ND Cowboy Hall of Fame

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame is the interpretive center for the history of Native Americans, ranching, rodeo, and the western lifestyle of the plains and Badlands. Here, the culture and legacy that is the character of the Great American West will be saved for future generations.

Designed by Bismarck architect Arnie Hanson, the 15,000-square-foot building, with a 5,000- square-foot patio, is located in downtown Medora, North Dakota, at the gate to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The $3-million facility features a Hall of Honorees, an interpretive center with permanent and traveling western culture exhibits, a 45-seat theater and a multipurpose meeting area for use by visiting groups. The building also has a gift shop, an archives section and library, as well as a children’s activity area and an outside patio with an awesome view of the Little Missouri River and the North Dakota Badlands.

Interior Sketch Display areas interpret and honor Native Americans, trail drivers, homesteaders, ranchers and rodeo stars.

The Hall of Fame is fittingly located in Medora and the Badlands, where the “bully” spirit of an American President was discovered and where the feeling of the American West still lives. In 1884, Teddy Roosevelt began ranching near the site of the Cowboy Hall of Fame. The young man with the Eastern accent and glasses was called “Old Four Eyes,” but he earned the grudging respect of the cowboys and learned that he possessed a character that would one day propel him to the White House.

Through 2006, 92 honorees have been inducted into the Hall, and more will be added each year.

To support ongoing construction and exhibit development as well as operation and maintenance of the facility, become a member today.