I loved living in North Dakota. There is so much history and beautiful places to explore. There's also a ton of ghost stories rolling around, which I am disappointed I didn't realize the six years I called the state home.
What's even more disappointing is I went to one of the most haunted cities in North Dakota, Medora, on vacation and had no idea about the treasure trove of paranormal stories or the fascinating history.
Medora is a beautiful little city in Billings County, North Dakota, with stunning scenery, historic spots, fun shops, and a famous musical. Medora was founded in April of 1883 by the young French nobleman, the Marquis de Mores. The town of Medora, named after his wife, the former Medora von Hoffman, was the daughter of a prosperous banker in New York.
Teddy Roosevelt Loved Medora
But Medora had it's foothold in history long before the Marquis showed up. For years, Native American tribes used the land as hunting grounds, and then later, the settlers followed suit.
"The Battle of the Badlands" was fought only a few miles away from Medora in 1864. Also, Lieutenant-Colonel Custer stopped in Medora on his way to Little Bighorn in 1876.
Theodore Roosevelt also came to Medora in 1883 on a buffalo hunt and didn't want to leave. The Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn outside of town were his. Roosevelt would call his time in the Badlands "the romance of his life." Theodore Roosevelt National Park happens to be an incredible experience if you ever wanted to visit, FYI.
Along with a proud history, Medora also happens to boast several haunted locations. There's the haunted Chateau De Mores, the home of the Marquis de Mores and Medora, which is said to be haunted by a female spirit. There's the Rough Rider Hotel built in 1884. Reports from the hotel say the ghost of a boy who likes to laugh and flush toilets haunts one of the rooms on the top floor.
The ghost of a woman visits on her birthday
However, this story is about one of the last places you might expect to be haunted---an ice cream shop. The Medora Fudge and Ice Cream Depot is located at 201 Broadway in Medora. From experience, prepare to park elsewhere and enjoy a scenic walk to the shop. It's a small, quaint building with a western theme and usually with a line out the door. There are many delicious desserts to choose from, including a full ice cream bar. I had an incredible banana split. But what made the trip to the Depot worthwhile was the ghost story that came with the visit.
Some Medora locals claim the Medora Fudge and Ice Cream Depot is haunted by the spirit of a woman who only haunts her birthday. Why she only comes on her birthday is unknown. That's literally the only info out there about her. But it's a fun story, and one Medora is proud of.
I might have to take a trip back for a double scoop and some ghost hunting. Would you get a sundae at the haunted Medora Fudge and Ice Cream Depot?
https://medora.com/eat/family/medora-fudge-and-ice-cream-depot/
https://www.medialibrary.nd.gov/assetbank-nd/assetfile/80473.pdf
https://www.hauntedrooms.com/north-dakota/haunted-places