A Weekend Getaway with a Slice of Old Americana in Medora, North Dakota

Depending on how active you want to be you could spend several days in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it is truly a beautiful National Park named after the 26th President of the United States. But prior to becoming President, in 1883 he arrived in the Dakota Badlands to hunt bison. The Park spans over 70,000 acres across western North Dakota. The South Unit Entrance is just a few minutes away from Medora, making it easily accessible and a great way to get an early start your day before the crowds. Visitors can explore scenic drives, our favorite is the 36-mile loop through the South Unit, revealing rolling hills, verdant valleys and rugged terrain of colorful sandstone layered rock formations... with many stops along the way to take in the stunning windswept Badlands landscape. You’re lucky to spot wildlife such as elk, white-tailed deer, prairie dogs and golden eagles up above. But it is the bison that roam freely throughout the Park, herds will gather along the roadside for a upclose experience. These massive mammals with thick coats and horns, are amazing to observe, but not to be fussed with. Hiking trails like the Wind Canyon Trail (.4 miles) and Buck Hill Trail (.2 miles) provide easy, quick breathtaking vistas of the Little Missouri River snaking through the Badlands. History enthusiasts must visit the Maltese Cross Cabin, a rustic cabin once home to Teddy Roosevelt himself, showcasing the area's ties to the former president and his conservation efforts. Don't miss the Painted Canyon Visitor Center for stunning views and an educational informative session hosted by a Park Ranger. The park presents an ideal setting for photography, wildlife observation, hiking and immersing oneself in the beauty and serenity of the Badlands. Take it all in!

Your evening meal can be white tablecloth dining at Theodore’s Dining Room with bison osso bucco or a prime cut of steak. Perhaps a craft cocktail at Teddy’s Tavern.

Start your day at the Cowboy Cafe for a hearty breakfast and their famous Caramel Roll. Now, it's time for a road trip: The Enchanted Highway begins at Exit 72 on I-94 and ends 32 miles down the road. The drive is adorned with unique metal sculptures, showcasing the creative spirit of the region. Stop at these large than life sculptures along the way like the "Geese in Flight," "Tin Family" and "Teddy Rides Again." You crest another hill in your car and another grand sculpture pops out of the fields, it really is enchanting for kids of all ages.

Depending on the time of year that you visit (August is the peak growing season) you’ll find yourself surrounded by fields of sunflowers. The Peace Garden State is the leader in sunflower producers. Farmers grow nearly a quarter million acres of these sunny, vibrant yellow plants, which are used to make products like cooking oil, seeds for snacking, planting and bird food. Please remember to ask the landowner's permission before entering the fields. It’s a magical road trip of vast fields of yellow and you must stop for Instagram-worthy photos!

In the evening.. Medora Musical

Undoubtedly you will be asked by locals... “Are you going to the Musical??!” No trip to Medora is complete until you see “the” Medora Musical. Set in the picturesque Burning Hills Outdoor Amphitheatre, this country western live music revue captures the essence of the Wild West; with tales of Teddy’s legacy, history, toe-tapping music, humor, and dance into a seriously entertaining (dare we say cheesy?!) outdoor spectacle. This lively celebration of Western heritage is fun for all ages. The evening’s event ends in a spectacular firework finale, you are left with unforgettable memories of good old-fashioned entertainment and the charm and rugged spirit of the Badlands.

Tee off at the renowned Bully Pulpit Golf Course. A round at this 18hole public course offers a captivating landscape with fairways and manicured greens framed by native grasses and sandstone outcroppings amidst the Badlands' rugged terrain. Each hole provides a different perspective and breathtaking vistas in the distance, making the golfing experience at Bully Pulpit both visually stunning and a test of skill. For golfers of all levels, you will have an unforgettable round of golf amidst nature's grandeur.

OR Spend today exploring the small historic town. Medora was named after the wife of French nobleman Marquis de Mores who moved here in the the 1880s. It gained prominence due to its location as a stop along the Northern Pacific Railway and the establishment of the Marquis' cattle packing plant (ruins you can still see from inside the National Park). You can visit The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, the family’s summer residence. Giddy-up into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame to appreciate the state’s ranching and rodeo community and colorful cowboy heritage.

In the evening, enjoy a BBQ dinner, perhaps a glass of wine at Medora Uncork'd wine bar or a stroll through the town, enjoying the night sky and maybe some live music or a magic show.