Rough Riders Hotel
Step back in time at the historic Rough Riders Hotel, a charming Western lodging in Medora, ND, near Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Rough Riders Hotel
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the historic Rough Riders Hotel, a charming Western lodging in Medora, ND, near Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
"This is as close to a perfect hotel as I've ever stayed in."
Book Rooms in Advance
The Rough Riders Hotel is popular, especially in season. Book early to guarantee your stay!
Explore the Badlands
Don't miss hiking or horseback riding in the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Teddy Roosevelt Room
Rough Riders Hotel
Stay in the very room where Teddy Roosevelt once slept, soaking in history and Western charm.
Downtown Medora Charm
Medora, North Dakota
Experience a town that feels like a Western movie set, with unique shops and carriage rides.
Badlands Horseback Adventure
Medora Riding Stables
Ride through the stunning Badlands landscape for an unforgettable adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Embrace the Western Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Rooms in Advance
The Rough Riders Hotel is popular, especially in season. Book early to guarantee your stay!
Explore the Badlands
Don't miss hiking or horseback riding in the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Enjoy the Saloon
The hotel's namesake saloon offers a great atmosphere and dining experience.
Check for Shows
The Medora Musical and other shows are a must-see during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Rooms in Advance
The Rough Riders Hotel is popular, especially in season. Book early to guarantee your stay!
Explore the Badlands
Don't miss hiking or horseback riding in the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Enjoy the Saloon
The hotel's namesake saloon offers a great atmosphere and dining experience.
Check for Shows
The Medora Musical and other shows are a must-see during your visit.
Consider 'Wooly Boys' House
If traveling with a larger group, be aware of separate 'Wooly Boys' accommodations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the Rough Riders Hotel for its stunning historic charm, excellent location, and friendly staff who go the extra mile. The Western atmosphere and proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park are major draws. Some minor drawbacks include the lack of daily maid service and occasional less-than-stellar service from specific staff members.
"This looked like a great location and indeed it was. They had amazing staff! We had been hiking all morning until check in so we were sweaty and exhausted when we arrived. Our rooms were not ready so they quickly shifted us into rooms that were ready so we didn’t have to wait. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, the rooms were very clean and comfortable and I would highly recommend!"
Candace Amberg
"Don't stay at the "Wooly Boys" house, or at least do so eyes wide open. We were a family of 5 so booked this room. It's not at the hotel - is a small building a few blocks away in an alley across from a laundromat, there are no hotel services. It's a fine room but you are not staying at the "Rough Riders" hotel except for check in. Does the job."
Joshua Siegel
"This is as close to a perfect hotel as I've ever stayed in. If you're in the area make a point to stay if you need a stopover. The town is super cool, the hotel and bar and restaurant are amazing. What a treat."
Jeff Marchand
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rough Riders Hotel is located in downtown Medora, North Dakota, at the South Entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's a scenic drive from major cities like Bismarck (about 2 hours).
Medora is a popular day trip destination, especially for those exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's also a stop for those traveling through the Badlands region.
Downtown Medora is very walkable. For exploring the national park, a car is recommended. Horse carriage rides are also available for a charming town experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to book a room to stay at the Rough Riders Hotel. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Yes, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has an entrance fee. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online.
Tickets for the Medora Musical can be purchased online through the official Medora website or at the box office in Medora. It's advisable to book in advance as shows can sell out.
The hotel generally operates year-round, but services and availability may vary outside the peak summer season. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours and information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Rough Riders Hotel offers a unique historical lodging experience. You can stay in rooms once occupied by Teddy Roosevelt, enjoy the Western-style restaurant and bar, and relax in the pleasant social spaces.
Absolutely! The hotel is steeped in history, famously associated with Theodore Roosevelt and his time in the Badlands. Some even mention paranormal tales from its past.
The atmosphere is distinctly Western and historic, reminiscent of the cowboy era. Visitors often describe it as stepping back in time, with a charming and authentic feel.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for guests at the Rough Riders Hotel, allowing you to stay connected during your stay.
The 'Wooly Boys' house is a separate accommodation option located a few blocks away from the main hotel, in an alley. It offers a basic room but lacks hotel services and is not part of the main Rough Riders Hotel experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Rough Riders Hotel features a Western-style restaurant and bar, often referred to as its namesake saloon, where guests can dine.
The restaurant offers a Western-inspired menu. A popular dining experience mentioned is the Pitchfork Steak Fondue.
Medora has several other dining options, including cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel itself, with its historic architecture, is a great photo spot. The surrounding downtown Medora and the dramatic landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, guests are generally welcome to take photos inside their hotel rooms and common areas, especially to capture the unique historic ambiance.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing both the hotel and the Badlands landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For outdoor fun, Theodore Roosevelt National Park provides opportunities for easy hikes and wildlife spotting, making it an engaging experience for children. Consider a horseback riding tour through the Badlands for an extra dose of adventure that kids often find thrilling.
🤠 History Buffs & Western Enthusiasts
The hotel's architecture and ambiance are designed to evoke the era of cowboys and pioneers, providing an immersive historical experience. Beyond the hotel, exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park is essential. The park preserves the landscape that shaped Roosevelt's character and his conservationist ideals. Visiting historical sites within the park and learning about the region's past will deeply enrich your understanding of this iconic period.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The hotel offers a comfortable and historic place to rest after a day of driving and exploring. For those on a tighter schedule, Medora's downtown area can be explored in a few hours, with the hotel serving as a convenient point of reference. You can enjoy a meal at the hotel's restaurant and experience the unique Western charm before continuing your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders Hotel
+1Staying at the Rough Riders Hotel offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the era of the American West that Roosevelt so cherished. The hotel has been meticulously renovated to reflect its historic grandeur while providing modern comforts. Many guests find the experience of staying in a room with such a storied past to be a highlight of their visit to Medora.
Beyond the hotel, exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park is essential to understanding the landscape that shaped him. The park's rugged beauty, from the painted canyons to the rolling prairies, is a testament to the wildness Roosevelt sought and preserved. Visiting the park allows you to connect with the natural environment that inspired his conservation efforts and his adventurous spirit.
Experiencing Medora's Western Charm
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that enhance this Western theme. Horse carriage rides offer a leisurely way to see the town, while browsing the unique shops provides a chance to find souvenirs and local crafts. The Medora Musical, a high-energy stage show celebrating the spirit of the West and Theodore Roosevelt, is a must-see event that draws crowds from all over.
The Rough Riders Hotel restaurant and saloon are central to this experience, providing a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy classic Western fare and soak in the ambiance. Many visitors rave about the friendly staff and the overall welcoming environment that makes Medora feel like a close-knit community.
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