We learned this summer that Medora, ND, is a great place to visit with kids.  There are a few weeks of summer left–can you fit in a trip to Medora yet this year?  If you go, here’s what I recommend.

Best Day to Go:  Wednesday is kids’ day in Medora, and they have special activities for children around town during the day.  In addition, admission to the Medora Musical is free on Wednesdays for kids.

What to Do:

• Most things in Medora open at 10 a.m.  Start your day with a round at Medora Mini-Golf, or maybe a stop at the Medora Dollhouse museum.
• 11:00 See the cowboy demonstration near the visitor’s info center downtown.  Our kids loved learning about cattle brands.  (Hint: If you’re looking for the branding book Cowboy Lyle mentions, it can be purchased at the bookstore.)
• After the cowboy demonstration, tackle the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Chuckwagon.  I’ve also heard good things about the burger stand outside the Chuckwagon, and friends said the pizza shop is very good as well.
• Following lunch, drive through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  It will take about an hour and a half if you don’t stop too much or have to follow a buffalo down the road.  If you have little ones, you can hope that they’ll take this opportunity to have a nap in the car.
• On Wednesdays at 2:30, the Chateau des Mores has special kid-friendly tours available.
• Take some time to stroll around Medora.  Get an ice cream cone from the allergy-aware ice cream parlor, or a treat from the candy shop.  Let the kids play at the fun Children’s Park near the Badlands Motel.
• At 5:00, be back at the patio outside the Chuckwagon, where entertainers from the musical will interact with kids on Wednesdays.
• Head up to the Pitchfork Fondue at 6:15.  Don’t worry if the line is long; it moves fast and you’ll get some great food.  Clean up your plates by 7:00 so you can go to the . . .
• Behind the Scenes Tour at 7:15, which meets at the top of the musical’s escalators.  Stepping foot on the stage will make the Musical even more exciting for kids.
• Run back up to your car to get your blankets before the Medora Musical starts at 8:30.  Then sit back, relax, and enjoy!

If you really want to see Medora, I’d recommend a second day to visit the various museums in town and take another drive through the National Park.  But if a day’s all you have, the itinerary I outlined will allow you to take advantage of all the special activities offered on Kids’ Day, and you can save the rest for another trip.

Related Post: A Day with Kids in Downtown Minneapolis

Trackback URI | Comments RSS