Medora, North Dakota is a tiny, spirited town that sits at the doorstep of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering a packed punch of outdoor adventure and cowboy culture. The area is filled with Old West charm, unique attractions, and lively entertainment. Medora stands as a testament to the grit and resilience of those who sought to establish civilization, industry, and a new life in the untamed and often harsh Badlands.
The Medora Experience: Stepping Back in Time
We enjoyed walking down Medora’s wooden sidewalks and soaking in the nostalgic ambiance. A stop in the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Billings County Courthouse Museum were great ways to learn about the area’s history and traditions. “Brunch with President Roosevelt,” was a special treat where skilled impersonator Joe Wiegand brings Teddy to life with stories of the man as a president, soldier, rancher, and hunter.
The Medora Musical, performed in an open-air amphitheater, is a true highlight of any visit. Running nightly in the summer, this high-energy show features talented singers, dancers, and musicians who bring the Old West to life with toe-tapping country and patriotic songs, jokes, and dazzling choreography. The natural backdrop and fireworks finale make for an unforgettable evening under the stars. The upcoming 2026 season will be the show’s 60th anniversary!
I recommend pairing your show with the legendary Pitchfork Steak Fondue– a Medora tradition. This Western dinner starts with steaks skewered on real pitchforks and fondue-cooked in hot oil before your eyes. Your meal also includes beans, garlic toast, coleslaw, and brownies. We enjoyed meeting other guests in the open-air dining pavilion while soaking up views of the Badlands landscape.
We took a guided walking tour of the town with another Teddy Roosevelt expert, Kurt Skinner. He gave us an insight into various historical places in town and the people who were important to its development. It was so interesting hearing the stories of the Marquis de Mores and Theodore Roosevelt and how their rivalry and ambitions left a lasting mark on Medora and helped shape both the Dakotas and the American West.
Later, we hiked the 2.3-mile west loop of the Point-to-Point Trail for a great view of the town and surrounding area – remember to bring water! Although short, there was a good deal of climbing sections throughout.
There were many other entertainment options that we didn’t get to see on this visit. Next time we come back we are going to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library which opens in July 2026. I’d also like to tour the Chateau de Mores state historic site to see the mansion built by the Marquis de Mores. This French nobleman founded Medora and named the town after his wife. We may even get time to play a round of golf at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course which is renowned for its dramatic setting among the Badlands.
The Heart of the Badlands: Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We love visiting national parks and this one did not disappoint. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is full of dramatic canyons and rolling prairies that are home to bison herds, wild horses, and lively prairie dogs. The park has two main sections: the South Unit and the more remote North Unit which is 50 miles away.
We visited the South Unit where we started at the main visitor center. Here we picked up the park map, watched a short park film, and talked to rangers about hikes and animal sightings. We also walked out to see the Maltese Cross Cabin, which was Roosevelt’s first home in the Dakota Territory and is now a museum. It was cool to see the log cabin’s three rooms and some original furnishings.
We began our exploration with the 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit. We stopped at the Prairie Dog area to see all of the activity. There are many pullout areas along the drive where you can stop and take pictures or just enjoy the amazing scenery. We were excited to see bison crossing the road and caught a glimpse of some wild horses in one of the canyons.
The Boicourt Overlook Trail is a short, 0.2-mile paved path that offers sweeping views of the badlands. Located halfway along the Scenic Loop Drive, it is a popular stop for sunsets and spotting wildlife like bison.
Of course we had to stop at Buck Hill. After climbing a short but steep trail, we were rewarded with expansive panoramic views of the rugged Badlands from one of the highest vantage points in the area.
Later, we drove out to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center about 8 miles away. Here we hiked the Painted Canyon Trail which is a 4 mile out and back trail that drops down into the canyon where juniper and wildflowers abound.
Our hardest hike was the 5-mile Big Plateau Loop which starts at the Peaceful Valley ranch. After a short walk through the forest area, we had to wade across the Little Missouri River where the water level was up to our knees. Then we started a steep climb up to the Big Plateau where we had 360◦ views of the park. Descending from the plateau we crossed through sections of hills with bands of colorful rock and finally had to wade through a muddy area to get back to our river crossing. Luckily, we didn’t see any rattlesnakes, but we passed several hikers who had.
Whether hiking, driving, or just gazing, every trail and viewpoint shows off the rugged beauty and wild spirit that make Theodore Roosevelt National Park a must-see for adventure lovers. History buffs will love the park’s connection to President Theodore Roosevelt, who found inspiration here after personal loss. He first visited in 1883 to hunt bison but soon bought two ranches and lived as a cowboy, shaping his love for conservation and the American frontier.
A Fun Bonus: The Enchanted Highway
A popular, quirky attraction in this area is The Enchanted Highway. This unique route stretches for 32 miles along a two-lane paved road connecting the towns of Regent and Gladstone. As we drove the winding road through picturesque hills and peaceful pastures, we encountered 7 enormous sculptures crafted from scrap metal.
The Enchanted Highway was conceived and built by Gary Greff, an artist, retired schoolteacher, and resident of Regent. His vision and dedication brought these giant sculptures to life, transforming a simple roadway into a celebrated outdoor gallery. His impressive works of art depict various aspects of life in North Dakota.
Each sculpture area has a large gravel/dirt parking lot, grassy area, picnic table and a trash can. There is also a sign with information and a QR code where you can listen to information about the design.
The Last State
North Dakota is frequently chosen as the 50th and final state visited by travelers, often referred to as saving the “Best for Last”. They actually have an official Best for Last Club with over 7,300 members and offer a commemorative t-shirt, certificate, and photo for those who are completing their visit to North Dakota as the 50th state.
While this wasn’t our 50th state (we still have 3 to go!), we felt like this trip way up north was definitely worth it. Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are perfect destinations for anyone who loves the outdoors, American history, or a dash of quirky Western fun. The amazing landscapes of the Badlands will take your breath away and will leave you with many wonderful memories of this rugged area.
We were at Teddy Roosevelt park last summer (and did the Enchanted Highway) too! The North Unit is DEFINITELY worth seeing. It was SO PRETTY and so much quieter. There’s actually a small, third unit to the northwest called Elkhorn Ranch. This is the location of Teddy’s actual ranch when he lived up there. We camped near there and did a hike out to the ranch site–no buildings are left but there are some signs. We had the whole place to ourselves and LOVED it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed your experience at Theodore Roosevelt NP too. We only got to see the South Unit on our stop there, but will definitely look forward to visiting the North Unit and Elkhorn Ranch we when go back. Thanks for this info:)