The Rough Riders Hotel stands at 301 3rd Ave in the center of Medora, a small historic town that serves as the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, approximately two miles from the official park entrance. The property is operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, which has invested substantially in preservation and renovation over recent decades. The building's frontier-era character carries through exposed wood, Western-themed décor, and period-appropriate furnishings in both the common areas and guest rooms.
The nine rooms and suites are individually themed around figures and events from the Theodore Roosevelt era in the Badlands. The Theodore Roosevelt Suite is the most spacious option for guests seeking a historically immersive stay. Standard King and Double Queen rooms are smaller but well-appointed, with furnishings that maintain the property's Old West atmosphere. The hotel includes an on-site restaurant serving hearty fare suited to visitors who have spent the day hiking or exploring the Badlands. The property is pet-friendly, a meaningful feature given the outdoor nature of most Medora visits.
The hotel sits within a short walk of the Medora Musical, the celebrated outdoor amphitheater performance that runs nightly through the summer season, and the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site. Foundation-trained staff are knowledgeable about park trail conditions, Badlands geology, and local history, providing a quality of contextual guidance rarely found at chain properties. The Rough Riders operates primarily as a seasonal property, with peak availability from late spring through early fall. Reservations should be secured several months in advance for summer stays, as Medora's total accommodation inventory is limited and the hotel's reputation draws repeat visitors.
Room types
- Standard King
- Double Queen
- Theodore Roosevelt Suite
Amenities
- Theodore Roosevelt history theme
- Walking distance to Musical
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant on site
- Pet-friendly
Location
301 3rd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
46.9153, -103.5218 View on map
Highlights
- Operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, ensuring authentic frontier-era character and historical interpretation
- Theodore Roosevelt Suite: the signature room with the most historically immersive furnishings in the hotel
- Walking distance to the Medora Musical, one of the Northern Plains' most celebrated nightly outdoor performances
- Pet-friendly — one of the few Medora properties that accommodates dogs, ideal for national park visits
- Foundation-trained staff with deep knowledge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park trails and Badlands history
Tips for visiting
- Book by early spring for summer stays — rooms sell out months in advance during peak Badlands season (June–August)
- The hotel is primarily seasonal; confirm operating dates before planning shoulder-season or winter travel
- The Medora Musical ticket packages can sometimes be bundled with accommodation through the Foundation — ask when booking
- Medora has limited dining outside Foundation-operated venues; plan evening meals early or confirm on-site restaurant hours
- Afternoons in July and August reach extreme heat in the Badlands; schedule park hiking for early morning hours