North Dakota

When most people think of North Dakota, wide-open prairies and farmland come to mind. But a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park reveals a side of the state that's completely unexpected. Colorful badlands, dramatic rock formations, roaming bison, wild horses, and sweeping scenic vistas make this one of the most underrated national parks in the country.

During our visit, we spent the day exploring the park's scenic loop before enjoying some of Medora's most popular attractions and settling in for the night at Medora Campground.

01Driving the Scenic Loop

With limited time, we chose to experience Theodore Roosevelt National Park by driving the park's scenic loop road, and it did not disappoint.

The route winds through the heart of the South Unit, offering incredible views of the rugged badlands that inspired Theodore Roosevelt's love for the American West. Around nearly every corner was another stunning overlook or wildlife sighting. Bison, Wild Horses, and Prairie Dogs all made the drive more exciting.

The park feels surprisingly remote and uncrowded, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the beauty and solitude that captivated Theodore Roosevelt more than a century ago.

Even if you only have a day, the scenic drive provides an excellent introduction to the park and offers countless opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and simply soaking in the scenery.

02The Teddy Roosevelt Show

One of Medora's most unique attractions is the Teddy Roosevelt Show, a live performance that brings America's 26th president to life.

Through storytelling and historical interpretation, visitors learn how Roosevelt's time in the North Dakota badlands shaped his character and inspired his lifelong commitment to conservation and public lands. It's an entertaining way to gain a deeper appreciation for both the man and the landscape that bears his name.

For visitors looking to make the experience even more memorable, Medora also offers a Teddy Roosevelt Brunch, which pairs a meal with the show's historical presentation. While we didn't attend the brunch ourselves, it's worth considering for those who enjoy combining local history with a unique dining experience.

03The Legendary Medora Musical

As evening approached, we headed to one of North Dakota's signature attractions: the Medora Musical.

Set in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater overlooking the badlands, the show combines live music, talented performers, western heritage, and family-friendly entertainment into a memorable evening experience.

The setting alone is spectacular. As the sun begins to set across the rugged landscape, the backdrop becomes part of the show itself. The performance celebrates the spirit of the American West while delivering plenty of music, humor, and energy.

Whether you're visiting Medora for the first time or returning for another trip, the Medora Musical is easy to see why it's become a tradition for so many travelers.

04Camping at Medora Campground

After a full day of exploring, we settled into Medora Campground, conveniently located near both the town and the national park entrance.

The campground serves as an excellent base camp for visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Its location makes it easy to explore the scenic loop, enjoy Medora's attractions, and spend an evening at the musical before returning to camp.

05Final Thoughts

Theodore Roosevelt National Park exceeded our expectations in every way. Between the incredible scenic drive, abundant wildlife, fascinating presidential history, and the unique attractions of Medora, this stop became one of the highlights of our journey through the northern plains.

If you're traveling through North Dakota, don't just drive past Medora. Spend a day exploring the park, take in some local history, enjoy an evening at the Medora Musical, and experience firsthand why Theodore Roosevelt considered this region one of the most important places in his life.

Camp Daddy Tip: Plan to drive the scenic loop during the morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active, and save your evening for the Medora Musical. It's the perfect way to end a day in one of America's most underrated national parks.