Medora North Dakota

Medora North Dakota

Make a stop in the charming town of Medora. Whether you are passing through or vacationing in nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it is worth a visit.

The top attraction in town (in summer) is the Medora Musical in the fantastic outdoor amphitheater. The surrounding North Dakota badlands form the backdrop for the stage and the theater itself is impressive. When we went in August 2005, we saw a musical variety show with song, dance and comedy, which highlighted the ways of the west and the town itself. A feature act which changed every several days was also part of the performance - Chinese Acrobats in our case. The show costs about $25-30 -- it is worth it. There was a senior discount for the Tuesday performance when we visited.

Buy Medora Musical tickets online , over the phone or at the Shafer museum downtown. You can also buy a ticket to have dinner at the Pitchfork Fondue next door to the amphitheater. In our view, the meal is a bit overpriced for what you get, but it is convenient.

Another place that is not to be missed is the Harold Schafer museum. Schafer is a local hero, having contributed much to the growth and development of the town. The free museum showcases his business and philanthropic successes, invoking a bit of nostalgia about some well-known products he bought to our lives. Expect to spend about an hour or two to appreciate the exhibits.

Meander through town. There are a lot of shops and shops and restaurants, including plenty of places to have ice cream. You can take a free guided walking tour through town. While we were in town, there was a free old west lecture series presented several times per week by local cowboy, Lyle K. Glass. Pick up a Visitor's Guide for scheduled times of local events.

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame opened in 2005. It is an interpretive center for Native Americans, ranching, rodeo and the western lifestyle of the plains and badlands. Admission charged.

You can also tour the Chateau de Mores, refurbished home of the town's founder - French nobleman, the Marquis de Mores. The refurbished 26-room Chateau was once home to the Marquis and his wife, Medora. Stop by the Chateau Interpretive Center to see exhibits and information about the site and to purchase tickets.

Bully Pulpit is a new golf course in Medora. It was named one of the ten best new courses in 2004 by Golf Magazine

Another performance in town is Bully. This is a one man show - the actor depicting Roosevelt gives a monologue that takes the audience through the chronological events of his life. It is interesting if you have the time and the $7.00 admission fee.

Other things to do include the Courthouse Museum, horeseback riding, buggy rides through downtown, mini-golf, mountain biking, and a doll museum. There is WiFi internet access at the library in Medora.