Medora: A brighter future powered by partnership

When visiting Medora, it’s easy to forget it’s part of North Dakota. The endless skyline and prairie fields are replaced with buttes, gullies, and a picturesque backdrop of the Badlands. With an official population of just over 100, Medora remains the state’s number one tourist destination, visited by people from around the globe.

Medora has a rich history, most famously known for capturing the heart of President Theodore Roosevelt. He first traveled to the area in 1883 to hunt bison and fell in love with the rugged Badlands. He continued to visit year after year, eventually investing in two cattle ranches: The Maltese Cross Ranch and The Elkhorn Ranch located south and north of Medora, respectively. President Roosevelt said, “I never would have been President had it not been for my experiences in North Dakota.”

Medora’s journey into a beloved travel destination started in 1962 with a dream by Harold Schafer—well known for founding Mr. Bubble, Glass Wax, and other nationally known household products—who felt it necessary to preserve the history and beauty of this quaint small town for future generations. Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF), formed in 1986 by Schafer and his family, exists to bring this dream to life.

Sixty-three years later, there truly is something for everyone in Medora. Visitors can play a round of golf at Bully Pulpit, hike through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, relax and eat at the historic Rough Riders Hotel & Dining, and delight in the musical talents of the infamous Medora Musical performed at the outdoor Burning Hills Amphitheater.

“Medora has a fantastic way of bringing people together, helping them slow down a little bit and take a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives,” says Clarence Sitter, chief executive officer for TRMF.

Behind the scenes, a great deal goes into creating a memorable, safe, and comfortable experience for every visitor. Microphones, lights, sound, and effects help create the magic of the musical; brightly lit lampposts aid in navigating the parking lots and walkways at night; and air conditioners keep restaurants and hotels cool and inviting for guests. A common thread connecting all of these is the reliable electricity provided by Roughrider Electric Cooperative—Basin Electric’s Class C member, headquartered in Hazen and Dickinson, North Dakota.

“Our history with Medora stems back to the 1940s when the first rural electric cooperatives began,” says Leonard Hibl, director of key accounts, marketing, and member services at Roughrider Electric. “We have a great partnership with the city of Medora and TRMF, and have worked closely with both on various projects.”

TRMF’s recent projects include the installation of a high-capacity elevator at the Amphitheatre, a 32-unit apartment building, a new retail store by Point-to-Point Park, and a new bathroom/concession building at the Bully Pulpit golf course.

“We have an unbelievable partnership with Roughrider Electric Cooperative,” says Sitter. “Not only have they been part of sponsoring the Medora Musical since 2005, but they have also been a financial supporter since 1990. They have been a true partner that helps power everything we do. Without them, we could not operate any of our facilities (hotels, restaurants, theatres, shops, golf course, offices, etc.).”

Like any strong relationship, clear and consistent communication has been essential to its success.

“We do our best to communicate with the team at Roughrider Electric Cooperative to keep them informed on upcoming projects, infrastructure changes, what we know about outages, and working with the field crews. Similarly, Roughrider Electric Cooperative has always been great about keeping us informed about things they are working on, estimated lengths for power outages, or other project work,” says Sitter.

A notable project well underway in Medora is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (The Library), which is slated to open in 2026. According to The Library’s website: “Medora was chosen as the ideal location within the state to develop the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum due to the strong association with Theodore Roosevelt. It was in the Badlands that Roosevelt grieved and healed as he pursued the ‘strenuous life,’ transforming himself from a frail and underweight city dweller into a larger-than-life character, as he is popularly remembered today.”

TRMF generously gifted 2.5 acres to The Library, which will be used for shared parking, walking and hiking pathways, and a redesigned passage to both the Burning Hills Amphitheater and The Library.

“We are working closely with The Library team on many aspects to prepare for its grand opening in 2026,” says Sitter. “This covers everything from infrastructure to parking to operational possibilities. We are very excited about what that project will do for Medora, the region, and our state.”

Roughrider Electric is preparing for increased tourism loads and is expanding its capacity to strengthen reliability.

“Upgrades made because of these projects and improvements will benefit the surrounding area for years to come,” says Hibl.

As Medora continues to grow and welcomes a new wave of visitors, Basin Electric and Roughrider Electric are ready to grow with the community, providing reliable electricity now and in the future.