The Art of Smart Timing
Plan a visit on a Wednesday if possible. That's when kids get a special tour at Chateau de Mores, can sing along with Medora Musical cast members on the downtown patio, get their faces painted and attend the Medora Musical free. Because so many attractions are run through the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, it's also worth checking for packages that bundle reservations and save money.
Mid- to late June is a great time to go to beat summer heat and can enjoy the contrast of lush grasses against the stark, earthier tones of the Badlands. It's also ideal in terms of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, wild horses and bison in the park. Newborn bison, fuzzy with cinnamon fur, nuzzle against dark-brown mothers.
Most of Medora's attractions such as the musical are only open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and things start winding down a bit by the last two weeks in August when seniors start replacing the college-aged employees who keep the summer season humming.
Getting There
The park is along Interstate 94, and can be reached from Billings, Mont., to the west or from Minneapolis-St. Paul or Fargo, N.D., to the east. It's a three-hour drive from Bismarck's airport to the park or 30 minutes from Dickinson's airport.
Getting Around
A vehicle is necessary to reach and explore the park. Downtown Medora is small enough to walk everywhere.
Off the Radar
One of the goofiest and endearing stops east of the national park is the Enchanted Highway, beginning at the Regent exit with a 110-foot tall sculpture of geese in flight. The 32-mile highway features seven metal sculptures big enough to make a mini-van feel like a Matchbox car. Artist Gary Greff's singular effort to bring travelers to his wisp of a hometown has been featured in Smithsonian and each piece depicts some facet of North Dakota history or culture. Families can fearfully pose beneath the giant grasshoppers (which tormented pioneers in plague-like waves) for campy B-movie photos or marvel at the intricate and elaborate fish scene.
Visitors Bureaus
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
800-633-6721
North Dakota Tourism
800-435-5663 (800-HELLO-ND)
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Planning & Tips
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