Why This North Dakota Town Deserves More Attention
Since its founding in the 19th century, Medora has shaped not just North Dakota鈥檚 history but also that of the United States, most notably through its influence on the 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt often credited his time in the North Dakota Badlands with transforming his life, famously declaring in Medora that it was where "the romance of my life began." Today, the town continues to embody the rugged spirit that captivated Roosevelt, offering visitors rolling prairies, colorful badlands, and old-timey taverns. If you are looking for an authentic western and cowboy experience, Medora deserves more attention and is a must-visit town.
Medora's History and Roosevelt's Connection
Medora started as a military encampment and was officially established in 1883. A French Nobleman, Marquis de Mores, named the town in honor of his wife, Medora von Hoffman. That same year, Theodore Roosevelt visited Medora for the first time to hunt bison, falling in love with the Badlands' wild and rugged lifestyle and leading him to invest in a ranch there. The following year, Roosevelt's wife passed away, drawing him once again to the Badlands to reflect and mourn. His time in Medora became a pivotal moment in his life, with Roosevelt later stating in Fargo that he never would have become president if it weren't for his experiences in North Dakota.
Just five years later, a harsh blizzard crippled the town's cattle industry, reducing Medora to nearly a ghost town. It was not until the 1950s that a North Dakota native businessman, Harold Schafer, stepped in, renovating a historically significant hotel and an amphitheater, revitalizing the town鈥檚 tourism and economy. Thanks to this intervention, Medora is one of the top tourist destinations in the state today.
Live Shows
Travelers have not visited Medora until they have attended one of the town's live shows during the summer. The Medora Musical is one of the most iconic, a country western musical revue that has been putting on shows to the public for 60 years. The show takes place between June and September and celebrates the town's Western heritage, featuring a variety of music. There are also quirky aspects like live horses on the stage, thrilling acts, and a fireworks display to conclude the event.
Also, between June and early September, you can grab tickets to see the 海角社区's best Teddy Roosevelt reenactor. Throughout the show, actor Joe Wiegand will immerse attendees in Roosevelt's time while in the Badlands, including stories like his first bison hunt in Medora, his time on the ranch, and his famous pursuit of the Boat Thieves. Visitors will not have to attend the show hungry either. Before the performance, travelers can enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch or dinner buffet.
One of the country鈥檚 most memorable gospel music events also takes place in Medora. The Medora Gospel Brunch, featuring a gospel quartet and band, offers a morning filled with uplifting gospel tunes that both seasoned fans and newcomers to the genre will enjoy. To top it all off, eventgoers will have access to an endless buffet of brunch classics like breakfast meats, egg bakes, and other favorites.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
As if the live shows in Medora weren't reason enough to visit, the town is also just a minute鈥檚 drive from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park's wildlife is abundant, home to a herd of about 300 bison roaming the fields and a group of feral horses. Other wildlife throughout the park includes prairie dogs, elk, and coyotes. The geological formations are also visit-worthy, showcasing gently rolling hills and the colorful, rocky layers of the badlands.
Visitors can explore the park by taking a 36-mile scenic drive or choosing from over 100 miles of hiking trails. Some trails are wheelchair accessible, leading to scenic overlooks, while others, like the Maah Dah Hey, offer a more rugged and adventurous experience. There are two campgrounds in the south of the park, Roundup Group Horse Camp and Cottonwood Campground, for those who want to completely retreat into the park's wilderness.
Cowboy Hall of Fame
After attending one of Medora鈥檚 live shows and spending a day at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the next stop on your itinerary should be the Cowboy Hall of Fame. This museum is one of the state鈥檚 most important preservation efforts of Western heritage, exhibiting the history of the Northern Plains and the state's lifestyle. The museum features over 40 exhibits, including highlights like the Hall of Honorees, which honors the state's most influential figures; the Native American Gallery, which tells the story of the region's Indigenous groups; the Chad Berger Bucking Bulls; a rodeo exhibit; and the Great Western Trail, which shares the significance of cattle trails and ranches.
Western-Style Restaurants
Dining at one of the Western-style restaurants is an important part of Medora's cultural experience. Theodore鈥檚 Dining Room is the perfect example, offering a historic atmosphere with traditional dishes like bison osso bucco and bacon-wrapped steaks. For a handcrafted drink, travelers can opt to visit Teddy's Tavern, located within the dining room, where expert mixologists create craft beers and sophisticated cocktails tailored to the venue.
During your trip, make sure to treat yourself to Medora's traditional badlands barbecue. At Pitchfork Steak Fondue, 12 oz New York Strip Steaks are smoked to perfection, with cowboy chefs using pitchforks to tend the meat. The barbecue-style buffet features all the classic cowboy fixings, including coleslaw, baked potatoes, baked beans, garlic toast, cinnamon sugar donuts, and more. Craving a fast and casual meal that is still local? Badlands Pizza and Saloon is a town favorite, a family-friendly pizza parlor that also serves an array of sodas and craft beers.
Why Medora, North Dakota, Deserves More Attention
Although many towns throughout the Western United States have lost their Western heritage due to modernization, Medora is one of those rare towns that has preserved its history and cowboy culture. Visitors will likely feel as though they are stepping back in time to a period that they might not even realize still exists today. Whether you are craving traditional badlands barbecue or want to enjoy a decades-old Western musical, Medora offers the perfect Western experience that deserves more attention.
