Hot Air Balloon Rally | Medora, North Dakota

Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally

September 12-13, 2026 | 6:30 am

Look up! The Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally hits the Badlands sky each September. Early morning launches over the Badlands are the main event, with scenic views, great photo ops. Then enjoy a weekend full of local favorites with guided hikes, shopping, eating and, the Medora Musical.

SUBSCRIBE TO 2027 EVENT AND WEATHER UPDATES

Hot air balloons are highly sensitive to wind and weather conditions. For the safety of our pilots and guests, balloon launches may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled depending on weather.

 

Check back here for the latest updates, or subscribe to receive email or text alerts on the morning of the launch.

Hot Air Balloons over the badlands of Medora, North Dakota
An orange and yellow hot air balloon begins to take flight while it's pilot looks down towards the ground during Medora’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally and Kite Festival.

MORE INFORMATION

Medora, ND

Sept 12-13

6:30am

Plan Your Day

Hot Air Balloons

6:30 am  |  Saturday & Sunday

Hot Air Balloons launch from the Medora Campground entrance, 3370 Pool Dr., Medora, ND, on Saturday and Sunday.

Parking is limited, spots near the launch site are reserved for pilots and crew. Arrive early to find parking at Chimney Park and the gravel lot west of the launch site. Shuttle rides from these lots at no cost.

Balloons are highly weather dependent. The decision to launch or tether is made by the lead pilot at launch time. Updates will be posted here and on Facebook.

Note: Rides are not available for public purchase. Balloon rides are available by pilot invitation only. Guests are invited to view the launches from the ground.

Breakfast At Theodore’s Dining Room

7:00 am – 10:00 am |  Saturday & Sunday

Continue the morning with breakfast at Theodore’s Dining Room. Choose from omlets, sweets and breakfast favorites to fuel your day in Medora.
See The Menu
A golfer tees off on the course at Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora, North Dakota - a golf course in the North Dakota Badlands

Golf Bully Pulpit

7:30 am –  5:00 pm |  Saturday & Sunday

Tee off at Bully Pulpit with views of the Badlands on every round. Spend your day on this course.

Book A Tee Time

Take A Trail Ride

7:30 am – 5:30 pm |  Saturday & Sunday

Ride through Medora’s terrain on a trail ride. Experience the landscape from the back of a horse.
Get Tickets

Medora Gospel Brunch

9:30 am  |  Sunday

Enjoy a meal with music at the Medora Gospel Brunch. Pair your breakfast with sounds of praise.

Get tickets
A plate of Bison Osso Bucco set on a table in Theodore's Dining Room, a gourmet restaurant in Medora, North Dakota

Dinner At Theodore’s Dining Room

4:30 pm  |  Saturday & Sunday

From Fresh Garden Salads and Brussel Sprouts to Bacon-wrapped Steaks and Bison Osso Bucco, Theodore’s Dining Room has something for everyone!

See the Menu
A chef in a cowboy hat holds a pitchfork loaded up in steaks and serves them at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, a dining attraction in Medora, North Dakota

Pitchfork Steak Fondue

5:15 pm  |  Saturday Only

Enjoy a meal at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Experience steak cooked the cowboy way.
Get Tickets

Medora Musical

7:30 pm  |  Saturday Only

The Medora Musical is the rootin’-tootinest, boot-scootinest show in all the Midwest. There’s no other show quite like it.

Get Tickets

Pilot and Passenger Information

P

LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.

@Medora_ND

A life size Teddy Roosevelt bronze statue stands against a sky lit by purple and green northern lights at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND
A young woman looks across the river and hills in the North Dakota Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND
Menu
Menu
Menu

Medora Vacation Center
1-800-MEDORA-1

Facebook Instagram Youtube Pinterest


© 2026 All Rights Reserved | Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation