Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue: North Dakota Road Trip Grand Finale

Last month we took a road trip, zig-zagging across North Dakota east to west. We started our trip at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center and ended in Medora. I have a lot to write about North Dakota all across the state, but I’m jumping now to the westernmost point of our trip. The Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue was a true grand finale to our road trip.

Although two separate events, the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and the Medora Musical go hand-in-hand. The two venues adjoin, making it a one-stop evening.

Pitchfork Steak Fondue

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue is exactly what it sounds like. Chefs load steaks onto pitchforks and plunge them into hot oil to cook. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see the cooking process, but it’s understandable, given the number of people that they serve.

Besides the 12-ounce ribeye, which was tender and flavorful, the meal includes a buffet of baked beans, coleslaw, fresh fruits and veggies, garlic bread, desserts and beverages. If steak isn’t your thing, you can opt for the Cowboy Cookout instead, which includes chicken, barbecued ribs and buffalo roast along with the sides buffet.

We found a picnic table at the edge seating area from which we had a magnificent view of the North Dakota Badlands.

Seating at the Pitchfork Steak FonduePitchfork Fondue We had a surprise visit during our meal. Medora is home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and who should show up but President and Mrs. Roosevelt. Okay, tribute artists, but a fun addition to the meal.

Teddy and Mrs. Roosevelt tribute artists

Medora Musical

There is something enchanting about watching a performance in an outdoor amphitheater on a summer night, especially one with a mountainous backdrop like the Burning Hills Amphitheater, where the Medora Musical is held.

Medora Musical setThe evening begins with the National Anthem and the raising of the American flag followed by two hours of song, dance and corny but fun comedy. The show is set to a western theme and serves as a tribute to the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Flag raising at the Medora MusicalHorse drawn wagonMedora Musical entertainmentMedora Musical includes comedySong act at Medora MusicalThe show includes a featured attraction that changes throughout the season. The featured attraction in the show we attended was Todd Oliver & Irving, a ventriloquist who uses his real live dog as his “dummy.” He kept us in stitches throughout his performance. If you aren’t familiar with Todd Oliver, you can watch a YouTube video of one of his routines, one of the same routines he performed during the Medora Musical.

Todd Oliver and his dog IrvingThe last part of the show gets more serious as it heads into the time of the Spanish-American War and Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, followed by a patriotic finale complete with fireworks.

Hoses on hillRough Riders in Medora MusicalFireworks

If you go to the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue

Tickets for the Medora Musical and/or the Pitchfork Steak Fondue can be purchased online ahead of time. The season runs from early June through early September.

Accommodations

While in Medora we stayed at the historic Rough Riders Hotel. Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

**********

Disclosures: Our road trip through North Dakota was hosted by North Dakota Tourism. We received complimentary tickets to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and the Medora Musical. However, any opinions expressed in this article are my own.
This article contains an affiliate link. If you book a room through this link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for reading Midwest Wanderer. Don’t miss a post. Enter your e-mail address below and click Subscribe to be notified whenever I publish another post. Subscription is FREE. After subscribing, be sure to click the link when you get the e-mail asking you to confirm.   – Connie


 

3 thoughts on “Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue: North Dakota Road Trip Grand Finale

  • July 14, 2016 at 6:45 pm
    Permalink

    What a great musical. I had seen the guy with the dog on a cruise ship and he was just as funny in Medora as he was on the ship. It’s fun to see family, friendly events like this, as they are not easy to find in our crazy, busy world. Looks like your North Dakota trip was fantastic!

    Reply
  • May 29, 2018 at 9:09 am
    Permalink

    I would like 2 tickets for the meal and the musical for June 27th. Close to the front and middle for the show please. Please let me know how to handle this. Thank you; Duane

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *