Medora | USA North Dakota

Medora is an incorporated city and the seat of Billings County, situated in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands. Known as the "Gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park," it is defined by its preserved 1880s Western aesthetic, its status as the state's premier tourism destination, and its profound historical connection to Theodore Roosevelt and the French aristocrat Marquis de Mores.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Mandans and Lakota. Founded in 1883 by the Marquis de Mores, a French nobleman who named the town after his wife, Medora von Hoffman. The Marquis established a revolutionary (though ultimately failed) refrigerated meat-packing plant. In 1883, Theodore Roosevelt arrived for a buffalo hunt and subsequently established two ranches (Maltese Cross and Elkhorn), an experience he credited with making him the "Conservation President." In 1962, philanthropist Harold Schafer led a massive restoration project, transforming the dilapidated town into a Western heritage site. In the 2020s, the city broke ground on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, scheduled for a grand opening in 2026.

Demographics & Population

The year-round population is approximately 160, though the city hosts over 250,000 visitors annually. Demographics are 93% White with a significant seasonal international workforce. The economy is exclusively driven by Heritage Tourism, hospitality, and government services related to the National Park.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Medora is a highly compact, walkable "Historic Integrity District" with strict 19th-century zoning.

Downtown / Main Street: The core retail and dining area, featuring wooden boardwalks, hitching posts, and the Rough Riders Hotel.

Chateau de Mores Hill: Overlooking the town to the west, featuring the original 26-room hunting lodge and state historic site.

The Burning Hills: The amphitheater district northeast of town, home to the Medora Musical.

National Park Entrance: Located at the eastern edge of the city, serving as the primary access to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Top City Landmarks

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit): Featuring the 58-kilometer Scenic Loop Drive, abundant bison, wild horses, and the Maltese Cross Cabin.

The Medora Musical: A high-energy outdoor country-western revue performed nightly in the Burning Hills Amphitheatre.

Chateau de Mores State Historic Site: The preserved 1883 summer residence of the town's founder, complete with original French furnishings.

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame: A premier museum honoring the state’s rodeo, ranching, and Native American cultures.

Pitchfork Steak Fondue: A culinary landmark where chefs cook steaks on pitchforks over open wood fires on a bluff overlooking the town.

Bully Pulpit Golf Course: Ranked among America’s top 100 public courses, featuring holes played from butte to butte through the Badlands.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: A world-class architectural and digital facility opening in 2026.

Transportation Network

Medora is accessible via I-94 (Exits 24 and 27). Movement within town is almost entirely pedestrian or by horse-drawn carriage. In 2025–2026, a major $28.4 million Business Loop project was completed to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Commercial air service is via Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK), 60 km east.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime is statistically negligible. Environmental hazards include rattlesnakes, bison encounters (wildlife is not tame), and extreme heat during the summer. Wildfires are a persistent risk; a major fire in 2021 forced a town-wide evacuation.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Despite its remote location, the town has high-speed fiber internet via Midco and local cooperatives to support the tourist volume and the new Presidential Library. Card acceptance is universal. North Dakota has a low state income tax. Sales tax is 5% (plus 2% city tax).

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -16°C to -2°C in winter and 18°C to 33°C in summer. The Badlands create a semi-arid environment with high daytime temperatures and cool nights. Air quality is pristine.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Friendly-Cowboy" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Western-Casual." The city is culturally defined by "Bully" Spirit, Conservationism, and Old West hospitality.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.50 (USD)

1 Pitchfork Steak Dinner: $35.00–$45.00 (USD)

1 Medora Musical Ticket: $40.00–$60.00.

Nearby Day Trips

Painted Canyon Overlook: (11 km east; stunning panoramic views of the Badlands).

Enchanted Highway: (50 km east; featuring massive metal scrap sculptures).

Maah Daah Hey Trail: (Access points near town; a 230-km premier hiking/biking trail).

Facts & Legends

Medora is the only city in North Dakota where you can find a statue of a French Marquis and a U.S. President within the same city block. Historically, the Marquis de Mores challenged five different men to duels during his stay. A local legend involves the "Lady in Blue," the ghost of Medora von Hoffman, who is said to haunt the Chateau, specifically the master bedroom. Another legend concerns Roosevelt’s "Lost Elkhorn Ranch" location, which remained a remote mystery to many until it was preserved as part of the National Park system.