# Medora

> Medora was founded in 1883 on the Northern Pacific Railway; the French nobleman Marquis de Morès established the town and named it after his wife, Medora von…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/medora-north-dakota/

A Wild West-themed town at the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with wooden storefronts and a summer musical show. Use it as a base for the park's scenic loop drive and wildlife viewing at dawn.

Medora was founded in 1883 on the Northern Pacific Railway; the French nobleman Marquis de Morès established the town and named it after his wife, Medora von Hoffman. He planned to slaughter cattle here and ship the meat east by rail in refrigerated cars, but gave up the venture in 1886. His home, the Chateau de Morès, is now a North Dakota State Historic Site. Medora is a small town and the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

From the visitor center in Medora, a paved 36-mile (58 km) loop road winds through the badlands. After landslide damage in 2019 it was closed for several years and has been open again since November 2025 (as of October 2026). Allow at least two hours; RVs can also drive the loop if they take the curves and hills with care. Along the way you will find overlooks, prairie dog towns and, with some luck, bison and wild horses. Fill your tank beforehand, as there is no gas station in the park.

- **Nearest town:** Medora, ND
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 46.9142, -103.5254
- **Editor's pick:** ★

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [NPS: Marquis de Morès](https://home.nps.gov/thro/historyculture/marquis-de-mores.htm)
- [NPS: South Unit](https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/south-unit.htm)
- [NPS: South Unit Scenic Road Repair Project Completed](https://www.nps.gov/thro/learn/news/theodore-roosevelt-national-park-celebrates-completion-of-south-unit-scenic-road-repair-project.htm)

## Nearby

- [Chateau de Mores State Historic Site](https://camping-spirit.com/places/chateau-de-mores-medora/) – 1 mi
- [Painted Canyon Overlook](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b9-painted-canyon/) – 7 mi
- [Enchanted Highway](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b9-enchanted-highway/) – 45 mi
- [Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b9-trnp-north-unit/) – 49 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Medora?

Medora is in Medora, ND, at GPS 46.9142, -103.5254. It is about 7 mi from Painted Canyon.

### Can you camp near Medora?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Red Trail Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Medora?

Places worth a stop nearby: Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (1 mi), Painted Canyon Overlook (7 mi), Enchanted Highway (45 mi) and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit (49 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Medora?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)