This One Small North Dakota Town Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State
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Leah
Author
When it comes to having a natural landscape that’s overflowing with recreation opportunities, one town in North Dakota stands taller than the rest. It’s no surprise when you realize that it is by far the most popular spot in the state for outdoor attractions. With scenery as diverse and wild as what is around this town, there are endless ways to enjoy exploring it. After all, its motto is “explore it, adore it.” And you will when you visit it!
If you haven’t been here yet, you haven’t experienced an essential part of North Dakota, and here’s why:
Medora is located in the southwest region of North Dakota. Not only is the town itself thriving from tourism, the surrounding area is what draws them there. The population is only 132 but thousands more visit each year to experience the scenery and history of the place.
The Maah Daah Hey trail is one that mountain bikers from all over the world come to take on. With over 90 miles of trail, it is an experience of a lifetime whether you take on the challenge of the whole thing or just one of many sections.
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North Dakota's only national park is one of the most breathtaking parts of the state. The North Dakota badlands fill it from border to border, and Medora is the gateway to the South Unit. There are tons of trails to take on foot or horseback, or roads to take a relaxing and beautiful drive through. Plus, the overlooks you'll encounter along the way are just gorgeous.
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While the TRNP is right next to and just north of Medora, there is also the Sully Creek State Park just south of it. Nestled in a valley in the badlands along the Little Missouri River, this park is quiet, perfect for camping, and has the best horse riding trails.
This historic cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, formally located on the ranch he had in the area after he fell in love with North Dakota and Medora. You can also check out the many museums in and around the town. He had a huge influence here, and in turn this area had a huge influence on him. He was quoted as saying he would not have had success as a president had it not been for his time here in North Dakota.
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The Chateau de Mores is a state historic site located right among the amazing scenery of this place. It was here that the Marquis de Mores made his home with his wife, Medora, of whom he named the town after. You can head out to this scenic spot and take a tour of the house yourself - still the same as it was over a hundred years ago.
The Little Mo is an essential part of the nature around Medora. It helped carve and shape the badlands into the magnificent canyons they are today. You can fish, kayak, or otherwise just stroll alongside the river to enjoy it.
This area has quite a few wild horses that are protected within the state and national parks. They are completely wild and have lived here for generations, but believe it or not, each has a name and a well documented history thanks to places like the North Dakota Badlands Horse Registry. They keep track of each herd and even have a reference guide to each animal, their name, and age.
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Big horned sheep, bison, antelope, elk, deer, coyotes, and so many more animals reside around the Medora area. Some of the most popular are the prairie dogs in their "towns" that you can find on the trails in the TRNP.
Have you ever been to Medora? If you haven’t, you should make it a goal to see it before 2018 is out – especially in the summer. Here are some more places in North Dakota you must see this year.
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