Medora
A small town on the edge of the North Dakota badlands, where you come for Theodore Roosevelt's ranching history and the scenic drives of the national park.
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Medora is a small town in Billings County in western North Dakota, and the closest town to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Marquis de Morès founded it in 1883 as a beef-packing venture. Theodore Roosevelt ranched in the area in the mid-1880s. The Chateau de Mores, the house the Marquis built, is now a historic site on the edge of town.
The draw is the land itself: eroded buttes, grassland and river valleys, with bison, elk and prairie dogs in the park. A typical visit combines a scenic drive and short trails in the South Unit with time in town for the historic sites and the outdoor summer musical. Late spring through early fall is the most comfortable season for walking the trails, and winter is cold and quiet. Plan at least two nights if you want to see the park at a slower pace, and book lodging ahead for the summer months.
Medora in five
- Pay the park entrance at the South UnitTheodore Roosevelt National Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, and the South Unit is the part of the park closest to Medora. Check the current fee and hours at nps.gov/thro before you drive in.
- Book a room early for the summer musicalMedora is a very small town with few lodging options, so book months ahead if you plan your trip around a summer show.Music
- Fill the tank before the park roadsThere is no fuel inside the park, so fill up in Medora before you drive in.
- Set up offline maps before you leave townPhone signal in the badlands is patchy, so download the park map and your route before you leave Medora.Phones and eSIM
- Keep your distance from bison on the roadBison graze close to the park roads and sometimes stand in the lane. The park advises staying at least 25 yards away. Slow down near them and do not pass closely.
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- Visa-free under ESTA for many passports; others need a US visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire or ambulance
- Tipping
- Tip servers and taxi drivers, as elsewhere in the US
- Time
- UTC-7 in winter, UTC-6 in summer (Mountain Time, daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, snowy
- FebruaryCold, snow
- MarchWindy, muddy
- AprilWindy, thaw
- MayGreen, mild
- JuneLong days, storms
- JulyHot, busy
- AugustHot, busy
- SeptemberMild, quiet
- OctoberCool, fall color
- NovemberCold, quiet
- DecemberCold, snowy
Right now in Medora
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 2°
- Humidity
- 91%
- Wind
- 37 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 87%
Medora
02:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today12°3°87%Monday: Rain. High 12°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Tue6°0°0%Tuesday: Fog. High 6°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed14°0°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu11°2°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri12°4°1%Friday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Sat10°2°4%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 10°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun14°2°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 02:05 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Dickinsonabout 30 to 40 min by carThe nearest larger town, with the regional airport, chain hotels and a wider choice of restaurants.
- Bismarckabout 2 hours by carThe state capital, with the State Capitol and the state museum on the Missouri River.
- North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Parkabout 1.5 to 2 hours by carThe quieter section of the park, with long scenic drives and wildlife viewing.
Before you go to Medora
Rules for Medora, checked
- Many nationalities need no US visa but must get ESTA approval before flying. Check eligibility at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before you book.Source
- Stay at least 25 yards from bison and elk in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as the park advises. Check the park's visitor guidance at nps.gov/thro.Source
- The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops check photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
Plan around Medora
Towns, parks and state roads around Medora
Read the guideGetting aroundDriving routes in and out of Medora
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA and how to apply
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical costs for the trip
Read the guideWhere to stayWhere to sleep in and near Medora
Read the guideTours and ticketsPark tours and show tickets
Read the guideMedora FAQ
How many days do you need in Medora?
One full day covers the South Unit drive and a short walk on the trails. Add a second day for the summer show or a longer drive into the park's other sections.
Is Medora worth visiting?
Yes, if you want badlands scenery, bison and a small western town. It works best as a base for Theodore Roosevelt National Park rather than as a stop with many things to do in town.
When is the best time to visit Medora?
May, June and September are the best months for mild weather and open roads. The summer show season brings more visitors, and winter brings snow and fewer services.
Do you need a car in Medora?
Yes. Medora is small, and the South Unit and its viewpoints are a drive away, so a car is the practical way to reach them.
How do you get to Medora?
Fly to Dickinson or Bismarck, then drive west on Interstate 94. Dickinson is about 30 to 40 minutes away, and Bismarck is about 2 hours by car.