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.   This show venue is unique and impressive and worthwhile.  

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 Heritage Center.  
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 golf course in the area, ranked one of America’s 100 greatest public golf courses.

There is also a one-man show commemorating Teddy Roosevelt  – 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 admission fee.

Other things to do include the Courthouse Museum, horeseback
riding, buggy rides through downtown, mini-golf, mountain biking, and a
doll museum. 

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