Rough Riders Hotel
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Rough Riders Hotel

4.6
·512 reviews·Medora, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdHigh
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Rough Riders Hotel

Rough Riders Hotel

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdHigh

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.

4.6
(512 reviews)

"This is as close to a perfect hotel as I've ever stayed in."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 512 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Teddy Roosevelt Room

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

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

Badlands Horseback Adventure

Medora Riding Stables

Ride through the stunning Badlands landscape for an unforgettable adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Season

Medora is a popular destination, especially during summer. The Rough Riders Hotel, with its historic charm and prime location, fills up quickly. Booking your stay well in advance is crucial to secure your preferred dates and room, particularly if you're visiting for events like the Medora Musical.

Embrace the Western Vibe

The Rough Riders Hotel immerses you in the Old West. Expect classic decor and a lively atmosphere in the restaurant and bar. Plan to spend time exploring downtown Medora's Western-themed shops and attractions, as many visitors highlight this unique charm.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
High
When
Mid-September
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings for Medora Musical
Why
Iconic show experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

When the VP of the United States of America comes to your tiny little tourist town on the 4th of July! #medora #northdakota #USA #4thofjuly #merica #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #maga
@nodakrancher88
8.5K likes • 97K views

Book Rooms in Advance

The Rough Riders Hotel is popular, especially in season. Book early to guarantee your stay! InstagramReddit

Explore the Badlands

Don't miss hiking or horseback riding in the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. TikTokInstagram

in the heart of Medora 🇺🇸 #medora #medorand #medoranorthdakota #northdakota #northdakotacheck #northdakotalife #northdakotalegendary #northdakotaoutdoors #visitnorthdakota #visittheusa #visitusa #travelusa #usatravel #usadestinations #evasionsusa #usa #travel
@evasionsusa
8K likes • 106.7K views
Stepping back in time at this Rough Riders Hotel, a historic hotel in Medora, ND, with the majestic Badlands as our backdrop—every corner tells a story from the old cowboy days. @medora_nd @northdakotalegendary @sorenson_comm @deafnation #JoelTravel #NoBarriers #DeafNation #Deaf #Medora #MedoraND #NorthDakota #USA #MedoraMagic #HistoricVibes #Badlands
joelwestbarish
584 likes • 11.7K views

Enjoy the Saloon

The hotel's namesake saloon offers a great atmosphere and dining experience. Instagram

Check for Shows

The Medora Musical and other shows are a must-see during your visit. TikTokInstagram

The Rough Riders Hotel in Medora, North Dakota was said to be haunted by a child spirit. However, since it's renovation the ghost hasn't been seen... #ghosthunting #haunted #paranormal #history #northdakota
ghost_fluent
4 likes • 188 views

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! InstagramReddit

Explore the Badlands

Don't miss hiking or horseback riding in the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. TikTokInstagram

Enjoy the Saloon

The hotel's namesake saloon offers a great atmosphere and dining experience. Instagram

Check for Shows

The Medora Musical and other shows are a must-see during your visit. TikTokInstagram

Consider 'Wooly Boys' House

If traveling with a larger group, be aware of separate 'Wooly Boys' accommodations. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(512 reviews)

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

Historic charm and ambiance
Prime location
Amazing staff

What People Dislike

No maid service
Occasional grumpy staff

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).Instagram Many visitors arrive by car, enjoying the picturesque routes through the Badlands. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has an entrance fee. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for guests at the Rough Riders Hotel, allowing you to stay connected during your stay. TikTok

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram

The restaurant offers a Western-inspired menu. A popular dining experience mentioned is the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Instagram

Medora has several other dining options, including cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Yes, guests are generally welcome to take photos inside their hotel rooms and common areas, especially to capture the unique historic ambiance. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing both the hotel and the Badlands landscapes. TikTok

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