Medora Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gem of Medora, North Dakota with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the natural and cultural attractions, hiking trails, local cuisine, accommodations, and more.


Welcome to Medora, a rustic Western town located in the scenic Badlands of North Dakota. This historic town is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a family getaway, Medora has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary to make your travel experience memorable.

Introduction to Medora

Medora is a small town with a population of around 100 people. It is located in the Billings County of North Dakota, and it sits at the entrance of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Medora was founded in 1883 by a French nobleman named the Marquis de Morès, who envisioned it as a hub for his meatpacking and shipping business. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, authentic Western vibes, and rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Medora

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chateau de Morès State Historic Site: This 26-room mansion was built by the Marquis de Morès in 1883 and features displays of the original owner’s adventures, art, and daily life.
  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame: This museum showcases the history and culture of cowboy and ranching in North Dakota.
  • The Harold Schafer Heritage Center: This museum tells the story of the town’s founder, Harold Schafer, and his contributions to the development of Medora.

Natural Attractions of Medora: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This national park is named after the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who traveled to this area as a young man. Today, the park covers over 110 square miles of rugged badlands, wildlife, and hiking trails.
  • Medora Musical: This is an open-air music show held during the summer that features live country music, Broadway favorites, and Western-style dancing.
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue: This local restaurant serves delicious steaks and burgers cooked on a pitchfork and served fondue style. It is a must-visit for any foodie visiting Medora.
  • Bully Pulpit Golf Course: This 18-hole golf course offers breathtaking views of the Badlands and is ranked as one of the best public golf courses in America.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Medora

Medora is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and bikers. The park has several trails for hikers of all skill levels. Some of the popular trails include:

  • The Buckhorn Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail offers panoramic views of the Badlands and wildlife sightings.
  • The Maah Daah Hey Trail: This 144-mile trail passes through several parks and forests, and it is a popular destination for bikers and hikers.

Best Things to Do in Medora: Activities and Tours

  • Horseback Riding: This is a great way to explore the park’s backcountry. Several local outfitters offer guided horseback tours through trails and meadows.
  • Medora Jeep Tours: This is a fun way to explore the Badlands and get a closer look at rock formations, wildlife, and historical sites.
  • Staging Pointe Zip Line: This is a thrilling cable ride that takes you over the Little Missouri River Valley and offers stunning views of the Badlands.
  • Medora Children’s Park: This park offers several kid-friendly activities, including a mini-golf course, playground, and walking trails.

Week-Long Itinerary for Medora

If you have one week to explore Medora, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and check-in to your hotel in Medora. Day 2: Visit the Chateau de Morès State Historic Site and take a walking tour of the town. Day 3: Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park on a guided hike or horseback tour. Day 4: Take a Jeep Tour of the Badlands or visit the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Day 5: Go golfing at Bully Pulp Golf Course or relax at the local spa. Day 6: Take a Zip Line Tour or go hiking on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Day 7: Departure from Medora.

Food and Drink Scene of Medora

Medora offers a unique culinary scene with several local restaurants serving Western-style dishes and local specialties. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bison Burger: This is a local favorite made with North Dakota bison meat, topped with cheese and served on a homemade bun.
  • Mountain Berry Pie: This is a classic dessert made with wild berries native to the Badlands.

Local Beverages

  • Wild Prairie Rose: This is a local beer made with wildflowers found in the Badlands.
  • Chokecherry Wine: This is a sweet wine made with berries found in the Badlands.

Where to Stay in Medora: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Medora offers visitors several accommodation options, including hotels, cabins, campsites, and guesthouses. Here are some popular options:

  • R Rough Riders Hotel: This historic hotel is located at the heart of Medora and offers comfortable rooms, upscale dining, and relaxing spa services.
  • The Badlands Motel: This motel is located near the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and offers easy access to hiking and biking trails.
  • Campgrounds: The park offers several campgrounds, including the Cottonwood, Juniper, and Sage Creek Campgrounds.

What to Buy in Medora: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Medora is known for its unique souvenirs and locally-made products. Here are some popular items to bring home:

  • Western-style Clothing and Accessories: Medora offers several shops selling Western-style clothing and accessories, including boots, hats, belts, and jewelry.
  • Badlands Memorabilia: Several shops sell postcards, coffee mugs, and t-shirts with logos that represent Medora and the Badlands.
  • North Dakota Bison Meat: Visitors can also purchase locally-raised bison meat from several shops in Medora.

Local Culture and Customs of Medora

Medora has a rich cultural heritage that celebrates cowboy and ranching culture. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they take pride in preserving their Western-style traditions. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and history.

Best Time to Visit Medora

The best time to visit Medora is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the park is open for hiking and recreational activities. The town offers several seasonal events during this time, such as the Medora Musical and the Badlands Art Show and Sale.

Do’s and Don’ts of Medora

Do:

  • Respect local customs and history.
  • Take advantage of outdoor recreational activities.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage park property.
  • Trespass on private property.
  • Mistreat wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Medora

Medora is a safe town with low crime rates. Visitors are advised to watch out for wildlife and follow park rules and regulations while exploring the Badlands.

Health in Medora

Medora has several medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals, in case of emergencies. Visitors are encouraged to bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses while exploring the park to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.

Getting to Medora: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can fly from several regional airports, including Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in Dickinson, ND, and Bismarck Municipal Airport in Bismarck, ND. Shuttle services and car rentals are also available from these airports to Medora.

Airports Near Medora

  • Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
  • Bismarck Municipal Airport

Bus Stations Near Medora

Greyhound Bus Lines offers bus services to cities near Medora, including Dickinson, ND, and Billings, MT.

Other Options

Amtrak offers train services to several cities near Medora, including Glasgow, MT, and Williston, ND. Visitors can also drive to Medora from several nearby cities, including Fargo, ND, and Rapid City, SD.

How to Get Around in Medora

Visitors can explore the town’s main attractions on foot or rent a car from the airport or local rental agencies. Biking is also a popular way to explore the park’s trails.

Where to Go Next from Medora: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Medora’s location offers visitors several nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Here are some popular options:

  • The Black Hills: Located in South Dakota, the Black Hills offer several scenic drives, hiking trails, and attractions such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
  • Yellowstone National Park: Located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park offers stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and hiking trails.
  • Glacier National Park: Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is known for its pristine lakes, glaciers, and mountainous terrain.

Conclusion

Medora is a hidden gem of the North Dakota Badlands that offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, authentic Western culture, and outdoor recreation. We hope this travel guide has inspired you to plan your trip to Medora and explore all the town has to offer.