Attractions

Medora Musical. Photo by minnemom on flickr.

Medora in North Dakota’s #1 tourist destination, and the attraction that keeps people coming back year after year is the Medora Musical.

The Medora Musical is a variety show of singing-and-dancing entertainment performed nightly throughout the summer in an outdoor amphitheater.  With the Badlands in the background, the setting is beautiful, and the show is two hours of family entertainment.

The musical has been running since the 1960’s; I remember seeing it as a child, and it was fun to take my own children.  Kids are welcome at the Medora Musical and are even invited up on stage during the performance.  My kids are asking when we can go back.

If you want to make a full night of your Medora Musical experience, you can go early for the Pitchfork Fondue, where steaks are speared on (clean) pitchforks, fondued in hot oil, and served with all the trimmings, and then take the Behind the Scenes tour for a chance to go on the musical’s stage.

Another day or two spent in Medora might include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Chateau des Mores Historic Site, or just enjoying the charm of this western town.

If you go to the Medora Musical, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The performance begins at 8:30 Mountain Time, which is 9:30 Central Time.  Even at that late hour, only one of my kids enjoyed it.
• It gets chilly once the sun goes down, so dress in layers and bring a blanket.  Don’t worry, you won’t look crazy–almost everyone at the musical brings a blanket along.
• Check Medora’s website to find out about discounts.  Wednesday is Kids Day and Seniors are featured on Tuesdays.

If you’re traveling through North Dakota, take a day to stop in Medora and be sure to see the Medora Musical.  You’ll be glad you did.

Linda (minnemom) blogs about family travel in Minnesota and beyond at Travels with Children.