Head of Tide

Once again we discovered a place that many people knew about but one we had never heard of. If you suffer from anxiety induced by the fear of missing out (like I sometimes do) then finding such a place is not always encouraging because because there are likely additional places just like this one that you are missing out on too. Thinking about all the things I’m missing out on is a great way for my anxiety to spiral down a hole so I’ll move on by telling you about our experience in Medora, North Dakota, the place I am no longer missing out on!

At the beginning of the year we decided to make a trek to Wisconsin to continue research into my family history (as two of my great uncles lived in that state for a number of years). We had never visited Wisconsin so we figured we’d spend a month during the summer when it might be cooler than Texas (BTW. If you didn’t already know, hell is cooler than Texas in the summer). Anyway, we had planned to stop for a few days as is our custom while traveling in order to perform the mundane chores of replenishing the pantry and cleaning our duds. We figuratively threw a dart at a map and picked Medora, North Dakota for our stop.

Unbeknownst to us when we made plans, Medora is known for primarily two things. Theodore Roosevelt National Park and a wonderfully American outdoor show that highlights the town of Medora and its place in history. I hadn’t heard of the National Park and we like to visit the parks if proximity and time permits. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only National Park named for an individual and although it lacks some of the spectacular views and wildlife that other better known parks do it is a good place to visit. It is also supposedly the birthplace of the national park movement. Teddy Roosevelt visited North Dakota yearly for a number of years until his death in 1919. He managed several ranches near Medora. He loved the region and the locals feel so strong about their connection to him that one of the most dedicated and tenacious fandoms has evolved to support his legacy. The people of Medora are actively pursuing building a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library there so add one more thing to see if you go…but only after 2026 cause they haven’t broken ground yet on the building. Whilst talking about Teddy there is a very good Teddy reprisor who performs in Medora at the Old Town Hall Theater. You should go.

Every night during the summer season the outdoor Medora Musical is performed on a stage just outside the city. It is a rousing tribute to the city, Teddy Roosevelt, and America so of course we attended. The production is impressive with dozens of performers and stage hands. They have many years of experience with cast members and patrons returning each year over many, many years. Live horses are part of the performance too and there are moving sets and a live band. The night we attended they announced before the start that a storm was coming our way so they’d cut a musical number or two hoping that the storm would delay its arrival until after the abbreviated performance ended. It didn’t. Just about intermission (which they intended to forego too) the wind started and the rain came. Everyone left and got soaked trudging toward the exits. As we were driving in slow traffic down the hill back to town the rain stopped and a double rainbow appeared. It was a sign….that we should be more careful about attending outdoor performances. Anyway, the Medora Musical company was very gracious and offered everyone a full refund or we could make a donation. I naturally did the right thing and asked for a refund. We enjoyed the free half show and might one day return to Medora…but likely not until after 2026 when Teddy’s library is open. Bully!!