Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
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4.8(5)yelp
Date SpotSenior-FriendlyIndoorOutdoorPhoto SpotMust-SeeGuided TourEducationalHistoric BuildingOld West
Overview
The Chateau de Mores in Medora, North Dakota, United States, is a historic home built by the Marquis de Morès in 1883 as a hunting lodge and summer home for his family and guests. The home later became part of the 128-acre (0.52 km2) Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, which also includes Chimney Park and de Mores Memorial Park.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeLate afternoon between 3:30 PM and 5:50 PM during the peak summer months (June to August) offers optimal lighting. Perched on a bluff overlooking Medora, the low sun illuminates the 26-room historic frame chateau beautifully, casting a golden glow on the original French furnishings and hunting trophies.
Getting ThereSituated atop the bluffs at 108 Chateau Road in southwest Medora. Take Interstate 94 to Exit 23 into Medora, turn right onto Chateau Road following the heritage banners, and ascend the ridge for 1 mile. The state historic park features an expansive, free paved parking lot directly serving the site.
Travel Tips
- The chateau interior retains its delicate historic framing and limited floor capacity; summer holiday weekends require pre-purchased timed entry via the ND historical portal.
- The historic multi-story layout offers no modern elevator retrofits or wheelchair ramps; mobility-challenged visitors are restricted to first-floor common spaces.
- The exterior gravel access incline leading up to the main chateau structure becomes intensely slick after heavy rain; wearing high-traction trail shoes is required.
Reviews
Positive
- The gorgeous 1883 summer chateau of the Marquis de Mores in Medora, boasting 26 rooms packed with priceless, authentic French antiques.
- The wrap-around porch offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Badlands and Medora, creating a spectacular visual contrast.
- They offer premier audio and live guides full of rich historical facts; immaculate interiors and a smooth layout provide a comfortable visit.
- The lower parking lot is huge with premium accessible ramps, leading to a cute gift shop selling high-value themed souvenirs.
Heads up
- This two-story heritage mansion lacks elevators due to historic preservation laws, limiting second-floor bedroom loops for wheelchairs.
- Strict rules forbid touching expensive century-old wallpapers or using camera flashes, which can feel overly rigid for small children.
- Peak summer afternoons bring massive tourist crowds; the tight wooden corridors get bottlenecked, feeling a bit stuffy without strong A/C.
- Admission has increased recently with Medora's commercial growth; casual road trippers not into pioneer lore might find it a bit pricey.