar names, but offer unique experiences. We recommend seeing both for yourself!

Both Theodore Roosevelt National Park in ND, and Badlands National Park in SD showcase rugged badlands terrain, colorful rock formations, and abundant wildlife such as bison, deer, and prairie dogs. The vegetation in the North Dakota Badlands tends to be more diverse, with grasslands, shrubs, and trees, providing habitats for various wildlife species. In contrast, the South Dakota Badlands offer stark, rocky vistas creating a strikingly beautiful and otherworldly landscape.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park has offers great views of the starts, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. Any parking space in a great option, but we’d especially recommend stopping by Skyline Vista, Buck Hill or Peaceful Valley Ranch.

North Dakota’s sunsets are one of our best-kept hidden gems! The cotton candy skies can best be viewed at Skyline Vista, Wind Canyon Trail, Buck Hill, or Boicourt Overlook.

Weather and Packing for my Medora Vacation:

From hot summers to chilly winters, Medora’s weather can change like a bucking bronco. We recommend checking the forecast and packing accordingly!
     January: Average High 28*f, Average Low 11*f
     April: Average High 58*f, Average Low 34*f
     July: Average High 85*f, Average Low 53*f
     October: Average High 58*f, Average Low 35*f

Many travelers opt to join in the Western spirit and don their cowboy boots and hats. Whatever your style, bring layers for temperature swings. You may also consider clothing and gear for outdoor adventures like hiking, riding, or golfing.

Mosquitos are less of an issue than for our neighbors to the east, so some travelers may opt to leave the bug spray at home. But there is limited shelter from the sun when out exploring the badlands, sunscreen is a must!

If you leave something behind call 1-800-MEDORA-1. Items found at Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation properties are returned to the Life Skills Center for safe keeping.

Family-Friendly Activities in Medora:

The Medora Children’s Park is located on the east side of town, across from Point to Point Park. It’s an old-fashioned wooden play structure that looks like a miniature wild west town.  

Dakota Cyclery Mountain Bike Adventures offers limited stroller rentals. Call in advance to check their availability.

Round up the whole family to chow down. The most convenient location to get the buckaroos fed are Badlands Pizza, Sheriff Bears Burgers and Ice Cream, and the Pitchfork Steak Fondue.

Some of the best lodging options for families of 2-5 in Medora include Elkhorn Quarters Family Rooms, or Badlands Motel Double Queen rooms. Larger families can opt for Cabins at the Medora Campground to all stay together.

Medora offers a range of activities and attractions that are great for visitors of all ages. Some of the family-friendly favorite activities in Medora include the Medora Musical, Medora Magic Show, and Point to Point Park.

Local Services and Information:

Visit the Ticket Junction for maps, event info, Medora Musical tickets, and tips on exploring Medora.

Yes, most businesses accept credit cards.

Mountain Time Zone — don’t let time zones throw off your schedule!

Medora’s a town for hoofin’ it or hitchin’ a ride — no public transit, but you’ll find most lodging, stores, and attractions within easy walkin’ distance. We recommend driving to the Medora Musical, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, Bully Pulpit Golf Course, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park Scenic Loop.

Dakota Cyclery Mountain Bike Adventures is the place to be for bike rentals and expert advice on mountain biking in the Badlands and on the Maah Daah Hey trail.

Shopping and Souvenirs:

Medora has shops for cowboy hats, trinkets, unique finds, western wear, and more! See all of our stores at medora.com/shopping.

The Medora Convenience store has a small selection of essentials, but we recommend that travelers stock up on provisions before arriving.

Most shops in Medora accept major credit cards. International currency is not be widely accepted.

Yes, a selection of Medora keepsakes are available at shopmedora.com.

Many Medora stores open for holiday and event weekends throughout the fall, winter, and spring. We’ll see you there!

Lodging and Hotels in Medora, ND:

From boutique hotels to covered wagons there are plenty of places to hang your hat. See Medora’s lodging options at medora.com/stay.

The Medora Campground is just outside the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Set up basecamp in a tent or RV site, or settle into a cabin or covered wagon.

On busy summer weekends lodging may sell out. We recommend booking lodging early in your trip planning process – 4-6 weeks for standard hotel rooms or 4-6 months for specialty lodging options like cabins and covered wagons.

Check-in is guaranteed by 4:00 PM MDT. If you arrive before the guaranteed check-in time, you are welcome to stop by the front desk and see if you are able to check-in. Check-out time is 11:00 AM MDT on the day of your departure.

Yes, all TRMF hotels have free wifi, complimentary toiletries, coffee, HD TV, and are steps away from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Medora’s attractions.

Yes, travelers looking for a house homebase can check out the Hyde House, Wooly Boys Inn, and Medora Campground Cabins.

The Rough Riders Hotel is open all year for romantic getaways. For more unique options, check out the historic Hide House, or Conestoga Wagons in the summer.

Yes, Medora is very walkable! The Rough Riders Hotel, and Badlands Motel are in the center of town. The Elkhorn Quarters and Medora Campground are a few blocks away from the town center.

The Medora Campground offers free wifi, laundry facilities, bathroom and shower facilities, a general store, river access, playground and picnic area.

Campsites are equipped with standing grills instead of fire rings. Firewood and charcoal is available at the campground store. A public fire ring is available on the lawn near the camp store.

Yes, Medora offers options for group accommodations such as cabins, group campsites, or lodging facilities suitable for events, reunions, and gatherings of 20 or more people. Learn more and book your group at medora.com/groups.

LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.