After our cruise along the Scenic Loop Drive in the park, where we saw many more bison and also pronghorn antelope, we returned to Medora where we had free time to shop and explore and shop and rest and shop.... Medora is a tourist trap. Charming, but a tourist trap. We did buy some good ice cream.
This cabin stood near the park visitors' center. It was Roosevelt's home when in the area. If a house could have frequent traveler miles, this one would be at the platinum level. It has migrated from Medora to Missouri for the St. Louis World's Fair, to Oregon for the Lewis & Clark Centennial, to Fargo and to Bismarck before returning here in 1959. Information about its restoration can be seen at the link.
It's a big step from here to the New York Governor's Mansion and then to the White House.
The interior of the cabin is very basic. The furnishings are period, but not Roosevelt's.
It provides quite a contrast to the formal dining at Chateau de Mores.
One of the attractions that we didn't visit was the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF). Those who did spoke highly of it.
I liked the sculptures outside. This one depicts a cattle drive that is about to descend into chaos as the lead cow spooks at a hat that isn't where it ougta be.
The sculptor is Arnie Addicott.
The NDCHF didn't neglect the Native American cowboys.
It may not be a bronze, but I liked this little installation outside NDCHF.
Chimney Park is the site of the De Mores abattoir and packing plant. The buildings burned in the early 20th century and the only thing left is the chimney, a boiler, and some scattered foundations.
At one time the facility included three ice houses and a rail spur in addition to the abattoir.
Nature reclaims her own, even in this arid climate.
That afternoon the promised rainstorm arrived in earnest with tornado warnings in adjacent counties. The worst of the weather bypassed Medora, but we were thrilled that we had been able to see the musical the day before.
Groups of us got together for dinner in the hotel restaurant and watched the pouring rain.
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