I checked out of the Sleep Inn and surveyed the drive ahead. According to the radar, I would travel through rain all the way from Bismarck to Medora. That said, I love touring museums on rainy days. I found dinosaurs, moon rocks, and rough riders along the way!
North Dakota Heritage Center
When North Dakota Heritage Center and Museum opened their doors, I bounded in. I admired the stunning steel and glass atrium before retrieving a map from the visitor’s desk. A friendly docent pointed out a few highlights before sending me off.
For the next hour, I explored dramatic Paleolithic dioramas, cultural artifacts, and geologic time exhibits. In a far corner of the museum, I discovered moon rocks from Neil Armstrong’s mission!
Salem Sue, The World’s Largest Cow
Because I’m a sucker for the world’s biggest everything, I stopped to visit Salem Sue. After all, she’s the world’s largest holstein! Once I pulled off the highway, I realized my visit to Salem Sue might not be as easy as I expected. To get to the peak, my little hatchback would ascend a narrow, muddy road with hairpin turns. I noticed very few spots to turn around. I took a deep breath and went for it. No guts, no glory!
Geese In Flight
After greeting Salem Sue, I hopped back on I-94 and continued my journey towards Medora. As I approached the Gladstone exit, I gazed upon the enormous sculpture known as Geese In Flight. I detoured to view this sculpture up close. Much to my delight, the sculptor lined the little gravel road leading up to Geese In Flight with tiny flying geese.
Badlands Dinosaur Museum
Waving goodbye to the geese, I drove for another half hour before reaching the Badlands Dinosaur Museum in Dickinson. While small, the museum curators deliver dinosaur exhibits worth seeing. Paleontology displays include fossils, minerals, and hands-on activities.
Near the fossil preparation laboratory, I marveled the most complete triceratops skull that I’ve ever seen on display. Paleontologists excavated this triceratops skull, weighing approximately 1500 pounds, just north of Mt. Baker in July 1992.
After my museum visit, I grabbed a soul-warming bowl of chile verde at the nearby Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant before hitting the road.
Painted Canyon Overlook
Next, I continued to Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Painted Canyon Overlook for sweeping views of this canvas-worthy prairie gorge. Everyone around me sought photos to commemorate their experience. I took photos of other couples in front of the canyon using their cameras for roughly 20 minutes. Afterwards, I rewarded myself with a new scarf from the gift shop in the visitor’s center.
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
Because I arrived in Medora ahead of schedule, I dropped by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame before checking in to my hotel. After paying my entrance fee, I joined a rather talkative couple in the theater to watch an introduction before entering the exhibit hall. To be honest, I was not all that familiar with cowboy culture before this road trip. This brief documentary connected me with the artwork and exhibits on display.
Teddy And The Rough Riders
Around 4:00, I checked in to Medora’s AmericInn and dropped off my stuff. Shortly thereafter, I headed to the Rough Rider’s Hotel for dinner at Theodore Roosevelt’s Dining Room. I treated myself to a fine meal of Bison Osso Bucco and a glass of cabernet sauvignon. My tender serving of bison, braised with vegetables in wine, practically fell off the bone!
Once I had my fill, I walked to the Old Town Hall to see Joe Wiegand’s A Teddy Roosevelt Salute to Medora. I’ve seen performances of the highest caliber on Broadway, and Joe Wiegand holds his own among the best of them. I certainly did not expect to find such incredible talent here on this small town stage. If I hadn’t known better, I might’ve mistaken Joe for Theodore Roosevelt himself!
Once the show ended, I headed back to my hotel room to get some shut-eye. In the morning, I planned to go hiking at Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
More From This Road Trip
- Road Trip Planning for Solo Travel
- On The Wisconsin Cheese Trail
- World’s Biggest Everything
- Hiking Theodore Roosevelt NP
