When our family first moved to North Dakota for an assignment at Minot, AFB, I knew little about the state beyond its reputation for cold winters and flat landscapes. However, I was determined to uncover the hidden gems of this region.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve become a guru of all things Minot, and an advocate of North Dakota living. I try things, visit destinations, and make mistakes along the way in order to give you the best, most valuable information possible—so you can enjoy North Dakota as much as I do!
When you embark on a journey to explore, discover, or fall in love with North Dakota, there is one destination you should not miss: Medora. Nestled in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands, Medora offers a wealth of experiences that cater perfectly to military families. There are also lots of military discounts in Medora to take advantage of. With its rich, patriotic history, breathtaking scenery, and family-friendly activities, Medora is a top destination you won’t want to miss.
Seeing this side of the great plains will prove that North Dakota is anything but flat and boring.
Your leave days are precious. Here’s a few reasons we decided—as a military family—to spend our time off in Medora:
Proximity to Military Bases
Medora’s location makes it an accessible getaway for military members and their families. Here’s how far you’ll need to travel from nearby bases:
- Minot AFB: 220 miles, approximately 3.5 hours driving
- Ellsworth AFB: 246 miles, approximately 4 hours driving
- 119 Wing, ANG: 330 miles, approximately 4.5 hours driving
- Grand Forks AFB: 370 miles, approximately 5.5 hours driving
- Malstrom AFB/120 AW: 410 miles, approximately 6.25 hours driving
Whether you’re stationed locally or just passing through, Medora is an ideal spot for a weekend or extended getaway.
Free Admissions and Military Discounts in Medora
Saving money on travel means being able to afford more adventures in the future! Military discounts in Medora make this a budget-friendly vacation, perfect for families.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Free entry for military members, veterans, and their dependents. You can get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass at the visitor’s center.
- Park Programs: The National Park hosts various programs throughout the day, and on special occasions (a night sky program was going on while we were visiting). These are free with park admission or a military park pass.
- Medora Musical: Discounts of 50% on tickets for military members throughout the season. There are select days that offer military free admission. Kids gain free admission on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Discounts for kids + free activities abound:
In addition to military discounts in Medora there are a plethora of free activities for all ages and discounts for kids. These include:
- Point to Point Park and Trails. This park offers visitors paid and free activities. Freebies include:
- Jumping Cushion, Trail system with outstanding views, Splash pad, Playground zip lines, Pickleball (equipment is free to checkout)
- Massive Wooden Playground (our kids loved this!)
- Town Square Patio. Free music and shows happen daily.
- Pitchfork Steak Fondue: Kids under 12 get a free hot dog meal at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. They access the full buffet and dessert—the only difference a hot dog entrée instead of steak.
- Medora Musical: Kids attend for free on Wednesdays and Sunday.
Military Family Travel Guide to Medora: The Itinerary
Use this rinse and repeat Military Family Travel Guide to Medora to make the most out of your trip!
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Heading Out
With Medora just a few hours’ drive from Minot, we took our time getting there. We stopped at a few attractions along the way: Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery, Beulah’s Riverside Park, and the Enchanted Highway, making the drive part of the adventure.
Checking In
We stayed at the charmingly nostalgic Badlands Motel, which offered:
- Great accessibility to Point to Point Park
- Walkable/bikeable proximity to town attractions
- A pool for guests
- Clean rooms with complimentary coffee, ice, and iced water in the lobby.
- Rooms equipped with a microwave and mini fridge, ideal for families with young children.
First Adventure – Point to Point Park
Located just across from our motel, Point to Point Park was a MASSIVE hit with the kids. While we unpacked, they were eager to explore and immediately headed to check out the jumping cushion, splash pad, and small zip line swings.
Dinner and Evening Fun
Once settled, we headed to dinner at the Badlands Pizza Parlor. The all you can eat buffet is a no-hassle choice for the whole family. Kids can fill up on cheese pizza, lemonade, and dessert. Adventurous eaters can sample an array of specialty pizzas. And salad lovers will love the DIY salad bar. (The cucumber salad was my favorite!!)
After dinner, take a walk to Town Hall Square Patio for free, live music. Finish your day with a trip to the Medora Children’s Park (a gigantic wooden playground!) to let the kids burn off any energy they’ve got left before bed.
Day 2: Theodore Roosevelt National Park – South Unit
Visitor’s Center
Start your day at the park’s Visitor Center, where you can:
- Use your America the Beautiful pass for free admission.
- Ask a ranger for specific trail recommendations for your group.
- Pick up a Junior Ranger workbook for kids. (More on this program here.)
- Explore museum exhibits on Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands, and park wildlife. American history is often a special part of military family travel. We all really enjoyed this.
- Visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin to see what life was like when he stayed in the Badlands.
Park Itinerary
Inside the park, follow the wildlife loop. Give yourself plenty of time to stop and observe the wildlife. On our drive we spotted bison, deer, feral horses, prairie dogs, and a porcupine. These are places we stopped to get out and explore along the way.
- Skyline Vista
- Peaceful Valley Ranch
- Prairie Dog Town (We particularly enjoyed the one just before Wind Canyon.)
- Boicourt Overlook + Trail
- Buck Hill
- Wind Canyon Trail (We came back and did this at sunset, and it was my FAVORITE part. If you only do one thing in the park, make it this!)
Our kids are six and three years old. These hikes were doable for them, but they were pretty tired by the end. On the way out of the park, we stopped back at the Visitor Center so the boys could show their Junior Ranger workbooks and earn their badge. This itinerary took about five hours, moving at a very lax pace.
Rest, Pool, and Dinner
After a busy morning at the park, enjoy a late lunch at Point to Point Provisions, relax in the room, and swim in the Badlands Motel pool. Head to The Little Missouri Saloon for dinner where a second story patio offers a beautiful view of town.
Sunset over the Badlands
Cap off the evening with a sunset view over the Badlands at the Wind Canyon Trail. This is truly a transformative excursion that shouldn’t be missed. And, despite being a “hot spot”, it wasn’t crowded, making for a serene and idyllic experience.
Day 3: Medora Fun
Breakfast and Point to Point Park
Start the day with caramel rolls from The Cowboy Café, and a relaxing morning at the Medora Children’s Park, or enjoy a family-friendly hike along the Point to Point Trails.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the paid activities at Point to Point Park. These include:
- The Manitou Zipline—riders must be at least 42” tall, this was definitely a highlight for my kids!
- The wading pool and lazy river—remember to pack goggles and a puddle-jumper if your child uses those.
- Little Bully Pulpit mini golf—18 holes beautifully incorporated into the landscape.
Steak Fondue Dinner and Medora Musical
The Pitchfork Steak Fondue dinner is an iconic part of a trip to Medora, ND. With its open-air seating, live music, and delicious buffet, you’ll never forget this meal. Don’t forget—kids eat FREE!
Following dinner, attend The Medora Musical—a must-see patriotic performance brimming with national and state price. Complete with bedazzling red, white, and blue finale costumes and a fireworks display. This is the perfect way to wrap up a trip to the North Dakota Badlands.
One of the best military discounts in Medora is 50% off show tickets.. There are also dates when military/veterans attend FREE! And don’t forget that kids attend for free on Wednesday and Sunday all season long!
Medora is Great For Military Families
With a blend of historical charm, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly fun, Medora is great for military family travel. From stunning landscapes, to the engaging activities in town, Medora is a destination worth exploring. Save this Military Family Travel Guide to Medora for quick reference on military discounts in Medora, and an itinerary your whole crew will enjoy.
Easy Tips For More Fun
Still want more? Check out this post with even more details on our itinerary in Medora.
For more ways to have fun, save money, and live on fire—but never burned out—join me on Instagram. For more on life in North Dakota and being stationed in Minot, be sure to follow @HeyMinot. If this Military Family Travel Guide to Medora was helpful, be sure to share it with your armed forces friends!
