Billings County: Badlands, Nature and History

Billings County combines the striking landscape of the Badlands with wildlife viewing, historic sites and a variety of trails. The entrance to the South Unit and the visitor center are located in Medora. This makes the town a convenient base for a trip that brings together nature experiences, culture and excursions in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Experience the Badlands on Trails and Scenic Roads

One of the most impressive ways to get to know the landscape is the 36-mile, paved Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit. Pullouts and information panels focus on historic and natural features of the park. Bison, mule deer, prairie dogs and horses can be seen easily along the scenic drive. Pronghorns can also be observed in the South Unit, including at Beef Corral on Scenic Loop Road and at Lindbo Flats north of Boicourt Overlook.

There are several different options for short walks and specific viewpoints. The Skyline Vista Trail is an accessible 0.1-mile loop trail leading to a viewpoint with seating. The 0.4-mile Wind Canyon Trail leads to a view of the Little Missouri River. At Painted Canyon Visitor Center, a walkway offers excellent views of the Badlands. Those looking for a short, steep climb can include Buck Hill, with its panoramic views in all directions. From Boicourt Overlook, the view extends across the rugged, gently rolling landscape to the horizon and beyond the park boundaries.

Hiking, Cycling and Horseback Riding

The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs 144 miles through the Badlands and is suitable for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Coming from the north, it passes through Medora and continues to Burning Coal Vein Campground. Before using it, visitors are advised to contact the USFS for maps, regulations, trail updates and possible water sources. For a shorter hike, the South Petrified Forest Trail offers an approximately 3-mile round trip to a valley with exposed petrified tree stumps. The Petrified Forest Loop also passes through rolling prairie on a high plateau. The Petrified Forest has the third-highest concentration of petrified wood in the United States.

Shorter nature trails also have their own focus: The Coal Vein Trail provides insights into the geology and ecology of the Badlands. Those wishing to combine landscape and history can reach the site of the cabin from the Elkhorn Ranch Unit parking area via a 0.7-mile mowed trail. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit preserves the place Theodore Roosevelt chose as his home ranch after the deaths of his wife and mother.

History, Stage Shows and Western Culture

The Chateau de Mores is a historic house museum with 26 rooms, built in 1883 as the summer residence of the family of the Marquis de Mores. It commemorates Antoine de Vallombrosa, the Marquis de Mores, as well as his life and work in North Dakota. The History Alive! programs combine live theater with local history and use original letters, diaries and other documents. The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first ranch house and is open for self-guided tours during the South Unit visitor center's operating hours. Peaceful Valley Ranch was built in the 1880s and served as a dude ranch from 1918 through the 1930s.

In Medora, the Medora Musical complements the landscape experiences with a professional, western-themed variety show for family entertainment. The program includes variety acts, live horses on stage and fireworks at the finale. The Burning Hills Amphitheater offers views of the picturesque Badlands landscape. Further insights into regional culture are provided by the Center of Western Heritage & Cultures at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, with sections on Native American culture, ranching and rodeo, as well as permanent and rotating exhibitions on Western culture. The Harold Schafer Heritage Center & Museum tells the story of Harold Schafer—from Mr. Bubble to Medora.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

When choosing your holiday apartment, it is worth considering the travel pace you want. Medora combines access to the South Unit with cultural offerings, stage performances and a trolley that frequently stops at shopping, entertainment and sightseeing locations in Medora. Those planning longer distances and several nature experiences can make the Scenic Loop Drive, the viewpoints and the Maah Daah Hey Trail the main focuses of their trip. For a culturally oriented stay, house museums, ranch history and exhibitions take center stage instead. Billings County's tourism offerings include outdoor activities and events in and around Medora as well as in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. For further orientation, you can also find Ward, Traill County, Grand Forks, Cavalier County, Stark County, Nelson and Richland County.

Billings County is therefore suitable for a trip that combines sweeping landscapes, short and long trails, wildlife viewing and the history of the American West. A holiday apartment in the region can be chosen to match your personal priorities among nature, culture and varied days around Medora.

For the overarching travel overview: North Dakota.