In Billings County, natural attractions and history are close together: explore the Badlands on a scenic drive or on foot, while historic ranch sites and museums tell different chapters of the region’s story. Medora is an important point of reference: the entrance to the South Unit and its visitor center are located there.
Medora and the South Unit
From Medora, experience the South Unit’s landscape along the Scenic Loop Drive. The 36-mile paved loop has pullouts and information panels about the park’s historical and natural features. Bison, mule deer, prairie dogs, and horses are easy to spot along the drive. Pronghorn can be observed, among other places, at the Beef Corral on Scenic Loop Road and at Lindbo Flats, north of Boicourt Overlook.
The overlooks reveal different sides of the Badlands, too. From Boicourt Overlook, the view stretches across rugged, gently rolling terrain to the horizon and beyond the park boundaries. A short, steep trail up Buck Hill leads to one of the South Unit’s highest points, where a panoramic view awaits. At Painted Canyon Visitor Center, a walkway offers views of the Badlands.
For a shorter outing, the accessible Skyline Vista Trail is a 0.1-mile loop to an overlook with seating. The 0.4-mile Wind Canyon Trail is a nature trail with views of the Little Missouri River. Visitors interested in the landscape itself can learn about the Badlands’ geology and ecology on the Coal Vein Trail. The trails differ not only in length, but also in whether their focus is on views or natural history.
Ranching History and Culture
The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt’s first ranch home. It is open for self-guided tours during the South Unit visitor center’s operating hours; check the visitor center’s current schedule before your visit. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit offers a different perspective on history: it preserves the place Roosevelt chose for his home ranch after the deaths of his wife and mother. A 0.7-mile mowed trail leads from the grounds to the cabin site.
Southwest of Medora, just outside town and within the Billings County tourism area, is the Chateau de Mores. This historic 26-room house museum was built in 1883 as the summer residence of the Marquis de Mores’s family. It commemorates Antoine de Vallombrosa, the Marquis de Mores, and his life and work in North Dakota. The recurring seasonal History Alive! programs combine live theater with local history and draw on original letters, diaries, and other documents. Dates may change.
The Peaceful Valley Ranch offers another glimpse into ranching history: built in the 1880s, it served as a dude ranch from 1918 through the 1930s. In Medora, entertainment is another focus alongside historical topics. The Medora Musical is a professional, Western-themed variety show for family entertainment. Stage elements include variety acts, live horses, and a fireworks finale; details may change between seasons. The Burning Hills Amphitheatre offers views of the scenic Badlands landscape.
Trails Through the Badlands
Those looking to venture farther on foot can choose from short trails and longer hikes. The South Petrified Forest Trail is an approximately 3-mile out-and-back hike to a valley with exposed petrified tree stumps. The Petrified Forest Loop goes beyond these fossils, crossing rolling prairie on a high plateau. This combines views of petrified wood with a change of scenery.
The 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a longer route through the Badlands and is suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Coming from the north, it runs through Medora and continues to Burning Coal Vein Campground. Before setting out, visitors are advised to contact the USFS for maps, regulations, trail updates, and potential water sources; trail information and conditions may change. The Medora Stageline Trolley also frequently stops at shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing destinations around town. Together with outdoor activities and events in and around Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, these attractions offer a varied picture of tourism in Billings County.
Discover more destinations: Medora, Burleigh County, Bowman County, Ramsey, Foster County, Nelson, Williams County, Ward.
For the main travel overview: North Dakota.
