Wild West, Bison, & Rough Riders In Medora
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Medora, North Dakota was founded in 1883, along the transcontinental rail line of the Northern Pacific Railway. While it may be a small town, it has a big history. This kitschy charming town is often considered the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. But you’ve got to admire the fact that Medora fully embraces its Wild West roots. The link between this town and Theodore Roosevelt is undeniable, the 26th President of the United States arrived in South Dakota in Sept of 1883. At just 24 years old, Roosevelt came to North Dakota to hunt bison (and you will see plenty of those if you venture into the park). But, in 2021, what is there to do in Medora, North Dakota?
The Basics:
Where Is Medora, North Dakota? –
Medora is located in the Badlands of North Dakota and is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Getting There –
Air –
The largest airport with the cheapest flights in the area is in Bismarck. Although Bismark is a bit more of a drive at 137 miles away, the cost alone is worth that extra drive time.
Roadtrip –
Many people make a huge National Park roadtrip loop and include TRNP, although I have a sneaking suspicion that a lot of people skip over this gem.
- For reference, Badlands National Park in South Dakota is about 260 miles (around 4.5 hours) south.
- Yellowstone National Park is about 456 miles (between 6 and 7 hours) southwest.
- Glacier National Park is approximately 533 miles (8 hours give or take) northwest.
Medora Weather –
- Summers are warm with average high temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F.
- Winters are cold with average lows in the single digits from December through February.
- Wind is considerable year-round.
- Be Prepared – Conditions can change quickly.
Best Time To Visit? –
Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are pretty underrated so even during peak season you can deal with the crowds pretty easily.
Mid-May to Mid-Septemeber
Staying –
Medora Hotels –
Rough Riders Hotel
- 301 3rd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4444
- Luxury meets western charm and presidential history at the Historic Rough Riders Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Medora
- Make reservations HERE
Badlands Motel
- 501 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4444
- Experience western charm close to everything downtown Medora
- Make reservations HERE
Elkhorn Quarters
- 400 E River Rd S, Medora, ND 58645
- (800) 633-6721
- Brand new and in the tiny house style, Elkhorn Quarters brings efficiency and style to Medora. With summer rates starting at just $95 a night, you can’t go wrong!
- Make reservations HERE
Airbnbs –
Maltese Ranch Cabin Near Medora
Medora Camping –
Medora Campground
- 3370 Pool Dr, Medora, ND 58645
- The newly expanded Medora Campground is within walking distance from town, nestled under large cottonwood trees along the Little Missouri River.
- Choose between our hook-up spaces or our primitive camping area, whichever makes your Medora experience perfect!
- Rates: Improved Sites
- 50 amp starting at $55.00
- 30 amp starting at $45.00
- 20 amp starting at $35.00
- Primitive Sites
- Individual sites starting at $30.00
- Group sites starting at $35.00
- Make reservations HERE or call 1-800-MEDORA-1
Cabins At The Medora Campground
- Nestled along the Little Missouri River, the three cabins inside the Medora Campground will take your Medora adventure to Teddy Roosevelt levels.
- All cabins sleep between 6-8
- Linens are provided
- Make reservations HERE
Cottonwood Campground
- 315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit‘s only campground.
- 76 Total Sites
- For Summer 2021: All individual sites at Cottonwood Campground will be available ONLY on a first-come, first-serve basis until June 28 due to construction activities. Reservations may be made now with the first available date being June 28.
- Make reservations HERE
Know Before You Go –
- Medora is a kitschy small town with a full time resident population below 200
- There is an entrance fee at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- $30 per vehicle for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single car
- $25 per motorcycle for 7 days
- $15 per person on foot
- You can purchase your pass before your trip here
- $55 for annual pass, you can purchase the pass here
Should You Visit Medora, North Dakota?
Visiting Medora, North Dakota is like stepping back in time. While this charming town may cater to tourists with it’s kitschiness, that’s also what makes it special, and fun! There are so many great things to do in Medora so let’s jump in…
15 Fun Things To Do In Medora, North Dakota
1. Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
This is a given, being that Medora is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Parks South Unit. This National Park is one of the most underrated in the United States and is absolutely worth a visit. The entrance fees for the park and listed above in “Know Before You Go”
Check out: Theodore Roosevelt National Park: 12 Fun Adventures, Is Theodore Roosevelt National Park Worth A Visit?
2. Check Out The Medora Musical
- 3422 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645
- Runs June 6 – September 11, 2021
- 6 days a week Tuesday – Sunday
- Grab tickets HERE
- $39.95 for adults, $18.95 for students 7-17, Kids 6 and under are free
Americana at it’s finest, this musical is a celebration of the pioneer and cowboy history that made Medora what it is today. It’s an ode to Teddy Roosevelt and the Great American West.
3. Wander Around The Chateau de Mores State Historical Site
- 3426 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4355
- Open Memorial Day – Labor Day 8:30am – 5:30pm MDT, daily
- Cost: Adults – $10.00, 6-15 – $3.00, 6 & under – FREE
- Off-season adult – $5.00, Off-season child – $1.50
Historical reenactors bring this 26 room home of Medora’s founder The Marquis de Mores to life. Find out the history behind what brought the Marquis de Mores to the fledgling settlement of Little Missouri. And why his arrival was marked by murder and mayhem.
4. Saddle Up At Medora Riding Stables
- Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- (800) 633-6721
- May 29 – September 12, 2021
- Ride Times – 2021
- 7:30am – 2 hour ride
- 8:00am – 1 hour ride
- 9:00am – 1 hour ride
- 10:00am – 1 hour ride
- 10:30am – 2 hour ride
- 11:00am – 1 hour ride
- 12:00pm – 1 hour ride
- 1:00pm – 1 hour ride
- 2:00pm – 1 hour ride
- Cost: Starting at $42.95
- Buy your tickets HERE
Experience the Badlands the way Theodore Roosevelt did in 1883!
Know Before You Go:
- For the safety of the horses, a 250 LB weight limit is enforced by the Riding Stables
- Riders must be able to mount and dismount with minimal assistance
- Riders must be 7 years of age or older
- Riders 12 years of age or younger must wear a stables-provided helmet
- Ride time takes into account mounting and unmounting AND unforeseeable conditions such as weather and nose flies, which cause the horses to move quicker
- Arrive fifteen minutes before the scheduled ride
5. Check Out The North Dakota Cowboy Hall Of Fame
- 250 Main St, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-2000
- Daily 9 am – 6 pm
- Cost: Adults – $9, Seniors – $7, Students – $6, Kids 18 and under, visiting with adult guardian are free every Wednesday and Sunday!
- Find Out More HERE
The hall of fame endeavors to preserve and uphold the historic and modern western lifestyle throughout the state, pertaining to Native Americans, rodeo, and ranching. It honors the roles of horses, trail drivers, and rodeo stars alike.
6. Get Some Cowboy Boots
You can’t spend time in Medora and not buy yourself a pair of cowboy boots! Yes, I have several pair…
Medora Boots And Western Wear
- 316 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-1005
- Daily 10 am – 6 pm
- Find Out More HERE
If you missed this shop on your last Medora trip you can also order online and bonus: shipping in the US is free!
7. Have Some Pitchfork Steak Fondue
- 3422 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645
- June 9 – September 11, 2021
- 5:15-6:30 pm (Reservation times vary)
- Get Tickets HERE
This place was featured on Food Networks “BestOf” favorites! And it’s really no wonder, chefs load up pitchforks with 12oz steaks and fondue them! Not to mention, the amazing Badlands views that you take in as you are eating all of your favorite western fixins.
8. Take A Hike
This area of the North Dakota Badlands is incredibly beautiful and there are some great trails to choose from…
Located in the South Unit of the park this trail stretches an impressive 142.3 miles across the National Grassland connecting all three units of the park. However, you can hike specific sections, like the South Unit section.
Maah Daah Hey Trail – South Unit Section
- Distance: 7.1 mile
- Rating: Moderate-Hard
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (but I would give it more)
- There are section of the trail that are dog friendly, but dogs must be kept on leash
Petrified Forest Trail
- Distance: 10.2 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 833 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Not great for beginner hikers
Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 104 ft
- This trail starts at the Caprock Coulee Trailhead and follows the Buckhorn Trail to a prairie dog town. Be sure to plan some extra time for wildlife viewing!
Tip: Where there are prairie dogs there are a lot of other animals – keep an eye out, especially for predators such as coyotes and eagles.
You can also drive past Prairie Dog Town.
Painted Canyons Nature Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 262 ft
- This is a great place for seeing wildlife and it’s good for all skill levels
9. Grab A Drink At The Little Missouri Saloon
- 440 3rd St, Medora, ND 58645
- Mon – Wed: 3 pm – 1 am, Thurs – Sun: 11 am – 1 am
Pull up a barstool and have a drink at an actual saloon, if you really want to make the experience authentic, order a whisky (I would anyway – I’m a whisky lover). The Little Missouri has an impressive selection of beer on tap, as well as wine and bottled beer. Just sit back and enjoy the ambiance!
10. Watch Bison And Feral Horses Roam
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great place for wildlife viewing, and one of the few places you can still see feral horses. But you may be wondering, what else can I see here?
- Bison
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Prairie Dogs
- Coyotes
- Pronghorn (antelope)
- Bald & Golden Eagles
- Wild Horses
By most accounts the South Unit is the best for wildlife viewing, and this is the only place to see the wild horses.
Keep In Mind:
- Remember to keep a safe distance from all wildlife
- All wildlife in the park are wild and potentially dangerous
- Respect the animals in their natural habitat – this is not a zoo
- Maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from all wild animals
- Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto lenses for safe viewing and to avoid disturbing them
11. Stroll Medora And Shop
Medora is a very walkable small town and there are so many charming shops to choose from but here are a few of my favorites…
Western Edge Books, Artwork, Music
- 425 4th St, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4345
- 9 am – 6 pm
- Find Out More HERE
Joe Ferris General Store
- 251 Main St, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4447
- 9 am – 6 pm
- Find Out More HERE
Open since 1883, the Ferris was one of the first general stores in town, in fact, Theodore Roosevelt stayed in the Ferris General Store during one of his first trips west.
Roosevelt Outpost
- 3rd Avenue, Medora, ND 58645
For all the National Park goodies! I love National Park goods – think stickers, magnets, shirts, etc.
12. Don’t Skip Cowboy Lyle’s Candy Barn
- 284 3rd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-2619
- 10 am – 7 pm
- Find Out More HERE
I LOVE a good old fashion candy shop, and that’s exactly what you will get at Cowboy Lyle’s Candy Barn. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fine handmade chocolates, truffles and all your nostalgic favorites.
13. Bully Pulpit Golf Course
- 3731 Bible Camp Rd, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4653 To Book A Tee Time
- Or Book A Tee Time HERE
- Open Sunrise To Sunset
I’m not much of a golfer but felt like I needed to mention this course because it is ranked as one of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses! Golf a full 18-holes while you are immersed in the Badlands of North Dakota, by all accounts it’s a course you won’t soon forget.
14. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At Medora Fudge & Ice Cream Depot
- 201 Broadway, Medora, ND 58645
- 12-8 pm
- Find Out More HERE
You won’t find a shortage of flavors at Medora Fudge And Ice Cream Depot. Try the huckleberry (sorry, if you can’t tell, I’m obsessed with huckleberry anything), maple walnut, or juneberry for something a little different. The fudge is also amazing so be sure to try some!
15. Sunset At Elkhorn Ranch
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the place Roosevelt held most dear, his “home ranch” after the deaths of his wife and mother. This unit of the park has a special, solemn character. There are no visitor centers, facilities, or scenic roads.
But there is history! Follow the 0.7 mile mowed pathway that leads from the parking area to the Elkhorn cabin site. Exhibits feature passages written by Roosevelt about his experiences at the ranch. Only the cabin’s foundation stones remain, but it’s here that visitors can get a true sense of the peace and solace that Roosevelt found at this special place in the badlands.
If you go around sunset you will be treated to beautiful skies as well! Either way, visit the Elkhorn Ranch site.
Tip: There is no cell phone signal at the Elkhorn Ranch or along much of the route to this remote unit of the park.
Bonus: Sips & Eats Guide
The Cowboy Cafe
- 215 4th St, Medora, ND 58645
- 7 am – 2 pm
- Find Menu HERE
Old school diner vibes – try the french toast or caramel rolls
The Farmhouse Cafe
- 314 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- Mon-Tues: 7 am – 2 pm, Wed-SunL: 7 am – 7 pm
- Find Menu HERE
Hidden Springs Java
- 350 4th St, Medora, ND 58645
- (701) 623-4700
- Daily 7 am – 6 pm
- Find Out More HERE
Try the huckleberry latte, you won’t regret it!
Boots Bar & Grill
- 300 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645
- 11 am – 1 am
- Find Out More HERE
Maltese Burgers
- 340 3rd St, Medora, ND 58645
- 11 am – 7 pm
- Find The Menu HERE
Mapping Out 15 Fun Things To Do In Medora, ND:
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Medora, North Dakota. And there are so many more than listed here. Do yourself a favor, and if you find yourself in North Dakota make sure to stop in Medora for a few days, you won’t regret it. Have you been to Medora?
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