Travel guide on the best things to do in Medora, North Dakota

This Medora North Dakota travel guide comes from our firsthand experience spending a long weekend in one of the most unexpectedly fun towns we’ve visited. Medora wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a quick stop on our quest to visit all 50 states. My wife and I simply needed a place to camp in western North Dakota over the Fourth of July weekend, and Medora happened to be the closest town with a campground. We arrived with zero expectations — and left completely surprised by how much we loved this charming little town tucked against the rugged badlands.

Over a long weekend, we discovered that Medora is packed with summer activities, incredible food, friendly locals, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Midwest. If you’re planning your own adventure, or if North Dakota is still sitting at the bottom of your 50‑states list, I’m here to tell you: move it up. Medora is absolutely worth the trip.

This guide covers everything we experienced — from the Medora Musical to Theodore Roosevelt National Park — plus tips, lodging options, and a few helpful gear recommendations to make your visit even better.

Couple poses for a photo with Theodore Roosevelt at the opening of his presidential library in Medora, North Dakota

Why Medora Belongs on Your Travel List

Medora is small — fewer than 200 residents — but it’s one of the most visitor‑friendly towns I’ve ever explored. During summer, the entire community transforms into a lively hub of entertainment, history, food, and outdoor adventure. They bring in more than 800 workers and volunteers to help staff the summer activities. Families, couples, RV travelers, and road‑trippers all find something to love here.

For us, Medora became one of those unexpected places that sticks with you long after you’ve left. It’s friendly, walkable, scenic, and full of activities that feel uniquely “Medora.”

You may even be able to snap a photo with President Theodore Roosevelt himself. 😉

Couple sets up a tent at the Medora Campground in the afternoon sun.

Where We Stayed: Medora Campground

We camped at the Medora Campground, located right in town and walking distance from nearly everything. For tent camping, it was perfect — clean facilities, easy access to the river, and a quiet atmosphere even during the busy holiday weekend. There are places for trailers and full-scale RVs, too.

If you’re planning to camp, a few helpful items include:

A lightweight camping stove for quick breakfasts before heading into the park
A comfortable inflatable mattress (the ground in the badlands is no joke)
A compact lantern for navigating the campground at night

Medora also offers several hotels and lodges if camping isn’t your style, including the Badlands Motel, the Rough Riders Hotel, and various cabins around town.

The cast of the Medora Musical performs the final number with fireworks in the sky.

1. The Medora Musical: A Must‑See Summer Tradition

The Medora Musical is the town’s signature event — an outdoor, high‑energy show that blends music, comedy, dancing, and North Dakota history. We attended on our first night, and it was genuinely entertaining. The amphitheater sits right against the badlands, so the backdrop alone is worth the ticket.

Expect:

Live music
Humor and storytelling
A patriotic finale (including fireworks)
Beautiful views as the sun sets behind the cliffs

It’s family‑friendly, upbeat, and one of the most iconic things you can do in Medora.

Man holds up tray of food, featuring his 12-ounce steak cooked on the end of a pitchfork

2. Pitchfork Steak Fondue: Probably the Best Steak I’ve Ever Had

I’m not exaggerating when I say this: the steak at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue was one of the best‑tasting steaks I’ve ever eaten.

They literally skewer 12-ounce steaks on pitchforks and cook them over the fire. It sounds rustic — and it is — but the flavor is incredible. You get a full buffet dinner with sides, dessert, and panoramic views overlooking the badlands.

If you’re planning to attend the Musical, the Pitchfork Steak Fondue is located right next door, making it easy to enjoy both in one evening.

Wild horses roam the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota

3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit)

We spent one evening exploring the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is just minutes from downtown Medora. The landscapes are stunning — rolling badlands, colorful rock layers, and wide‑open prairie — and there were plenty of animals roaming the Badlands, including:

Bison
Prairie dogs
Wild horses
Deer
Rabbits
Birds of all kinds

The scenic loop drive is easy to navigate, and there are plenty of pullouts for photos or short hikes.

For hiking, it can get hot midday, with minimal shade. I recommend starting or ending your day with a hike. Here are some items you should bring with you to improve your experience:

A breathable daypack
A wide‑brim hat for sun protection
A lightweight windbreaker (the badlands can get breezy)
A refillable water bottle — summer heat is real here

We didn’t have time to visit the North Unit of the national park. It’s an hour-plus drive north from Medora. However, we heard from multiple people that it’s equally beautiful, just more remote.

Couple stands near the entrance sign for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota

4. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum

We happened to be in town during the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Because our trip was last‑minute and the weekend was extremely busy, we weren’t able to get tickets to the library itself — but everyone we spoke with raved about the interactive exhibits and the storytelling inside.

The grand opening ceremony was a wonderful experience. The Rough Riders came in to deliver the flag for the opening ceremony. Native American tribes performed dances and offered a blessing on the land. Descendants of Theodore Roosevelt himself were also there and offered some insights into the purpose of the museum and the legacy of President Roosevelt.

I love exploring presidential libraries. I was sad we weren’t able to get tickets to experience this one first-hand, but that gives us another reason to visit Medora.

Couple enjoys some ice cream in downtown Medora, North Dakota

5. Downtown Medora: Shopping, Ice Cream, and Small‑Town Charm

Downtown Medora is small but packed with personality. We browsed shops, picked up souvenirs, and stopped at the ice cream shop to cool off from the summer heat. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still find something fun to do.

While shopping in the General Store, a couple approached us and asked us if we had tickets to the musical. We had looked at getting tickets, but the least expensive tickets were about $65 per person, so we opted against going. Well, this couple had two tickets for the Medora Musical that night and weren’t able to attend. The asked if we wanted them for free. Wowzers! We found people just as nice all around town, offering that small-town charm that makes you want to come back.

Medora is walkable, relaxed, and perfect for an afternoon break between activities. Learn more about shopping in Medora.

6. Town Activities: BINGO, Line Dancing, Live Bands, and More

Medora offers daily activities throughout the summer, and we tried several of them.

BINGO

We played BINGO one afternoon — didn’t win, but came close. It’s simple, fun, and a great way to take a break from the heat.

Line Dancing

Line dancing lessons happen throughout the week and are open to all ages. Even if you’ve never danced before, it’s a blast.

Live Bands

Live music fills the town during the summer. Grab a seat, enjoy the atmosphere, and soak in the small‑town charm.

Couple takes a selfie holding their BINGO boards in Medora, North Dakota

7. Golfing at Bully Pulpit

If you’re a golfer, Bully Pulpit Golf Course is one of the most scenic courses in the region. Even non‑golfers appreciate the views. The course is located a few miles from town. We drove out there to buy a golf ball for our son, who collects golf balls from anywhere he can find one.

The Bully Pulpit Golf Course looked amazing. If we would’ve had more time in Medora – and if it wasn’t so hot in the middle of the day – I may have gone for a round of nine. Since we passed on that opportunity, it just means I have another reason to return to Medora.

Other Activities and Adventures in Medora, North Dakota

I’ve listed the activities that my wife and I exploring during our visit to Medora. However, there are several other things to do in Medora. Here’s a list of some additional highlights:

The Teddy Roosevelt Show with Brunch or Dinner
Cowboy Hall of Fame
Medora Gospel Brunch
Trail Rides
T. R. – The Strenuous Life
Concerts
And much more

Tips for Visiting Medora

Here are a few things we learned during our long weekend:

Summer is busy — book Musical and Fondue tickets early
The town is extremely walkable
Wildlife sightings are common, especially in the national park
Afternoon heat can be intense — plan indoor or shaded activities mid‑day
Evenings cool off nicely, perfect for outdoor shows

Is Medora Worth Visiting? Absolutely.

Medora surprised us in the best way. It’s charming, scenic, friendly, and full of activities that make it feel like a true summer getaway. Whether you’re checking North Dakota off your 50‑states list or planning a dedicated trip, Medora is a place I’d happily return to — especially for another round of Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Yummy!

If you’re looking for a destination that blends outdoor adventure, entertainment, history, and small‑town charm, Medora should be near the top of your list.