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.

WIN A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

See the Badlands from above! Sign up below to receive SMS weather updates from Medora for your chance to win a hot air balloon ride.

Two winners will each receive one hot air balloon ride.

- Enter by: September 3
- Winners notified: September 4
- Ride date: September 11 at approximately 5 a.m. in Medora

Before you enter: Winners must be 18 or older and able to be in Medora at 5:00 a.m. on September 11, 2026. Lodging in Medora is not guaranteed for this date. Riders must weigh 270 pounds or less, be able-bodied enough to climb into a three-foot basket, and be able to walk up to a half mile through the Badlands after landing.

Weather policy: Hot air balloons are highly sensitive to wind and weather conditions. For the safety of our pilots and guests, launches may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled based on weather. If a balloon cannot launch due to weather conditions, winners will receive a $200 Medora gift card instead.

SUBSCRIBE TO 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.

MORE INFORMATION

Medora, ND

Sept 12-13

6:30am

Plan Your Day

Hot Air Balloons

6:30 am | Saturday & Sunday

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

6:00 am – 10:30 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.

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.

Guided Hike On Point To Point Trails - FREE

7:30 am – 9:00 am | Saturday Only

Join a guided hike on the Point to Point Trails. Explore the local landscape and learn along the way.

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.

The Teddy Roosevelt Show with Brunch

9:30 am | Saturday

Buffet of brunch favorites and the world’s best Theodore Roosevelt reprisor bringing America’s legendary 26th President to life!

Medora Gospel Brunch

9:30 am | Sunday

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

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!

Pitchfork Steak Fondue

5:15 pm | Saturday Only

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

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.

Pilot and Passenger Information