Medora
A restored cowboy town at the edge of the badlands.
Points of interest
- Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
- Medora Musical
- Theodore Roosevelt NP
State guide
Things to do in North Dakota
The badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, wild horses and bison, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, the Enchanted Highway and friendly Fargo.
2026
Roosevelt Library opened
Badlands, bison and big skies
North Dakota is one of the least visited states in the USA, and that is part of its appeal. Its prairies, river valleys and badlands are wide, quiet and full of wildlife, under some of the biggest skies in the country.
The highlight is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in the western badlands, where the future president ranched in the 1880s. Its colourful buttes and canyons are home to bison, wild horses, elk and prairie dog towns, and the Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit reopened in 2025 after six years of repairs. The gateway town of Medora is a restored cowboy town, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened there on 4 July 2026. The Maah Daah Hey Trail links the park's units across the badlands.
In the east, Fargo is a lively small city with a revived downtown, and Bismarck, the capital, sits on the Missouri River, which Lewis and Clark followed. Give the west three or four days, by car. June to September is the best time; winters are long and very cold.
Where to base yourself
Medora for the badlands, Bismarck for the Missouri River, and Fargo for the east.
Bismarck
The capital, on the Missouri River.
Points of interest
- State Capitol
- Heritage Center
- Fort Abraham Lincoln
Fargo
A lively small city in the east.
Points of interest
- Downtown Broadway
- Fargo woodchipper
- Plains Art Museum
Regions of North Dakota
Badlands in the west, the Missouri River and Bismarck in the centre, and Fargo and the Red River Valley in the east.
Western badlands
National park, MedoraTheodore Roosevelt National Park and the Maah Daah Hey.
Missouri River
Bismarck, Lewis and ClarkThe capital and the river's history.
Red River Valley
Fargo, Grand ForksThe flat, fertile east.
Northern North Dakota
Peace Garden, lakesMinot and the Canadian border.
Things to do
Things to do in North Dakota
In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, drive the Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit to see bison, wild horses and prairie dogs, and hike to Buck Hill and the Painted Canyon overlook. The quieter North Unit has dramatic views over the Little Missouri River. Mountain bike or hike sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
In Medora, visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opened in 2026, and see the Medora Musical, an outdoor summer show in an amphitheatre in the badlands. Drive the Enchanted Highway near Regent, lined with giant metal sculptures.
In Bismarck, visit the State Capitol and the free North Dakota Heritage Center, and the reconstructed Mandan village at On-A-Slant at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. In Fargo, explore the downtown bars and cafes and see the woodchipper from the film Fargo at the visitor centre. Near the Canadian border, the International Peace Garden straddles both countries.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum in Bismarck is free, and so are tours of the State Capitol. The Enchanted Highway sculptures are free to see from the road.
The Painted Canyon overlook and Fargo's woodchipper cost nothing.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park charges entry.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
North Dakota food reflects its German-Russian and Scandinavian settlers. Try knoephla soup, a creamy soup with dumplings, kuchen, a custard cake, and lefse, a soft potato flatbread. Hotdish, a casserole, is a family favourite, and bison and beef are on most menus.
Fargo has the best restaurants, cafes and craft breweries. In Medora, the Pitchfork Steak Fondue cooks steaks on pitchforks in hot oil before the summer musical.
Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Nightlife
Going out
Fargo has the liveliest nightlife, with bars, breweries and live music downtown along Broadway. Bismarck and Grand Forks have smaller scenes.
In Medora, summer evenings are for the Medora Musical. In the badlands, the night skies are very dark.
Bars close at 2am.
Getting around
Getting around
Fargo, Bismarck and Minot have the main airports. For Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Bismarck is around two hours' drive from Medora.
Amtrak's Empire Builder crosses northern North Dakota, stopping in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston. Otherwise, a car is essential, and distances are long.
Most of the state is on Central Time; the south-west, including Medora, is on Mountain Time.
Costs
What North Dakota costs
North Dakota is good value, though Medora's small number of rooms fill up in summer, so book ahead.
Sales tax is 5 per cent statewide, plus local taxes. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
The national park charges entry, and the Presidential Library and Medora Musical charge for tickets.
Safety
Safety and scams
North Dakota is very safe; the risks are outdoors. Keep your distance from bison and wild horses in the national park, and watch for rattlesnakes in the badlands.
Summers can be hot, with sudden thunderstorms. Badlands clay turns very slippery when wet.
Winters are extreme, with blizzards and temperatures far below freezing; carry winter supplies when driving. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Summer musicals, powwows and the badlands.
June to September
Medora Musical
Medora
An outdoor musical show in a badlands amphitheatre.
September
United Tribes International Powwow
Bismarck
One of the biggest powwows in the USA.
July
North Dakota State Fair
Minot
Rides, music and farm shows.
When to go
June to September is the best time, when the Medora Musical runs and the park roads are open. September is quieter and cooler. Winter, from November to March, is very cold.
Jan
Extreme cold
Feb
Very cold
Mar
Cold
Apr
Spring
May
Pleasant
Jun
Medora Musical begins
Jul
Peak season
Aug
Summer
Sep
Quieter
Oct
Cool
Nov
Cold
Dec
Very cold
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Bismarck, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on North Dakota prices.
Treat these as a guide. Car hire and park fees cost extra.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
North Dakota questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library open?
Yes. It opened in Medora on 4 July 2026.
Is the Scenic Loop Drive in Theodore Roosevelt National Park open?
Yes. It reopened in 2025 after six years of repairs.
Where can I see wild horses in North Dakota?
In the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
How many days do you need in North Dakota?
Three or four days, mostly in the west.
Do I need a car in North Dakota?
Yes. Public transport is very limited.
When is the best time to visit North Dakota?
June to September.
Which airport is closest to Medora?
Bismarck, around two hours' drive away.
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