by Kelli Bowen
Last year my family decided to enter a float in the Independence Day parade in Nome. This year living on the other side of the state, our Independence Day will look a little different but it will be great! We have a secret: this isn’t our first Independence Day in Medora.
In case you’re wondering what to do in North Dakota’s number one tourist destination, read on, friend, read on…
The Park: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The only national park named for a person. It’s actually three parks connected by the Little Missouri River and the entrance for the south unit is in Medora. Go find yourself a beautiful view and see some wildlife.
The Medora Musical. This is the institution. My family has seen the show multiple times so far this summer, and if you need a friend to go with you…put me in coach-I’m ready to play! Hubby would reluctantly get drug along in years past. This year he said, “I actually really like the musical this year. The singers are really good. The dancers are really good. The songs sound good! I like it!” Coming from Hubby, this is a glowing review.
The pitchfork fondue…insert contented sigh… steaks cooked on the tines of a pitchfork along with a salad and baked potato bar while sitting atop a butte looking at the most amazing view and listening to musical artists. It’s a must-do while in Medora, and you’re already on the hill for the Musical anyway…
This one is from Miss E: Point to Point Park. Do you want to give your children hours of fun and the ability to burn off ice cream in one fell swoop? Older kids love it: because Lazy River. With the lazy river, mini golf, a zip line, park, and bounce pillow, the kids will have loads of fun and give mom and dad a few moments of peace. If peace isn’t your thing, just school those whippersnappers on the mini-put green.
These things are available almost EVERY day of the summer, but the 4th of July is extra sweet with a parade this year at 3 p.m. downtown (weather permitting) and fireworks at 10 p.m. For the best view, people park along Chimney Park and watch the fireworks light up the western sky.
And that’s it! The perfect western North Dakota 4th of July.
Another pro-tip: Don’t forget the ice cream.
Kelli makes her home in Billings County with her husband, two daughters (11 and 9) and a dog. She works for North Dakota's #1 tourist destination by day and tries to be an alright mom, wife, friend, and writer by night.
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