For generations, Medora has been a place where North Dakotans have made memories. Whether it’s attending the Medora Musical, hiking the Badlands, staying at the Rough Riders Hotel, or watching the sunset over the buttes, nearly everyone has a Medora story.
But as one of North Dakota’s most recognizable destinations continues to grow, an important question remains: How do you preserve what people love while preparing for the future?
For Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) President and CEO Clarence Sitter, that question guides nearly every decision the organization makes. We sat down with Clarence to get his insights on how TRMF is thoughtfully shaping Medora’s next chapter, one that honors its history while creating new opportunities for future generations.
Preserving What Makes Medora Special
As TRMF looks toward the future, there is a strong focus on growth that respects the character and identity that make the destination unique. Clarence is quick to point out that TRMF’s future isn’t about becoming something different. Instead, it’s about protecting the character that has made the community special for decades while thoughtfully enhancing the visitor experience.
“There is too much here to be lost,” Clarence reflected, referencing the vision of Harold Schafer, the North Dakota businessman and philanthropist who helped transform Medora into the vibrant tourism destination it is today. That vision continues to influence the investments TRMF makes. Rather than pursuing growth simply for the sake of growth, the organization focuses on projects that strengthen Medora’s identity and give visitors more reasons to stay and experience everything the area has to offer.
A New Chapter for a Historic Destination
The opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library has brought national attention to Medora, but Clarence doesn’t see it as changing the community’s identity. Instead, he sees it as another piece of what already makes the destination special.
“It’s another reason for people to visit, another opportunity to learn, and another way to tell the story of Theodore Roosevelt and the Badlands,” he explained.
That additional interest is already having an impact. Overall hotel occupancy has increased, and the addition of Hotel 1883 has expanded lodging opportunities while encouraging visitors to stay longer rather than simply making a day trip. For Clarence, that is exactly the kind of growth TRMF hopes to create.
“The vision isn’t just to bring more people to Medora, it’s to give them more reasons to linger,” Clarence said. “Whether they’re attending the Medora Musical, golfing at Bully Pulpit, exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, riding horseback through the Badlands, or visiting the Presidential Library, every experience contributes to a destination worth returning to.”
Building for the Future
That long-term vision continues through several projects now taking shape across Medora. The Ranch at Bully Pulpit will add cabins, hotel accommodations, and a 350-person event center designed for weddings, retreats, and gatherings. A new riding stables facility will expand horseback programming, while a planned rodeo arena will celebrate Medora’s western heritage and attract new events. Continued investments in trails, recreation, and family experiences are all part of the same strategy.
For Clarence, the key is making progress without losing sight of what makes Medora unique.
“We call it cautious progress,” Clarence said. “We want to continue improving Medora, but every project needs to respect its history, values, and the unique character that makes this place special.”
That approach allows TRMF to look ahead while remaining grounded in the qualities that have defined Medora for generations. The goal isn’t simply to add more to the destination, but to make thoughtful investments that complement what is already there.
Partnership Behind the Projects
While visitors will experience these additions through memorable vacations and family traditions, each project begins long before the first guest arrives. Site planning, utilities, grading, drainage, transportation, and long-term infrastructure planning all play a critical role in making TRMF’s vision possible.
Burian & Associates has had the privilege of partnering with TRMF on several of these efforts, including Hotel 1883, the new riding stables, the planned rodeo arena, and other ongoing development initiatives.
For Clarence, however, successful projects are about much more than engineering expertise. The strongest results come when the people involved are invested in the outcome together.
“We’re not looking for transactional relationships. We’re looking for collaborative partners,” he said. “They’re invested as much as we are in every single project we’re doing. They want to see it succeed just as much as we do, and I believe that kind of partnership creates better outcomes for everyone involved.”
Looking Ahead
Listening to Clarence speak, it becomes clear that Medora’s future isn’t defined by new buildings or expanded amenities alone. It’s about preserving a place that has become part of North Dakota’s identity while creating opportunities for future generations to experience it, make memories, and build connections of their own.
That balance of thoughtful growth, intentional partnerships, and respect for Medora’s history continues to shape the decisions TRMF makes. As TRMF enters its next chapter, the goal remains the same: to move the community forward without losing what makes it special in the first place.
Burian & Associates is honored to play a small role in supporting that vision, helping provide the infrastructure that allows one of North Dakota’s most treasured destinations to continue growing without losing what makes it special.