Located smack-dab in the center of the Badlands, Historic Medora, is definitely an old west town of the past. Founded back in 1883 by a French Nobleman, Marquis de Mores, named his fine city after his lovely bride, Medora von Hoffman. She was the daughter of a very wealthy New York City banker. American Indians called this area of the Badlands home for many generations. Not to far south of present day Medora, General Alfred Sulley fought the Sioux in the Battle of the Badlands, in 1864. Back in 1876 Colonel George Custer passed through Medora on his fateful march westward on his way to the Little Bighorn. On a hunting trip in the fall of 1883, Teddy Roosevelt fell in love with what he seen here in the Badlands and Medora. Deciding it would be a good investment to get into the cattle business, Teddy would one day own two cattle ranches not far from Medora. The Maltese Cross Ranch was located approximately 7 miles south of Medora and the the Elkhorn Ranch was located a bit further away, 35 miles north of Medora today. Often saying, "I more than likely wouldn't have became president if it wasn't for my experiences of the days I spent here in North Dakota". In 1901 the U.S. Forest Service was established by Teddy Roosevelt. In 1906 Congress approved 18 national monuments, 5 national parks, and 51 wildlife refuges. Many more acres of land were set aside as nation forests and grasslands. Even today Medora has that robust feeling of the "Old West". Visitors from all over the country/world come here between Memorial Day and Labor Day just to attend one of the finest outdoor western stage shows in America today. Every night you can stop by for the "Pitch Fork Fondue", and a great stage show of the "Old West". The Medora Musical offers: Entertainment for the whole family. Friendly - Fun Atmosphere. A very talented cast of dancers and singers from across America. Live band on stage. Patriotic Themes dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt. Live horses on stage. You can revisit Yesteryear when you visit some of the great accommodations that are offered here. Bed & Breakfasts, country ranch houses, cabins, primitive camping and so much more. Oh yes, we have great facilities for you RV lovers out there. Medora is loaded with fine gift shops and restaurants. Some good old fashioned home cooked meals can be found at several of the great country kitchens. Don't forget to get that special someone a souvenir while visiting Medora, there 's something for everyone here in Medora. To find out all there is to be known about this area, and the history of the old west days of North Dakota, a must stop is the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora's newest addition to the attractions offered in this cozy little western setting. Learn all about the cowboy days, the early days of the railroad, the American Indians that called this area home , and so much more. Learn about ranching, western lifestyle, and rodeos. It can all be found at the Interpretive Center at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Well, if nothing else I can promise you one thing, there is no shortage of great fun here in Medora, North Dakota. So for a great weekend get-away, pack up the family and head to Medora, you will be glad you did.

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